Power Meters / Powermeters (SRM, Powertap, Quarq, Ergomo, Vector, Stages, power2max, P2M, 4iii, InPower, Cinch)

True I suppose, but I've not yet seen any comprehensive investigations of how L-R balance is likely to vary over short time scales (for instance over the course of a single ride due to fatigue) for your average rider.

I think I have a reasonable grasp of the limitations of Stages, but the (probably unknowable) question is whether the wider limitations are likely to be relevant to me, and if they are, whether the (probably marginally) improved accuracy is worth the increased costs that could be spent elsewhere.

Stages have been out of stock for some time, well before the Sky announcement. Current estimated delivery is around the end of this month and the best way to check if this is accurate is via calling Saddleback, the UK importer for Stages.

Which I did this morning- April, at the earliest if you place an order today.

Bummer. They didn't proffer an opinion as to whether they might be easier to source in the USA? I could probably find someone who's going in the next few weeks and I'll probably be going myself in early April.

Frustrating as I've been looking at powemeters for at least a year without the money to buy one, now that I possibly could I'd like it to arrive ASAP.

True I suppose, but I've not yet seen any comprehensive investigations of how L-R balance is likely to vary over short time scales (for instance over the course of a single ride due to fatigue) for your average rider.

I think I have a reasonable grasp of the limitations of Stages, but the (probably unknowable) question is whether the wider limitations are likely to be relevant to me, and if they are, whether the (probably marginally) improved accuracy is worth the increased costs that could be spent elsewhere.

Its unlikely your L-R balance will change without some sort of injury. They dont seem to have any calibration or drift issues. I cant see a problem.

Apart from being impossible to get hold of.

I was in Boulder a couple of weeks ago, kicking myself for not grabbing one then.

Aren't they based in Boulder?

Exactly

I'm disappointed. You could've staged a dirty protest in their offices until they shipped some products to the UK.

Correction to the above - some Stages are available faster, I was enquiring about the 6800 arm, but apparently 6700 can be had a lot faster

I have a Stages Rival. First one gave me all sorts of problems, but to be fair to Stages/Saddleback they arranged a replacement without fuss reasonably quickly (given the demand at the moment). The replacement has been faultless. I'd recommend them, particularly for the price. Also very convenient/easy to swap between the three bikes as I have GXP cranks on (including a set of Omniums so it's really good to have power measurement on the fixed gear too). Calibration seems very consistent even when regularly swapping it between bikes. Good luck getting hold of one.

Which I did this morning- April, at the earliest if you place an order today.

Do Saddleback take orders directly from the public, or do you have to place the order with a distributor?

Correction to the above - some Stages are available faster, I was enquiring about the 6800 arm, but apparently 6700 can be had a lot faster

Oooo goody. I'm after a 6700, and I need it by May.

Via a reseller (Cadence, in this case).

I have a Stages Rival. First one gave me all sorts of problems, but to be fair to Stages/Saddleback they arranged a replacement without fuss reasonably quickly (given the demand at the moment). The replacement has been faultless. I'd recommend them, particularly for the price. Also very convenient/easy to swap between the three bikes as I have GXP cranks on (including a set of Omniums so it's really good to have power measurement on the fixed gear too). Calibration seems very consistent even when regularly swapping it between bikes. Good luck getting hold of one.

How similar is the Rival crank to the Omnium- as in, is it noticeably different?

I had a chat with an ex-sigma mechanic he said ALL the initial stages orders were returned due to a fault which lead to drain battery really fast. I am guessing they are resolving that.

Anyway; I've stopped 'buying' and saving (rather slowely) for P2M; at this rate I should be able to afford it autumn 2014

Works a treat for me functionally. They're constructed differently (rival is hollow core technology to save weight whereas the omnium is made from I beam girders). Not sure if the Q factor is different but if it is I can't notice it or any difference in stiffness. The only noticable difference is that my omnium is silver and the rival is black not that it bothers me. :-)

Via a reseller (Cadence, in this case).

Gotcha. Might shamble over to Condor and see if they can put an order in for me.

Rotterdam first to share live power numbers - YouTube

^Now that is interesting

^^
The way he lands his hand on his back is weird.

^^
The way he lands his hand on his back is weird.

That was creeping me out too.

Trying to one-up Luci's Claw

Vectors ordered :)

Vectors ordered :)

Exciting stuff.

Have you read 'Training and racing with a powermeter' ?

Its pure training nerd catnip. I've nearly finished it, and can recommend it. Weirdly, as my PM isnt here yet. I've been applying the basic principles to running instead. Which has been pretty interesting, and surprisingly useful. I figured if I'm spending that sort of cash on a PM. Its worth educating myself on how best to use it.

Training and Racing with a Power Meter: Hunter Allen, Andrew Coggan PhD: 9781934030554: Amazon.com: Books

I tried to order a stages Rival PM at my lbs today and they checked on the distributer's website and the expected delivery was 30th JUNE!! Apparently the owner is mates with one of the reps and is going to see if he can accelerate things, but fuuuuuuuck!

Cough(powertap)cough