Here at Eurobike Power2Max has announced a number of new power meters, targeting two different markets. The first is bringing the Type S lineup to the mountain bike market, while a the same time expanding out their road bike market.
Power2Max has been a serious player in the power meter market for about three years now, but especially as they transitioned to their second generation units two years ago. They’ve produced an ANT+ enabled crank-based power meter that’s had consistently accurate results from the second generation onwards, as well as hitting a price point lower than any other crank-based power meters (or rather, anything in that particular region of the bike: crank/spider/pedal/cleat).
They continue to hover roughly around $1,000-$1,100 for most of their base models, while also picking up sponsorships of major pro team riders and athletes, such as Team Movistar this year. On top of that, they’ve even been used by ROTOR Power Meters as a ‘known good’ unit for their own power meter testing (an ironic competitor twist if there ever was one).
With that background, let’s jump right into the details.
Power2Max Type S MTB Power Meter:
First up is the expansion of the Power2Max Type S line into the mountain bike world with two new units targeting the 1x and the 2x drive-trains. Previously they had the classic line (which they recently started retiring).
In the case of the 1x, they’ve got two editions – one for the ROTOR Rex 1.2, and another for the Cannondale Hollowgram. In this case, they’re available 104BCD for $1,079/940€. Looking at the 2x drive trains, they’ve got a 110/60BCD available at $1,129/990€.
These units include all the same fundamentals as their road product lineup, but in the case of the 1x variant also include their Sensor Optimized Position (SOP) functionality, which allows them to reduce the weight by a bunch (more than 100g from their classic mountain bike variant). There are versions with ROTOR Rex 1 and Rex 3 cranks available as well.
Like the road lineup they include the estimated left/right balance, along with the ability to self-modify chainrings without impacting calibration.
Both of the Type S units will be available starting in October 2014. Looking at past history with Power2Max, they tend to nail their delivery dates pretty consistently (a small rarity in the power meter world).
Power2Max Type S BB386EVO/BB86 compatible units:
In addition to the mountain bike line, they also expanded the road lineup further by adding 16 different Type S models with support for FSA K-Force Light & FSA Gossamer BB386EVO cranks. This basically means that a single model serves BB30, BSA, BBRight and PF30 frames.
These two models cover the spread between two different price points (again, with cranks). To start is the slightly less expensive model (the FSA Gossamer), sitting at $1,049/960€, and is seen below.
And then up a bit pricier is the FSA K-Force Light sitting at $1,449/1260€.
All of these units (well, all Power2Max units for that matter) transmit over ANT+, and none of them require a cadence magnet. Though, most newer power meters on the market today don’t require a cadence magnet anymore anyway.
In the case of these units, they’re available immediately.
Other Notables:
Finally, it’s worth noting that back in the May/June timeframe Power2Max introduced their first track-focused unit, the Power2Max Type S ROTOR 3D. It’s offered with and without cranks.
The notable difference here is that it has a different automatic calibration methodology, due to the fixed gear aspect of track riding. It’s also notable as the selection of track-focused units is relatively minimal these days, and this starts at $1,079US/940€ (without cranks).
At present, the compatibility is only there on the ROTOR crank side however. Though, since it was announced back in June, its availability is immediate and already shipping.
Last but not least, I do have one of the newer Type S units in my line up of power meters to test this fall. I’ve tested their most recent classic line previously and found no issues at all. It’s a well built unit that does the job at a solid price. Of course, like I’ve noted in other posts, I’ll be putting together a full power meter recommendations guide sometime after Interbike (that’s in two weeks), based on any and all power meter announcements that occur between now and then.
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With that, thanks for reading! If you’re looking to burn a bit of time, here’s all my Eurobike 2014 posts!
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DC, any commentary re the disappearance of the Shimano 4 Bolt model? Thanks for another good read buddy!
I have been told demand was far greater than they anticipated so they have temporarily stopped new orders until they meet back orders. I have been waiting for ages for another unit (Already have one on my training bike) and have previously asked Nicholas from P2M if he knows anymore but no reply. A little worrying, hopefully it’s not an accuracy issue, as it’s a really good PM option for those that swap from compact to standard or those that want the superior shimano shifting.
Hopefully Ray can shed some more light on this.
Ray, I’m in the market to buy a power meter for the first time, and I feel like this is a really interesting time in the market to be making a new purchase. Really looking forward to your upcoming buyer’s guide. No pressure!!
How does one figure out what one’s bike bottom bracket compatibility is?
Any rumors on Bluetooth Smart versions from P2M (or others)?
We discussed it a bit. They expect that medium to longer term they’ll switch to a dual chipset like others. But it’s not in the cards for this round of announcements.
For a left/right power meter the only option for the near future will be the Polar Keo then…?
Today’s true left/right power options are:
ROTOR
Garmin Vector
Polar Look Keo
Verve Infocrank
Upcoming/planned options are:
Xpedo Thrust
Brim Brothers
PowerBeat
I’m probably forgetting a few…
And of these, only Polar has Bluetooth Smart… Starting to regret getting the V800.
The following have Bluetooth Smart today-ish:
Polar Pedals
Stages Power
PowerTap (with Bluetooth Smart cap)
Down the road:
PowerBeat
I learned about these guys last year and got one of their Classic models on a Rotor 3D+ crankset. (Type S was about to come out so the Classic was already starting to be discounted).
Love it, does what it needs to do, has a great price point, and the calibration and chainring compatibility is excellent.
I have had a Classic model for about a year and I’m very pleased with it. Just looked at P2M’s website and I see where they now have the Classic with an FSA Gossamer crankset marked down to $749. That’s a complete steal and I’m seriously considering snagging another one for my TT bike. As I said, I’ve been very pleased with my P2M, they were very responsive and helpful while trying to determine bottom bracket compatibility before purchase, the price was great, and It only took me about 4 days from clicking the “Buy” button to have the unit in my hot little hands.
Everyone in my neck of the woods is in a lather about being able to give Stages $700 for a meter that only measures power from one leg. Every time I hear it I point people at P2M. At $50 more that Stages, no lead time, and none of this measure-one-leg-and-assume business that Stages does it’s a no-brainer. Don’t get me wrong, I respect Stages and love that they are helping drive prices down, but the data geek in me just can’t stand the thought of making those kinds of assumptions.
Just looked at P2M’s site and this is what I see:
entry-level P2M = 940 €
VS
entry-level Stages = 600 €
Different neck of the woods I guess.
Nice review, thanks Ray!
I am currently waiting for your post on Stages, our local dealer has a 10% cut for September, but I want to know what else is coming before making any decision.
I included Stages in my round-up yesterday. They do not plan any further announcements in the near future.
Thanks Ray, you do such a great job!
I have one more question, when you mention the second generation P2max as being their first reliable PM, you are referring to their updated ( in sept 2012) Classic model, featuring temperature compensation and left/right power, and not to the Type S, right?
Yes, correct. Post-Sept 2012.
Also Pioneer would be a contender in left/right category, with some extras like sample rate.
Don’t you agree?
It’s definitely an option in the left/right realm. The sample rate is interesting, but it’s only supported by their head unit and I’m not clear yet if I can see a tangible training/racing benefit.
Has Rotor got there unit sorted out yet? Was reading plenty off disappointed customers reviews…
Has Rotor got there unit sorted out yet? Was reading plenty off disappointed customers reviews.
Has Rotor got there unit sorted out yet? Was reading plenty of disappointed customers reviews.
Has Rotor got there unit sorted out ?
hello, maybe any type s works with sram red 22?
Hi Ray,
I checked power meter compatibility P2MAX site for BB30.
I would like to buy Type-S FSA gossamer-strada but I seen a table where they raccomended some powermeter (Rotor 3D+, Rotor 3DF, BOR RR688, Tune Smart Foot, Lightning).
FSA gossamer doesn’t appear raccomended for BB30…
Can I mount Type-S FSA gossamer-strada using bottom bracket adapter on my CAAD10 MY2014?
Many thanks for the support.
Best regards. Luca Vanelli
nice information