Types of Power Meters
Power meters come in four locations: pedals, crank arms, spider (BB area), and rear hub. Pedal-based are easiest to swap between bikes. Crank arm meters are lightest. Hub-based are most durable but rarely seen in 2026.
What ±1% Accuracy Means
±1% means at 300 watts, your reading could be 297-303 watts. For training purposes this is entirely sufficient. Consistency matters more than absolute accuracy — an off-by-2% meter used consistently gives excellent training data.
Installation Difficulty
Pedal meters: self-install in 10 minutes. Crank arm meters: requires removing and reinstalling your crank (30-60 min, basic tools needed). Spider and hub meters: best done by a bike shop.
Budget Guide
Under $300: 4iiii Precision single-side. $300-500: Stages Dual or Quarq. $500-700: Assioma DUO or Garmin Rally. These are well-established options with years of proven reliability.
Top Picks
Favero Assioma DUO EDITOR'S CHOICE
Best dual pedal power meter. ±1% accuracy, rechargeable, compatible with Look, SPD-SL.
~$679 Check Price on Amazon →
4iiii Precision 3+ BEST VALUE
Best budget single-sided crank arm power meter. ±1% accuracy.
~$299 Check Price on Amazon →
Garmin Rally RS200
Dual SPD-SL pedal power meter. Easy swap between bikes.
~$699 Check Price on Amazon →
Quarq DZero
Spider-based power meter for SRAM cranks. Race-proven accuracy.
~$549 Check Price on Amazon →