First launched in 2010, the German-made power2max actually beat Stages to market with an affordable power meter. But it didn't have the same transformative impact as its competitor.
For the most part, that was because power2max is only available to buy direct online (from Germany for Europe – there's a separate US site). That meant the brand had no distributors helping with marketing.
But it's also because it wasn't quite competitive. While keenly priced, the early models didn't fit all frames and chainrings.
They also struggled somewhat with temperature changes. We tested one at the time and got some wacky data. This second generation Type-S addressed that two years later.
Temperature compensation is built in, the fit is near universal, it no longer requires a magnet on the frame and it's better value than ever, with prices starting from €690 with modest but decent FSA Gossamer cranks and topping out at €1,590 for this smart new four-arm Campagnolo version with carbon cranks.
If you have Campag on your bike and want to keep the complete look, it's this or an SRM – for a lot more cash. Movistar uses power2max meters; they are no longer the outsiders. The range of other cranks on offer is good but there's no four-bolt option for Shimano chainrings.
The other feature added for the Type-S is estimated left/right split. Like the Quarq Elsa, it's calculated based on crank position rather than measured independently like the Verve. Under testing with multiple meters it never quite agreed with Garmin's Vector 2 pedals, though, and the Quarq did.
The data from the power2max is excellent. It handles the tougher tests of sprints and low cadence training easily, tracks consistently and handles temperature changes smoothly. P2M say a pre-ride zero isn't needed, so like the Verve you can get on and go.
• Price: €690-1,590 / US$610-1,490 /AU$2,499 - 1,099
If you’d like to know more about how the Type-S stacks up against the competition, check out our nine-way power meter test video.
If you’d like to know more about how the type-s stacks up against the competition, check out our nine-way power meter test video.