# Low-Cost Cycling Meters This Power Meter Alleviates Knee Pain and Wallet Pain By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-05-05 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/power-meter References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/limits-pedal-cycling-power-meter/37287/) & [limits.technology](http://limits.technology/) Power meters, used by competitive cyclists to monitor their power output, often cost anywhere between $1,000 and $2,000. However, 'The Limits' power meter, devised by a pair of Scottish engineers, costs less than $400. It sits between the pedal and crank of the bike, and doesn't have to be built into a crank arm as power meters often are. The device measures cadence and torque, and uses the data to calculate power output in real time. It is powered by a coin cell battery that should last about a year. The advantage of this power meter is that users can use the same device for multiple bicycles for added convenience and reduced cost. As a bonus, the device creates a slight gap between the pedals and cranks, which could help alleviate knee pain. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 57% | Activity: 49% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Low-cost Power Meters:** Affordable power meters open up the market to non-competitive cyclists, creating an opportunity for companies to develop and sell low-cost, user-friendly models. - **Multiuse Bike Gadgets:** Developing bike gadgets that can be easily moved from bike to bike reduces consumer costs and expands the user market. - **Pain-reducing Devices:** Creating devices that can help alleviate pain during common physical activities can target a wide range of consumers and potentially lead to a new product niche. ### Who This Affects Most - **Sports Equipment Manufacturing:** The low-cost power meter has the potential to disrupt the power meter market, creating opportunities for companies that specialize in sports equipment manufacturing. - **Fitness Technology:** The multiuse capabilities of the new power meter trend could lead to the development of more versatile fitness technology as advancements in sensor and data processing continue. - **Medical Device Manufacturing:** The pain-reducing device trend could potentially branch into medical device manufacturing, specifically with a focus on non-invasive treatment options for chronic pain sufferers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sensor-Packed Cycling Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wahoo-elemnt-ace.md) - [Mountain Bike Brake Monitors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brake-monitor.md) - [Sensor Battery Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mysensor.md) - [Productivity-Supporting Exercise Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acer-ekinekt-bd-3.md) - [Power-Generating Desk Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lifespan-ampera.md) - [Professional Torque-Sensing Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ocelot-pro-2.md) - [Solar-Powered Bike Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garmin-edge-1040-solar.md) - [Affordable High-Performance E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cgo600.md) - [Quad-Purpose Cycling Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cycling-devices.md)