Visiting SRM - The company that invented the first power meter!
This is what the pros use. If you are looking for unmatched precision and a device that you can rely on at any moment, SRM is it.
SRM. When you look into performance diagnostics, it’s inevitable that you will eventually come across these three letters. They are short for Schoberer Rad-Messtechnik, as in bicycle measuring technology. It’s the name of the company that Uli Schoberer founded in 1984 after graduating from university. Soon after, he designed, manufactured and patented the first power meter for bicycles.
Since then, a lot has happened, but the basic principles of the first power meter still hold true for every device that leaves the production facility in Jülich, Germany today. Strain gauges are attached to the spider of the cranks to calculate the force applied to the pedals, which is expressed in watts.
SRM and the world of professional cycling
SRM’s history is strongly connected to road racing. One of the first big stars that placed his trust into SRM was 3 time Tour de France winner and former world champion Greg LeMond. He claims that he could have won even more races, had he discovered SRM earlier. This is how they became the must-have piece of equipment in the 90s and many riders asked their teams to get them a Schoberer power meter. Later, Lance Armstrong and Jan Ulrich fought their legendary battles after training with SRM power meters.
Only what gets meassured gets done - by SRM
It’s questionable how each athlete managed to reach such high performance levels, but their output was measured and documented to the last watt, which was not possible before. The sheer number of signed leader jerseys and bikes equipped with SRM power meters on display at the company’s headquarters shows their gratefulness.
A cycling hall of fame with a power meter factory next door.
Even today, 6 World Tour teams are using SRM power meters and countless riders outside of the professional race circle are relying on Schoberer’s devices.
What makes SRM so special?
But what is the reason behind the status and reputation of the brand and product that makes SRM the gold standard for all power meters?
For one thing, there are the high quality standards and attention to detail that are applied when assembling the devices. Made in Germany is taken very seriously at SRM. Every power meter and every control unit is put together by hand and tested at the in-house testing station.
SRM’s success also lies in their experience in performance diagnostics. No other company has been researching this field as long and thoroughly and has accumulated so much knowledge. Not to mention the vast network of athletes that provide input on their products. The reliability of the training systems is appreciated by mechanics, riders and training and research facilities around the globe.
More than just a battery service
Another strong point for SRM’s products, which is sometimes misinterpreted by the critics, is the company’s battery service. All the devices are powered with non-rechargeable batteries, unlike what other manufacturers offer. After 3000 operating hours (equal to 90,000Km at 30Km/h), the unit has to be sent to the manufacturer for a battery change. However, at the same time, a complete service is performed and the power meter endures a rigorous testing procedure. Possible defects and problems are fixed on the spot.
As precise as it gets
Last but not least, SRM’s power meters offer unmatched precision. Every sold unit has a maximum tolerance of +/- 1%.
Obviously quality and precision have their price. However, if you are looking for a device that you can rely on at any moment, SRM is it.
