The ThinkRider PP5 Spider Power Meter offers an affordable, lightweight option but suffers from accuracy and consistency issues above 300W, particularly after sprints, with unresolved firmware problems.
Pros
- Very affordable price point (under US$100 for the power meter itself)
- Lightweight (109g on reviewer's scale)
- Supports both ANT+ and Bluetooth
- Provides power, cadence, and left/right balance data
Cons
- Does not meet claimed accuracy specifications (±1% up to 2,800W)
- Shows nonlinear offset above 300W
- Accuracy changes after sprints, particularly in the big ring
- Inconsistent readings that drift after hard efforts
Key Facts
- Spider-based power meter with 4-bolt 110BCD interface
- Claimed accuracy: ±1% up to 2,800W, but shows nonlinear offset above 300W
- Actual tested weight: 109g
Reviews & Ratings
The reviewer tested two ThinkRider PP5 Spider Power Meter units and found persistent issues with accuracy and consistency. Even after firmware updates, the power meter required frequent manual zeroing after hard efforts to align with trusted baselines. The manufacturer acknowledged the issues and plans to address them in future products.
AI Summary
Pros
- Low cost (around $100 US for the power meter itself)
- Lightweight
- High precision claimed
Cons
- Inconsistent power data across multiple tests
- Requires manual zeroing after hard efforts to maintain accuracy
- Cadence and left-right balance become erratic after sprints
- Known issues acknowledged by manufacturer, not resolved in current firmware
Key Points
- 110BCD 4-Bolt Axle
- Compatible with Shimano road bikes
- Firmware version 1.86 tested
- Manufacturer plans to resolve issues in next products, ETA a few months
The reviewer tested the ThinkRider PP5 Spider Power Meter and found it does not meet its claimed specifications. While it performs acceptably at low power ranges, it shows significant accuracy and consistency issues above 300W, particularly after sprints, with reproducible faults both indoors and outdoors.
AI Summary
Pros
- Very affordable price point (under US$100 for the power meter itself)
- Lightweight (109g on reviewer's scale)
- Supports both ANT+ and Bluetooth
- Provides power, cadence, and left/right balance data
- Good battery life (up to 300 hours)
- USB rechargeable
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Active temperature compensation
- Performs acceptably at low power ranges (below 200-275W)
- Quick response time with no sticky watts
- Straightforward installation on Shimano road bike
Cons
- Does not meet claimed accuracy specifications (±1% up to 2,800W)
- Shows nonlinear offset above 300W
- Accuracy changes after sprints, particularly in the big ring
- Inconsistent readings that drift after hard efforts
- Cadence reporting stops around 155 RPM (below claimed 240 RPM spec)
- Residual torque issues affecting calibration
- Readings become unreliable after sprints even at sub-1,000W efforts
- Not suitable for esports competition due to potential for 'free watts' after efforts
- Bluetooth functionality described as 'not quite there yet'
- Requires hardware fix according to reviewer
Key Points
- Spider-based power meter with 4-bolt 110BCD interface
- Easton Cinch crank interface
- Claimed accuracy: ±1% up to 2,800W
- Claimed cadence range: 20-240 RPM
- Actual tested weight: 109g
- Price: $136 AUD (under US$100) for power meter only
- Internal rechargeable battery with USB charging
- Tested against Favero Assioma power pedals and Tacx Neo 3M trainer
- Installed on Lixada Triento carbon crankset with Dura-Ace chainrings
- Compatible with Shimano road bikes
Where to Buy
ThinkRider PP5 Spider Leistungsmesser 110BCD 4-Bolzen-Achse, Hochpräzise & Leichtgewichtig, für Shimano Rennräder - AliExpress 18
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