FAQ

Technical Information

What makes Power2max powermeters special?

Exceptional quality is our top priority and we do not compromise in this regard. We offer you exceptional features at a very attractive price:

  • simple2use – switch on, start pedaling, and it works
  • built2resist – Power2max power meters resist all weather conditions and are fully water proofed
  • Precision of at least ±2% – state of the art (±1% for NG Models)
  • Designed, engineered and made in Germany
  • ANT+ Standard – the popular and reliable standard that gives maximum compatibility
  • Bluetooth Capabilities
  • Left-right balance, Pedal Smoothness, Torque Measurement (Bluetooth only)

How do Power2max powermeters work?

Our power meters work in the same manner as other crank-based systems on the market. Power2max replaces the spider between the crank arm and chain rings with a unit that measures torque, and thus power. The Power2max spider uses strain gauges to measure torque and transmits data wirelessly via ANT+ or Bluetooth

Can I also view torque?

Torque Values can viewed while using the NG paired with a Bluetooth compatible device. Torque values can also be transmitted using the NGeco after purchasing an additional software upgrade.


Use and Maintenance

How often will I need to change the battery?

Typically speaking, the battery in the NGeco will need to be replaced every 300-400 hours of use depending on the temperature. Click here to see a video of the NGeco battery installation. NG power meters have an expected charge life of 150 hours before needing to be recharged.

Which values do Power2max powermeters measure?

Type NG measures power, cadence, left-right balance, pedal smoothness and transmits the values to ANT+ and Bluetooth compatible head units. It also measures torque values and transmits the values to Bluetooth compatible head units only. The NGeco measures power, cadence and transmits the values to ANT+ and Bluetooth compatible units. Software upgrades can purchased to allow the NGeco to transmit left-right balance, Torque and pedal smoothness values.

What kind of software can I use to analyze my data?

There is a large number of solutions available on the market. You can use the software that comes with your bike computer (e.g., Garmin Connect), you can use a third party desktop software (e.g., WKO+, GoldenCheetah), or an online program (e.g., www.trainingpeaks.com).

Does Power2max need a magnet to determine cadence?

power2max power meters do not need a magnet to calculate cadence as the power meter calculates it internally.

Can I clean the sensor with a pressure washer?

Cleaning with a pressure washer or steam cleaner is not recommended. We generally recommend cleaning with warm soapy water.


Compatibility

Is my frame compatible?

The compatibility of your frame depends primarily on your bottom bracket. Typically speaking, if your frame has a threaded BB, BB30, or PF30 bottom bracket you choices are fairly unrestricted. On certain frames with BB86 or BB386EVO bottom brackets the sensor may collide with the frame so only the BB386EVO power meters will work. If you are unsure which power meter is best suited to your bike, please find out what kind of bottom bracket the bike has and then contact us.

Can I use my existing crank?

You can use your existing crank if it has a removable crank spider and if we have a compatible sensor for it. For road bikes we have sensors for the following cranks:

Cannondale Users

  • All Cannondale crank sets will work (Si, SiSL 2, HollowGram Si)
  • Available in NG and NGeco

Rotor Users

- Specialized Users

SRAM Users (Road and Mountain Bike)

  • Force 1, Force 22, Rival 1, Rival 22, S-952, S-902, GX Eagle (MTB), NX Eagle (MTB), X01 Eagle (MTB), XX1 Eagle (MTB), XX1 X-SYNC (MTB), X01 X-SYNC (MTB) (NG, NGeco, NG MTB, NGeco MTB)
  • NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SRAM RED CRANK SETS
  • In order for the power2max power meter to work with SRAM crank sets, the crank must have a 3-Bolt Removable spider. To find out if your crank has a three bolt- removable spider check the back of the Drive side crank arm for three bolts in the pattern below.

- PRAXIS Users (Road and Mountain Bike)

  • ALBA M30 DM, ZAYANTE CARBON, CADET M30 (MTB), GIRDER M30 (MTB), GIRDER CARBON (MTB),  LYFT HD (MTB), LYFT (MTB) (NG, NGeco, NG MTB, NGeco MTB)
  • In order for the power2max power meter to work with PRAXIS crank sets, the crank must have a 3-Bolt Removable spider. To find out if your crank has a three bolt- removable spider check the back of the Drive side crank arm for three bolts in the pattern below.

- Easton Users

  • EC90SL (NG, NGeco)

- Race Face Users

  • NEXT SL G4, NEXT R, NEXT SL, SIXC, TURBINE, ATLAS (NG, NGeco)

What is a removable spider?

Check out this video on chain ring spiders and BCD.

Can I use power2max with Campagnolo 12-speed drive trains?

Yes, power2max power meters are compatible with Campagnolo 12-speed drive trains. All you need are 12-speed compatible chain rings for your power2max.

Campagnolo 12-speed chain rings are currently not available on power2max.cc

What kind of bike computer do I need?

For NG and NGeco you need an ANT+ or Bluetooth compatible computer that reads power data. In our shop we have a number of options that includes the Garmin Edge 520 and 1000 along with the Wahoo Bolt and Elmnt.

Is Power2max Bluetooth compatible?

Our NG and NGeco power meters are both Bluetooth compatible.

Can I re-use my FSA chain rings?

This is a question that we get asked a lot and sadly the answer is no. Even though you may be getting an FSA crank, the OEM chain rings that come with your original crank (FSA, Cannondale, and Vision) will not work with after-market cranks. In fact, sometimes even the after-market FSA rings won’t work with after-market cranks…The issue is with the small chain ring, when you try to install it you’ll find that the chain ring deforms and does not sit flush with the power meter. As the rings are engineered to work as a closed system it’s not something you can substitute for another brand either, which makes the big ring useless as well.


Accuracy

How accurate are Power2max powermeters?

We calibrate our power meters using a custom built torque sensor that has an accuracy of ±0.1%. We achieve, and guarantee, precision of ±2% or better throughout all environmental influences with the NGeco and ±1% with our NG power meters.

Do I need to recalibrate my power2max if I change the crank or chain rings?

Changing cranks or chain rings does not affect calibration. You can also use oval chain rings (e.g., Rotor Q-Rings, Osymetric, etc).

How can I calibrate my Power2max myself?

There are two important values for the precision of crank-based power meters: zero-offset and slope. The zero-offset is the value that the power meter reports when there is no torque, i.e. when you are not pedaling and there is no tension on the chain. The slope indicates how much the measured value changes as torque increases.

power2max power meters automatically update the zero offset when you stop pedaling. Anytime you stop pedaling long enough (approximately 3 seconds or more) power2max updates the zero offset. You can also update the zero offset manually through a compatible head unit.

The slope does not need to be calibrated by the user. Other systems require calibration in two cases:

1. When you change chain rings 2. Due to aging of the materials of the power meter

power2max power meters have been designed in such a way that you can change chain rings without having to recalibrate the unit. Calibration remains unaffected by the choice of chain rings and chain bolt torque. We do however, recommend tightening chain bolts to the prescribed torque.

Furthermore we have constructed power2max power meters in a way that aging of materials is not an issue. You don?t have to worry about the calibration of your power2max.

If you want to verify the calibration of your power meter anyway you can send it in for calibration. However, we don?t see this as necessary.

Another possibility is to conduct a dynamic calibration yourself: you can compare the values from your power2max with a CYCLUS 2 professional ergometer. This ergometer also has a known precision of ±2%. Please contact us for a comparison test protocol if you wish to conduct this test.

The power values on my Power2max seem low compared to other power meters I use. Do I need to send the unit in for calibration?

As the inverse relationship between the cost of power meters and the number of competing manufacturers continues to grow, the accessibility of data is far more available to the average rider. However, with power values varying from one platform to the next, it’s hard to know which power meter’s data to rely on.

While the simple solution is to stay within one brand or, to a higher degree of extremism, rely on the values of one power meter, this isn’t realistic given the different training requirements of athletes. And, though the root function of all power meters is to measure the power output of the rider, it’s important to remember that different power meters arrive at that number in different ways. That is to say that we expect the values to differ to some degree.

At the foundation of the Power2max philosophy is the concept that force vectors vary depending on the situation, in much the same way that the aerodynamics of a wheel vary over the course of a ride. Therefore it is our belief that dynamic calibration is the only true test of accuracy. To that end we’ve created a dynamic calibration device that measures power outputs in ascending and descending value. A procedure that is done with every Power2max power meter sold. We do appreciate your concern and are happy to escalate our investigation into your power meter’s accuracy if needed. However, to minimize the amount of time you are, or might be, without a power meter we’ve developed a test that you can do to determine if your power meter’s power values are outside where we would expect them to be.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • The weight of you and your bike (in kg)
  • A hill at least 1.5km long and 5-6% in grade
  • The actual length of the hill
  • The height difference (altitude gain)
  • And total time

Once you’ve conducted that test 3 times and collected that information visit this site.

Insert the values where indicated and press “Calculate Power”

The “total power (due to 98% efficiency)” should give you a value that is +/- 10 watts from the value given by your Power2max power meter. If it is, breathe easy, all is well. If not, you’ll need to contact us further as we’ll need to send the unit to Germany for further testing.