Magene P505 Power Meter Review: Details // Data // Lama Lab Tested

The Magene P505 is a well priced spider-based cycling power meter with a number of options available to fit different cranks and chainring combinations. I've been riding the P505 since February 2022 and have collected over 70 comparative data sets against other power meters and smart trainers. To keep things short, this video covers the data from three recent rides across indoor, road, and gravel with the latest firmware that is being released this week.
P505 Technical Specifications:
● Type: Spider
● Wireless: ANT+ Power, BLE
● Data: Power, Cadence, Balance, PS.
● Power: ±1.5%
● Power Range: 0W-2500W
● Cadence: 20-250rpm
● Calibration: Manual Zero, Back pedal zero.
● Battery: Internal. USB Rechargeable. Up to 200hrs.
● Waterproof Rating: IPX7
● Management / FW Upgrades: Magene Utility App (IOS / Android)
● Power Scaling: ±10%
● Weight: 110g (P505-S1078)
● Warranty: 2 Years.
● Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price: US$349
Links:
Magene P505 Official Website: bit.ly/3WxE141
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Video Index:
0:00 Intro
0:21 Technical Specifications
1:54 Pricing
2:00 Observations
2:35 Data Review - Lama Lab Test
6:16 Data Review - Road Ride
7:22 Data Review - Gravel Ride
8:36 Data Summary
9:06 Should You Choose This Power Meter?
9:17 More Coming Soon...
9:30 Wrap Up
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gplama.com
#Cycling #PowerMeter #Magene

[@barryabraham7646]

Thanks for yet another year of great content Shane. Hope you great a good break with your family over Christmas.

[@mlegrand]

I've also been enjoying the Magene Radar. Magene seems to be doing solid things here. 👍 Amazing review as always Shane!

[@hpk4917]

merry xmas to the Lama family 🎅

[@DDGB08]

Great thorough smart review.

[@stephenbetley9596]

I would say that's a win. Competition is good, good competition is even better.

[@stevereaburn7626]

another great review, cannot argue with the data! I keep seeing FB ads in my feed for 'info crank power meters' They make the usual claims about how good they are. I have suggested that they send a set to you for testing!

[@gplama]

They sent an InfoCrank Classic. It’s not great. I’m waiting for them to respond to the data I’ve provided.

[@stevereaburn7626]

@@gplama thanks Shane, LOL!!

[@BetterShifting]

It's a winner! I think my next PM will be pedal based though.. it's just easier to put a set of pedals on random rental bikes :)

[@michwoz]

It's easier but does it produce good numbers? Well, not always. Setting in period and crankset compatibility (yes, it's a thing) are the issues with pedal based power meters.

[@rkan2]

I put my P2M on rental bikes :P

[@BetterShifting]

@@rkan2 😅I put my own Di2 on all my rental bikes! 😜

[@BananaChipzzz]

@@michwoz Never heard of crankset compatibility issues with pedal based PM’s. Please link to evidence. In fact, it’s the reason you go pedal-based as there are zero compatibility issues. Also, yes, they produce good numbers (if you’ve been watching GPLama). In fact, I believe both he and DC Rainmaker use Assioma’s as one of their benchmarks.

[@michwoz]

@@BananaChipzzz I've seen terrible accuracy issues with some less common cranksets (Praxis Alba, smart bikes). Of course, with some fiddling it was possible to solve them (use of spacers or two) but this issue might not be obvious for someone without second power source as reference. Non optimal installation torque and grease, present on surfaces where it shouldn't be, might be an issue too, causing zero offset fluctuations and major inaccuracies. This is simply something to be aware of. Pedal based power meters are great but require proper installation too.

[@GoustiFruit]

Looks like the Direto XR is also a winner.

[@glennoc8585]

I've got the P325 crankset and I'm selling it on only as Ive gone to a shorter crank arm. I'd consider the spider based version

[@davidh7414]

The numbers and price look good for this. Does it have local in-country warranty support though? Surely that would be a huge factor in any purchase? (disclosure - I just bought the comparable power2max model from local AU distributor).

[@johnnyboy4711]

Hi Shane,great review I have the P325CS crank from kickstarter way back and zero cal = -30,that tells its own story. But main question this or Sigeyi?

[@gplama]

SIGEYI units also test well. They have a lot more options for spider types. I’ve just put a RacFace SIGEYI on my MTB to test.

[@lltany]

That power meter looks a LOT like the sigeyi AXO. Even the box it comes in! Are they materially different?

[@Z_Grigory]

Hello, Shane! which power meter would you prefer? Magene p505 or sigeyi axo?

[@cyclistshub]

Hi Shane, I am honestly surprised by the results you measured with the P505. When I tested it a few months ago, it struggled with accuracy at high-power efforts. Have you experienced something similar during the earlier versions of the firmware?

[@gplama]

Check the corresponding cadence for those high-power efforts. If the cadence is dropping out or a LOT lower than the other meter you're comparing to, this is an area the later firmwares have improved on.

[@cyclistshub]

@@gplama I will. Thank you. 😊

[@tims0n]

​@@gplama What firmware did you tested on? I have two P505 (Rotor Version) with absolutely inconsistent measurements compared to trainer and Assioma Duo pedals. Too low for low power and too high for higher power. Additionally this effect increases over the duration of a ride.

[@gplama]

@@tims0n I can't recall which firmware versions I was on for these. Whatever the latest is/was as supplied by Magene. Best supply Magene the data from your tests if their products aren't meeting spec and see what they say.

[@sxsignal]

Hi Shane, thnx for the review, this is a PM I wasn't tracking. As I'm also in the market for new cranks, I did not see their new cranks on the website. Is this something they will soon sell? or just in the works?

[@gplama]

QED cranks are up on their site: www.magene.com/product_qed.html

[@colinfitz4970]

@@gplama Is there a place to purchase them? I am in the US and there is not an option to buy on the website

[@sxsignal]

@@colinfitz4970 Alibaba is where I got mine. with QED its $460-500 I went with ZRace @$369 (170mm 52-36T, BSA)

[@schbchia]

Hi Dear Shane, have been watching your reviews, first of all, thanks for the efforts ya, really appreciate it. Bought a Sigeyi AXO based on your review, now wish to get another second spider-based power meter, wish to ask, do you recommend this Magene P505 over the Sigeyi AXO? or should I just use both Sigeyi AXO as simpler for me to only have one app to manage both?

[@gplama]

Your call on this one. Hopefully I’ve answered the question of ‘how well they work’.

[@schbchia]

@@gplama noted, thanks for your helps as always ya...

[@testalino]

Is there a Powermeter that accepts GRX double chain rings? Due to the inner chaining having only 80mm holes, options are limited.

[@dakalla]

Assioma Pedals are your best option here i think.

[@Crawfa79]

Hey Shane, do you still recommend this for a budget spider based PM? Can be had for $510AUD delivered.

[@bitchoflivingblah]

No I'm not tempted my IQ2 PM is almost ready after 3 years of research, development, production, re-research, re-development and re-production, re-re-research, re-re-development and now pre-production run. Looking forward to your review GP Lama.

[@gplama]

If history is anything to go by…… 🤦🏻‍♂️🤣

[@pmcmpc]

@@gplama well let's hope it's brilliant both for the long suffering backers and because it would put the cat amongst the pigeons due to their aggressive pricing. The margins on existing PM pedals are enormous.

[@DanLa]

Thanks Shane Looking at grabbing one Just wondering if you know if these will fit shimano grx810?

[@gplama]

No is the quick answer. GRX doesn't have a modular spider.

[@sergeantmtb]

Hi Shane, as someone who bought two Sigeyi meters based off your reviews (and they've been flawless), I come back to work out my next solution. Is there a way of using the Magene 505 on a boost MTB?

[@gplama]

Maybe.... This is an area I'm only just getting into (MTB chainlines/etc). You'll need to find a wide enough crank and maybe an offset chainring to get out to 55mm chainline (if that's what you're after?).

[@sergeantmtb]

@@gplama I'm after 52mm chain line I think. Not super familiar with the chain ring bcds. Appears the 4*107 and 4*110 are road only 😞. Need to find a 34 (or 36 at a push) narrow wide....

[@gplama]

What MTB groupset is this for? (Shimano/SRAM, 11/12, 1x or 2x).

[@sergeantmtb]

@@gplama 12 speed. Currently Shimano but obviously looking at SRAM as well.

[@hodgo1981]

any development on this? I'm intending on buying an AXO or Magene very soon for my MTB

[@Doktor_Al]

have you ever tried HUD sunglasses? like the Engo brand. a review would be much appreciated.

[@gplama]

Not yet.

[@paulobarrameda7507]

will shimano 105 5800 chainrings fit on this? or just the r7000,r8000 and r9100 ones? thanks!

[@Clashing0N]

I’m struggling to find out all the parts I need to assemble this powermeter to fit my bike setup. Is messaged Rotor support a few weeks back but they are not getting back to me unfortunately. Do you know what parts/ sizes/ fittings I would need to assemble the P505 R110X with Q-rings, Rotor Vegast cranks? On the pictures it looks like the cranks come without an axle. Currently have Shimano Hollowtech II on my bike. Thanks a lot in advance!

[@gplama]

Rotor will want you to buy their INSpider meter, so I'm not surprised they're less than responsive here. I've used a P505 R110X with Shimano 11spd rings and a Rotor ALDHU cranks and a 24mm spindle. It's a bit of a Lego setup. Maybe go the Magene QED crank set (with a DUB bottom bracket) to bypass the need to use Rotor cranks.

[@Clashing0N]

@@gplama I went with the Sigeyi Axo, Rotor Vegast 24mm cranks and 24mm axle in the end. It was available at a shop close to my house so seemed like a safe option. After watching your video on it I was happy with the accuracy of the data you showed. Not sure how I am going to find out if I need to scale the data though. I have a Wahoo Kickr Core and 4iiii left side crank.

[@barryabraham7646]

Shane IQ2 looks like they are shipping, is this something that you are currently testing?

[@gplama]

No. My last email to them went unreplied on September 9th 2020.

[@barryabraham7646]

That’s almost a review in itself 😂

[@kristofd.b3964]

Hi, Can it also fit on the Sram XX1 cranck with the 3 bolt system? Thx

[@Marcossouza-lr4hr]

Também queria saber

[@Nobleazure]

Where can I buy this? It's not sold on their website and I can't find it in any online retailers.

[@runorjohn2]

I am not a very good mechanic. Does this powermeter fit on a SRAM AXS rival ETap? (Canyon Endurace CF7 eTap)

[@gplama]

It'll fit an 8-bolt Red AXS or Force AXS crank that'll be compatible with a Rival setup.

[@cyclingchantal]

@@gplama This will replace the Quarq powermeter which comes with AXS group set? It's a good entry level powermeter, but only records power on one side (I recently discovered on Zwift)

[@JohnathanFreter]

What version of BT does this use? Still 4.0 like Xcadey, etc.?

[@leocmen]

Does anybody know what is the real difference between Magene QED P325 and Magene P325CS ? _(thanks in advance)_

[@atgnicyclist]

I can also attest that the magene website is pretty crappy! Which one fits a standard 24mm bb?

[@gplama]

That'd be a Rotor compatible interface one paired with the ALDHU or Vegast.

[@igoramadas]

Hi Shane! When you calibrate this power meter on the app / head unit, what number do you get as a result? On mine I get as a result sometimes 9, sometimes 10. But I have no clue what that number means. Magene could not give a proper answer either.

[@gplama]

Different power meters return different numbers when they've been successfully 'calibrated' or zero'ed. As long as the number is relatively consistent and the head unit doesn't report 'failed', you're good.

[@igoramadas]

@@gplama Yeah I know, but this is the first time that I see a non-zero result along a successful calibration (I have / had Assiomas, bePROs and Vectors). And "10" seems to be the expected value, found it on this video now: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmTXoqmii7uJirM at 3:50.

[@louisgreenleaf235]

@@igoramadason my unit I used to get either 0 or 1. But now I have seen number between -2 and 16. Usually see something between 3 and 7. Wish I knew if this was normal.

[@alanreymercado2665]

is this the same as with the new magene power meter you reviewed?

[@mikkelhenriksen]

Hi Shane. You mention that spiderbased powermeters usually have inaccurate messuring on left side messurement. 1. The difference is that due to lost mecanic effeciency in bearings, frameflex ect.? 2. The inaccuracy should also be on leftside based messurement and even worse because there are no real messurement from the right side?

[@gplama]

Where have I mentioned spider power meters are inaccurate on the left? You may be referring to my comments about the Left/Right balance.

[@mikkelhenriksen]

@@gplama yes.. your right, but then again. A spiderbased shold be able to messure both sides by default, since there is a powerload in (on?) the spider when pedaling left left side. Or have I misunderstod how a crank/spiderbased powermeter work.

[@Falkon620]

@@mikkelhenriksen the concept of the spider based meter is it will measure total power input, but it cannot MEASURE which leg is actually importing the force. It has to make an estimation based on assumptions of what percentage of power is coming from which leg based on where you are on the pedal stroke, or some other way of estimating, which is why it won't necessarily be an accurate left/right balance.

[@mikkelhenriksen]

@@Falkon620 ok... but that is logical not hard to make since left and right induce posetive and negativ load depending on which side is "pedaling down"

[@YenOrong]

Hi GP Lama, can you make a review of the Croder Spirit Powermeter? Thanks

[@gplama]

Looks like a rebranded XCADEY XPower-S.

[@sxsignal]

I have a specialized Roubaix with GPX BB (using MegaExo, exterior cartridge) will i have to get a new BB? I’m not familiar with the DUB system

[@gplama]

Likely a new BB and crankset to use one of these spiders. I'm not all that familar with GXP or the Rounaix though.

[@sxsignal]

@@gplama I was planning of grabbing the QED crankset with P505 and put my Qrings on.

[@davidnicholson6680]

Seems good, but why would someone go with this over the Quarq/AXS spider? They're within $20 street price and the SRAM one works with the AXS app and will almost certainly have more frequent and more reliable firmware upgrades due to the larger installed base.

[@gplama]

I focus more on the ‘does it work’ side of things. This does.

[@NikoB-Photographe]

Is it compatible with Shimano ? Which one is compatible ? Thaks

[@TC-hl1ws]

I don't see mention of compatibility with Shimano 12 speed mtb cranksets. Can someone recommend my best options for Shimano XT power meters.

[@gplama]

Off-road power for Shimano groups is something Shimano really need to address. My 12spd Shimano XTR has a RaceFace crank that I’ve put a SIGEYI spider on.

[@ZRaceCentral]

What would you say the best budget power meter is?

[@gplama]

That depends on what type of meter you want. Single sided left Shimano based options are typically ok for an entry level.

[@deniecejuliantan]

Is this good with Sram Rival AXS 2x 12s?

[@KerkhofWim]

Hi Shane, it measures the left right balance, though i cant find any graph in garmin connect? Do you know how to see those stats?

[@Eirikkinserdal]

Are you going to test the new infocrank ic2?

[@gplama]

Maybe. I’ve had the InfoCrank Classic on the bike recently and to be honest, it’s not great.

[@Eirikkinserdal]

They have bold claims for the ic2. Would be nice to see someone dismantle it 😅

[@gplama]

I really don’t like their marketing/claims. They’re overly aggressive towards the competition for no good reason.

[@suhdud4646]

Ive just bought the PES P505 crank set and within the Utility app it offers L/R balance and Power Smoothing each for a fee of $40. Is it worth the additional cost?

[@gplama]

To be honest, no. Not unless you have a specific need to see those metrics.

[@suhdud4646]

@@gplama Appreciate the reply and with having seen your data review, for a pleb like me, those base level readings will be good enough. Cheers.

[@hazembata]

Hi all. New to PM. Looking to get one soon. Is there consensus as to which type is generally best (pedal, crank or spider)? Can spider PM give you the same left/right data with sufficient accuracy as pedal and crank PM? The left/right readings seems to be the spider’s main weakness, correct? Thanks.

[@shannonparker7404]

Rightio... Brain Explody. Which bloody one fits the Shimano GRX 2x ??? The web site is not that clear..

[@gplama]

None. Off-road meters is a problem Shimano need to address. There was a forum post over on TrainerRoad discussing GRX meter options… I’ll try dig it up for you…

[@gplama]

www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/grx-power-meter-options/27266/1

[@shannonparker7404]

@@gplama Thank you Mr Miller! I've been trying to avoid the Favero/Xpedo hack but it's looking more and more likely.

[@Tekwa42]

Hi what you recommend for sram rival axs power meter from magene? Thanks

[@gplama]

This is compatible with that groupset.

[@Tekwa42]

@gplama what model it is? Do I need to change my bottom bracket? I'm using a dub. Thanks

[@ddxleoncuprar]

So compared to quarq same price, any reason why you won't go for the quarq ?

[@gplama]

Where are you seeing Quarq at US$349?

[@ddxleoncuprar]

@@gplama Looks like I can't send an url but bike-discount has a quarq spider for 370 euro (including tax) so would say about 350 dollar ?

[@ddxleoncuprar]

and r2-bike has them for 330 euro

[@gplama]

@@ddxleoncuprar €369.99 discounted down from €494. That's a solid deal for a Quarq.

[@bradstoppenhagen2267]

Been wondering the same thing about which to go with price being equal or similar. I'm going to be running a SRAM Red AXS DUB Crankset (8 bolt). I'm drawn to either the Quarq DZero 110BCD or the Magene P505-S1108. The one functional advantage over the Magene is the ability to accept a variety of chainrings so you aren't forced into one standard like the Quarq, I like that the Quarq has a replaceable button battery versus an assumed non-replaceable rechargeable. The Quarq is part of a large brand and, in theory, should have better support and development. However, I have read of catastrophic failures of the DZero on chain drops. Decisions, decisions....

[@chetanahuja7617]

Can we use it on Sora Crank? 50/34

[@louisgreenleaf235]

An update for anyone considering one of these. After 4 months of ownership and seeing erratic offset numbers my unit now gives me a failed calibration error. Time to see how good Magene’s warranty and support is.

[@gplama]

Keep us posted!

[@b-manz]

No where to buy !? Their website has no info.

[@jameshartana3876]

Anyone using p505 pm on rotor crankset ??

[@julianmojica2719]

Does it work for mtb???

[@LoscoeLad]

any decent chinese power meter pedals yet?

[@gplama]

No

[@aaronchristiansen5774]

OK maybe I am dumb but their website gives no indication where to buy??? Website did not show price as shown in your video either :-/

[@gplama]

Google is your friend here. That should get you to a reseller/retailer who has them in stock.

[@JamesRoth]

Google is not my friend if it shows Alibaba as the only retailer

[@gplama]

@@JamesRoth So... you're saying you found a retailer with them in stock. That's a win. 🤷🏻‍♂😉

[@johnnyboy4711]

Magene are shocking for support very slow for firmware updates

[@zzhunt3254]

Stages 300 euro, 4iiii 220 euro on bike24 for 105. This magene și to expensive.

[@seanbarman]

There warranty is non existent , battery stopped charging after a few months. They should ban all these non replaceable battery products

[@gplama]

Where did you purchase from and what was the response to your claim? This is an area these Chinese companies have to get right if they want to be competing with established players in the western markets.