PowerTap’s new product blitz is led by the new P1 power meter pedals and continues with the C1 power meter chainrings, GS hub and Joule GPS computer. Here’s what you need to know about each one.
C1 chainring power meter
The C1 chainring power meter costs just £569 / US$699 / AU$1,100, making it the cheapest power meter on sale (except in Australia), even undercutting the single-sided systems from Stages and Garmin. It has five strain gauges, one at each mounting tab, and a transmitter pod tucked neatly between the crank arms.
PowerTap's C1 chainring power meter is the cheapest option on the market
The C1 can run with 10- and 11-speed setups but initially it is only available for five-arm 110BCD cranks. PowerTap says that it chose this size because it’s the most common currently on the road, if not in showrooms. It’s likely that more sizes will follow to suit the latest four-arm Shimano systems, but the placement of the strain gauges means it isn’t straightforward.
The chainrings are made by FSA and come in 53/39, 52/36 and 50/36 sizes. A 34-tooth inner ring isn’t possible due to the placement of the pod. As well as being an introduction to training with power, the C1 also opens up the possibility of OEM fitment on new bikes. Specialized recently became the first manufacturer to spec a power meter as standard on the new Venge Vias.
Joule GPS computer
The new Joule GPS computer adds mapping, guidance and customisation of the display in order to put up a stronger fighter to Garmin. The screen shows between three and six data fields, plus the maximum and average of the selected main field.
The new Joule GPS computer uses PowerTap's own Power Agent software
One feature we really like is ‘proximity pairing’ which finds the nearest power meter. If you’ve ever had to flee to the far corner of the car park at an event because your Garmin keeps telling you ‘multiple power meters found’ then you will appreciate the value of this idea.
PowerTap has its own software, called Power Agent, which provides all of the usual analysis tools. While the display looks a little behind the latest Garmin 1000, pricing for the Joule GPS starts at just £175 / US$249 / AU$300.
GS power meter hub
The new GS power meter hub is a collaboration with DT Swiss, which provides its 240s hardware. The hub uses 24 straight pull spokes, 12 each side, and DT’s Ratchet System, bearings and toolless freehub swap.
The GS is compatible with 9-, 10- and 11-speed drivetrains from Shimano, Sram and Campagnolo. The claimed weight is 320g and will cost £699 / US$839 / AU$TBC, a premium of £50 / US$50 over the regular G3 hub.
The G3 Disc hub is new
There is also a new G3 Disc hub (£899 / $990 / AU$900) which offers 135 quick release or 142 x 12mm thru-axle compatibility. This also features either 34 or 28 hole straight pull spoke flanges, but does not use DT Swiss internals.