Garmin finally releasing its pedal-based power meter?

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  • August 7, 2013 at 3:23 pm #913907
    TwoWheelsDC
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    I don’t know if this is an update or not, but it looks like Garmin is finally getting ready to release its pedal-based power meter, the Vector. I was getting pretty excited, until I saw the $1700 price tag. I mean, once you factor in a wheel build, a Powertap isn’t dramatically less expensive, and Powertaps certainly aren’t as convenient, so I guess Garmin isn’t completely crazy…but $1200 for a Powertap + custom wheel build just seems like a better investment than a $1700 pair of pedals (I’m speaking relatively here!). Thoughts?

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Viewing 9 replies - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)
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  • August 7, 2013 at 3:28 pm #977633
    Tim Kelley
    Participant

    FYI–PowerTap had a huge price drop last week in anticipating of Vector:

    http://velonews.competitor.com/2013/08/bikes-and-tech/powertap-drops-power-meter-hub-price-by-510_297666

    Went from $1299 to $789!

    Now you can easily get a set of generic race wheels with a powertap for less than $1700.

    August 7, 2013 at 3:39 pm #977635
    consularrider
    Participant

    Plus they aren’t regular SPD or able to use clips and toe straps for us retro grouches. ;)

    August 7, 2013 at 4:09 pm #977642
    TwoWheelsDC
    Participant

    Is it possible to buy a Powertap and just use it in an existing wheel? I seem to only read about people who have new wheels built up with Powertaps, but why not just tear down an existing wheel and replace the hub? Or does getting a new hub necessitate a new wheel/spokes?

    August 7, 2013 at 4:12 pm #977643
    mstone
    Participant

    @TwoWheelsDC 60257 wrote:

    Is it possible to buy a Powertap and just use it in an existing wheel? I seem to only read about people who have new wheels built up with Powertaps, but why not just tear down an existing wheel and replace the hub? Or does getting a new hub necessitate a new wheel/spokes?

    It’s just about as expensive to swap out the hub as to buy a new hoop & spokes, so it makes more sense to either keep the existing wheel as a spare or ebay it. Most of the money in a wheel is in the hub & the labor.

    August 7, 2013 at 4:13 pm #977644
    hozn
    Participant

    @TwoWheelsDC 60257 wrote:

    Is it possible to buy a Powertap and just use it in an existing wheel? I seem to only read about people who have new wheels built up with Powertaps, but why not just tear down an existing wheel and replace the hub? Or does getting a new hub necessitate a new wheel/spokes?

    Sure, you can do that. You’re only saving the $60-90 that a rim costs, though, as you’d need new spokes and nipples anyway — and then you don’t have an option of having a backup wheel for when you don’t need the powertap (or it’s been sent off to the shop for repair/new battery/etc.).

    August 7, 2013 at 6:53 pm #977670
    TwoWheelsDC
    Participant

    Update!

    http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/08/hands-on-garmin-vector.html

    August 7, 2013 at 7:10 pm #977672
    vvill
    Participant

    @Tim Kelley 60247 wrote:

    FYI–PowerTap had a huge price drop last week in anticipating of Vector:

    http://velonews.competitor.com/2013/08/bikes-and-tech/powertap-drops-power-meter-hub-price-by-510_297666

    Went from $1299 to $789!

    Now you can easily get a set of generic race wheels with a powertap for less than $1700.

    Yeah I saw that, pretty nice! They look nicer too with the matte/dark colour scheme.

    You don’t really need a set either, just a rear wheel. Save the money and get a front dynohub wheel and then you can have two big heavy hubs!

    The Vector is a nice concept except for the price – and I’d have to get road shoes.

    August 7, 2013 at 7:17 pm #977673
    ShawnoftheDread
    Participant

    @vvill 60292 wrote:

    The Vector is a nice concept except for the price – and I’d have to get road shoes.

    Patience… “They believe that the next market for them will be mountain bike pedals, and then they’ve also expressed an interest in looking at spin bikes as well.”

    August 7, 2013 at 7:27 pm #977676
    Dickie
    Participant

    I”ll save the cash then go to a Vet to tell me my pythons are sick!

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