A cycling power meter is a device that measures the power output of the cyclist. You can find a power meter in almost every component of your bicycle: hub, crankset, cranks, pedals, crankset axle or chainrings.
A bicycle power meter is a device that measures the power delivered by the cyclist basing its technology on the principle of the strain gauge, a measuring instrument that detects deformations. Mechanical power is measured through the deformation of a body subjected to stress
The power meters base their technology on the principle of the extensometer, a measuring instrument which detects deformations. Mechanical power is measured through the deformation of a body subjected to stress. The constant deformation of these calibrated parts allows the system to measure the force torque. Angular velocity measurement depends on the component in which the power meter is integrated. So in the crankset or in the pedals it corresponds to the pedaling cadence while in the hub it corresponds to the rotation speed of the rear wheel.
You can find a power meter in almost every component of your bicycle: hub, crankset, cranks, pedals, crankset axle or chainrings.
Each choice has advantages and disadvantages, let's see them together: