How to choose a power meter

A power meter measures the actual force you put into the pedals. It's the most accurate way to track training load and pace efforts. Picking the right format depends on how many bikes you have, your budget, and what you want to measure.

This is a general overview. Always confirm specific compatibility with your crank, frame, and pedal system.

The main formats

Format	Where it sits	Pros	Cons
Pedal-based	The pedals	Easy to swap between bikes	Pedal choice fixed; cleat changes
Crank-arm	One or both crank arms	Mid-cost, integrates well	Crank-specific
Spider-based	The chainring spider	Very accurate, durable	Crank-specific
Bottom bracket / axle	Spindle/BB	Hidden, robust	Limited model availability
Rear hub	The hub	Total drivetrain power	Wheel-bound

Single-sided or dual-sided?

Single-sided measures one leg and doubles. Cheaper but assumes equal balance.
Dual-sided measures both legs independently. More accurate, more useful for training.

For most riders new to power, single-sided is enough. Riders with significant L/R imbalance or returning from injury benefit more from dual-sided.

What to look for

Accuracy spec (typically ±1–2%).
Battery type (rechargeable vs coin cell).
Connectivity (ANT+, Bluetooth, both).
Compatibility with your existing crank, BB standard, and pedals.
Temperature compensation for outdoor use.

How to think about it

One bike, want to keep current pedals — crank-arm or spider.
Multiple bikes — pedals, easy to swap.
Already replacing the crank — spider-based is often the best value-for-accuracy.

Common mistakes

Calibration neglect. Most power meters need a zero-offset before each ride.
Comparing absolute numbers across brands without doing a known reference test.
Assuming "more accurate" matters at training intensity. ±2% is fine for almost all training use.

Browse drivetrain components or contact us for help picking a power meter for your specific build.