Power2Max, the makers of the versatile and relatively cheap crank spider-based power meter, are set to introduce the Power2Max Type-S.
It's a more aero version of their current power meter, the good news being that it's still at the lower end of the cost scale. A Type-S will cost €940/US$1,169 (spider only), be available to pre-order from www.power2max.de from October 2013 and is expected to ship in February 2014.
The Type-S is claimed to be 60-84g lighter than the current Power2Max. The battery (still user replaceable) has been tucked out of the wind to improve airflow around the spider, and there's an external LED that lets you know when to change it. Power2Max say that the Type-S is now compatible with aero chain rings. You'll still be able to buy existing models, though.
The Power2Max Type-S is compatible with several cranks, including the Cannondale SiSL2
Power2Max Type-S features
- Weight (claimed): 169g (110 BCD) to 188g (130 BCD)
- Slot-in battery compartment and external status LED
- Crankset models available: Cannondale SL, SiSL and SiSL2; Specialized S-Works; SRAM S900 and Force 2014; Shimano 4-bolt 110mm BCD for third-party cranks; Rotor 3D Plus, FSA K-Force Light
- Compatibility: Most BB386EVO frames, all aero chainrings, ANT+ head units
- Reports left-right balance
BikeRadar reviewed a Power2Max at the start of 2012 and found that the data quality suffered in changing temperatures. Power2Max say they have since corrected that, and reports from users seem to back this up. We will be testing one of the newer models in the near future.