When power meters are your bread and butter, you want to get it right. That seems to be the case with the newest version of the SRM Power Control, the PC8. First spotted as far back as Sea Otter 2013, SRM announced production of the new unit during the 2014 US Pro Challenge. As it turns out, something as small as the style of buttons has caused the delay in production but SRM assures us the new gadgets will be released in March.
At first, SRM wanted to use electronic (not mechanical) buttons that functioned similar to the screen on a smart phone. Over the course of testing however, it was determined that too many factors such as gloves, mud, water, etc. would cause difficulties with the buttons. Understandably, not being able to easily use the buttons could be a big problem especially if you’re a pro using the PC8 during a race – or in the case of Rohan Dennis, breaking the hour record.. Because of those factors, the PC8 will be going back to the old school “clicky” buttons to make it as user friendly as possible.
Other small details that are new on the PC8 include a magnetic cable attachment for charging and downloading data which will be the same cable used for their rechargeable power meters. Mostly this is just to make it easier to use, but it also guarantees the micro USB port won’t fill with dirt during something like Paris Roubaix. Speaking of which, a new mounting bracket ensure the head unit will stay put even when powering through rough cobble stone streets. The PC8 head unit itself includes a larger, 2.7” backlit LCD screen that includes an auto on/off feature and the ability to store 4 different bike profiles through the Power Control 8 Device Agent which can also be used to customize the display to show everything and only the things you want to see.
Compatible with ANT+, Bluetooth, and Wifi systems, the PC8 will be able to run GPS, Strava, track altitude profiles and more. Battery life is said to be around 30 hours while running GPS and 150 hours without it. Once available, the aluminum housing will be offered in black, red, and grey.
If you’re the type of rider to wear out a trainer over the winter months, or more likely a shop looking for a adjustable fit bike capable of measuring wattage and controlling resistance, the new SRM Electronic Indoor Trainer might be of interest. Far from the collapsible trainers that fold up when not in use, the SRM Electronic trainer is a stout machine capable of handling the biggest watts. Through a partnership with the Italian company Gobat, the trainer has received a magnetic resistance brake that is controlled electronically through an app or through the controls mounted to the bar. When connected to your smartphone or tablet with Bluetooth LE 4.0 or your computer with a USB cable, the wattage can be controlled in 10 watt increments.
Because of the massive flywheel and a freewheel, the trainer has impressive road feel and lifelike coasting. Fully adjustable to fit a wide range of riders, we’re told that while compatible with Univet and Kinomap currently the trainer is not compatible with training programs like Zwift. Pricing for the trainer is not advertised, which probably means if you have to ask…
