The big thing in training is Power. How many watts can you produce over a length of time is the name of the game. This year for 07' some new companies are taking on SRM and PowerTap. The first is Ibike www.ibikesports.com. The unit uses aerodynamic and barometric pressure to determine ones power output. This is what the aerospace industry uses. It is relatively small unit, with easy to use functions. The things that make this a great unit are, it does not require a special wheel, only costs $400 and is compatible with cycling peaks software. For someone looking for a basic power meter this could very well be it.

Another power meter I found was Microsport www.microsporttech.com. This uses a pressure sensitive plate in the shoe, a receiver that attaches to the back of the shoe and a computer unit. What makes it a cool unit is totally wireless and portable. again no wheel changes, so you can use those new ceramic Zipp wheels. The company did not have a $ as of yet but they thought it would be less than the Power tap system.