The ThinkRider PP5 Power Meter Spider & Carbon Crankset is a budget-friendly power meter that offers good accuracy for steady-state riding and pacing, but suffers from residual torque drift during high-torque efforts like sprints, limiting its use for serious training. Compatibility is restricted to Easton interface cranks, and users report quality control and fit issues. At its low price, it's a viable entry point for casual riders, but not for those needing precise sprint data.
Pros
- Very affordable: around $100 for spider, $200-250 for carbon crank set, or 130,000-140,000 KRW for aluminum version.123
- Accurate for steady-state and zone 2 riding, with less than 1% difference compared to pedal-based power meters.13
- Stable power data with no spikes or false readings during moderate efforts.23
- No drift observed during long rides, including a 100+ km UCI gravel race.1
- Compatible with standard Raceace (Easton) cinch interface, works with many crank sets.13
- Long battery life (300 hours) compared to competitors.3
- Dual-sided power measurement.3
- Firmware v1.9.1 improves accuracy for some users; previously readings were too low or zero.3
- Works well for pacing on long climbs at moderate power (200-300W) after calibration against a known power meter.3
- At $60, considered a no-brainer for casual riders who don't need high-power accuracy.3
Cons
- Residual torque drift during and after high-torque efforts/sprints; firmware updates have not resolved it, manufacturer acknowledges hardware issue.13
- Compatibility problems with some Easton interface cranks (e.g., Elilee X-novanta) due to recessed mounting surface; may require shim.3
- Poor quality control and inconsistent performance between units.3
- Not compatible with Riro Acrossfire, Senicx PR3, standard Red DUB, or CUES FC-U6030-2 cranks without modifications.3
- Power data delay of ~2-3 seconds reported with some head units (e.g., iGPSPORT BSC200).23
- Chainline issues reported with some installations; may need spacers and 0 offset chainrings.3
- Included plastic installation tool is fragile and non-standard; replacements not readily available.3
- Adds about 50g to crank weight compared to previous crankset (e.g., Ultegra).12
Key Facts
- Weighs about 110g for the spider alone; carbon crank version weighs 486g complete.13
- Uses Easton Cinch mounting standard; not compatible with Shimano, standard Red DUB, Senicx PR3, Riro Acrossfire, or CUES FC-U6030-2 cranks without adapters.13
- Price ranges: $80-100 for spider only, $200-250 for carbon crank set, 130,000-140,000 KRW for aluminum version.123
- Claimed ±1% accuracy, but independent testing shows residual torque drift after high-torque efforts; manufacturer acknowledges hardware issue.3
- 300-hour battery life; charges via USB-A to proprietary pin (compatible with XCAD and Cosmo chargers).13
- Power data delay of ~2-3 seconds reported with some head units (e.g., iGPSPORT BSC200).23
- Requires ThinkRider Tools app for firmware updates and calibration; firmware v1.9.1 available and improves accuracy for some users.3
- May require a slim Easton washer/shim (0.5-1.5mm) to prevent wobbling or FD rubbing on some cranks.3
Reviews & Ratings
14:11The reviewer purchased the ThinkRider PP5 Power Meter Spider & Carbon Crankset with their own money to test its performance. They installed it on their bike and tested it on a climb called Bansong Gogae and on flat roads. They found that the power data was stable with no spikes or false readings, and they even achieved a personal record on the climb despite the added weight. They concluded that at the price point of around 130,000-140,000 KRW, the performance is impressive and suitable for those looking to enter power meters.
14:20The reviewer tested the THINKRIDER PP5 Carbon Fiber Spider Power Meter Crankset over several months, finding it accurate for steady-state riding and pacing climbs, but noting drift issues during maximal sprints. Despite concerns about AliExpress reliability, they consider it excellent value for most cyclists.
The THINKRIDER PP5 is a dual-sided power meter spider with Easton interface, available as standalone unit or bundled with carbon or aluminum cranksets. Users report prices ranging from $40-290 USD/EUR depending on configuration and sales. The carbon crank version weighs 486g and features a titanium DUB spindle, while aluminum versions have steel spindles. The power meter claims ±1% accuracy with 300-hour battery life and uses ANT+/Bluetooth connectivity. It requires the ThinkRider Tools app for firmware updates and calibration. Compatibility is limited to Easton interface cranks; it is not compatible with Riro Acrossfire, Senicx PR3, standard Red DUB, or CUES FC-U6030-2 cranksets without modifications. Firmware v1.9.1 has been released, and some users report significant improvement in power readings after updating (previously too low or zero). However, independent testing confirms residual torque drift issues persist after high-torque efforts, and the manufacturer acknowledges a hardware issue that may require a future product revision. Some users report a ~3 second power data delay when paired with iGPSPORT BSC200. Chainline issues and bolt length concerns have been noted with double chainring setups. Installation can be tricky: some cranks (e.g., Elilee X-novanta) may cause wobbling due to the recessed mounting surface, requiring a slim Easton washer/shim that is sometimes included but may need to be purchased separately. The plastic installation tool is fragile and replacements are not standard. A successor, the PP6, is rumored to be coming soon. For casual riders using it for pacing at moderate power, it can be a good value, but for serious training or high-power intervals, its limitations are significant.
AI Summary
Pros
- Extremely affordable pricing, especially during sales (as low as $80-100 for spider only)
- Good accuracy for steady-state riding and low-to-moderate power outputs
- Includes carbon cranks with titanium spindle at competitive price point
more pros in the review
Cons
- Accuracy issues during and after high-torque efforts/sprints (residual torque drift)
- Compatibility problems with some Easton interface cranks due to design
- Poor quality control and inconsistent performance between units
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Easton interface compatibility (but with noted fit issues)
- Dual-sided power measurement
- 300-hour battery life
more key points in the review
Where to Buy
THINKRIDER PP5 Carbon Fiber Spider Power Meter Crankset 24MM 160-175mm ANT+ BLE for Road Bike
ThinkRider PP5 Spider Leistungsmesser 110BCD 4-Bolzen-Achse, Hochpräzise & Leichtgewichtig, für Shimano Rennräder - AliExpress 18
THINKRIDER PP5 Road Bicycle Crank Power Meter Carbon Fiber Crankset 4 Bolt 110BCD 24mm Dual-Side Balance Ant Cadence For Shimano
Variants
| Configuration | Sold as | Mount / Interface | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Crankset (24 mm titanium axle) | Complete crankset | 110BCD 4-bolt, 24 mm titanium axle | 471g | £268.19 |
| Carbon Crankset (28.99 mm aluminium DUB axle) | Complete crankset | 110BCD 4-bolt, 28.99 mm aluminium DUB axle | 433g | £268.19 |
| Spider only | Sensor only (no cranks) | 110BCD 4-bolt, 24 mm | 108g | €81.69 - €267.39 |
Specifications
Attributes
Spotted an error in the specs? Help us correct it — sign in or create an account.
Questions about ThinkRider PP5 Power Meter Spider & Carbon Crankset
Sizing & fit
1Compatibility
7Build & setup
5Ride & performance
1Durability & quality
1Sign up and share your experience — help other riders decide!
Create Account & Review