# Pick one: Power Meter or Smart Trainer

**URL:** <https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/pick-one-power-meter-or-smart-trainer/27821>\
**Category:** Equipment\
**Tags:** trainer, power-meter\
**Created:** [January 14, 2020, 2:26am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/pick-one-power-meter-or-smart-trainer/27821 "2020-01-14T02:26:31Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![wistoon33](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/wistoon33/32/79474_2.png) [@wistoon33](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/wistoon33)\
**Post date:** [January 14, 2020, 2:26am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/pick-one-power-meter-or-smart-trainer/27821/1 "2020-01-14T02:26:31Z")

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I started indoor training this fall with a kurt kinetic trainer with speed and cadence sensors. I got in for as cheap as I could just to see if I liked it. Well I’m hooked.

I’m trying to decide if I should continue to use my dumb trainer with some power meter pedals (assiomas) or spring for a new smart trainer. Eventually, I will probably buy both, maybe one this year and one next. I plan to race some XC MTB and Cyclocross this year. My A races are a Marathon MTB race and my state CX championships.

There are pros and cons to both, however, I want to know which you think would be best? I like the idea of ERG mode for the more complex workouts as I won’t have to worry about finding the right gear or cadence, something I’ve struggled with a bit so far.

The power meter pedals would obviously allow me to train outside and I could swap to the gravel/cx should I wish to do that. They’re also cheaper.

Anyone have some relevant experience? Any help is appreciated.

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**Author:** ![SomeCallMeTim](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/somecallmetim/32/40828_2.png) [@SomeCallMeTim](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/SomeCallMeTim)\
**Post date:** [January 14, 2020, 2:35am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/pick-one-power-meter-or-smart-trainer/27821/2 "2020-01-14T02:35:53Z")

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If you’re going to be following structured workouts, I’d buy a smart trainer first and do RPE-based outdoor rides.

You can always buy a power meter later on.

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**Author:** ![mcneese.chad](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mcneese.chad/32/15056_2.png) [@mcneese.chad](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/mcneese.chad)\
**Post date:** [January 14, 2020, 3:03am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/pick-one-power-meter-or-smart-trainer/27821/3 "2020-01-14T03:03:03Z")

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Existing threads to review and use.

- [Smart Trainer or Power Meter (Which to Choose?)](https://www.trainerroad.com/forumt/smart-trainer-or-power-meter-which-to-choose/4866)

- [Power meter or direct drive smart trainer....I can only get one](https://www.trainerroad.com/forumt/power-meter-or-direct-drive-smart-trainer-i-can-only-get-one/22730)

- [Power Meter or Smart Trainer? Only want to purchase one or the other. Talk me out of one of them](https://www.trainerroad.com/forumt/power-meter-or-smart-trainer-only-want-to-purchase-one-or-the-other-talk-me-out-of-one-of-them/24493)

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**Author:** ![mcneese.chad](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/mcneese.chad/32/15056_2.png) [@mcneese.chad](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/mcneese.chad)\
**Post date:** [January 14, 2020, 3:03am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/pick-one-power-meter-or-smart-trainer/27821/4 "2020-01-14T03:03:10Z")

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