Magene PES P515: Unboxing Precision Power for the Contemporary Cyclist

For the wattage chasers and data devotees, Bicycle Power Trading offers a closer look at something that’s been making somewhat of a splash in the power meter pool: the Magene PES P515.

Magene has, for a while now, been doing away with the notion that accurate power data must come with an eye-watering price tag. The P515 represents their continued refinement, and for many, it could be the sweet spot.

Sliding open the box, the first impression is one of solid, sensible packaging. The P515 power meter, supplied as a complete crankset with their PES crank arms, sits snugly in protective foam.

This “ready-to-go” approach, where you get both the power meter spider and compatible cranks, is a thoughtful touch, saving you the headache of cross-referencing BCDs and spindle types. Beyond the main event you’ll typically find the essentials: a lock ring, adaptors, a magnetic USB charging cable (a convenient detail, no fiddly rubber caps to lose), and even some extra power meter decals.

The Magene PES 515 is a “Ready-to-Go” Power Meter Solution

The finish on these components is genuinely impressive for the segment. The PES crank arms, with their triple hollow channel design, don’t just look good, the 7075 alloy material is engineered to shed weight while maintaining stiffness. There’s a subtle but attractive aesthetic at play here, a clean, modern black that should blend seamlessly with most bike builds.

The anti-scratch coating is a practical inclusion, acknowledging that this is a component destined for hard use, not just display. It’s a step that speaks to Magene’s evolving commitment to product refinement.

Crucially, the cranks are 24mm Shimano spec, ensuring broad compatibility with many existing bottom brackets. The BCD (Bolt Circle Diameter) is 110 BCD 4-bolt, also a common Shimano specification. This means that if you’re looking to change out your existing Shimano cranks, the P515 will likely be a direct fit for your chainrings, simplifying the upgrade process significantly.

Clean lines, featuring anti-scratch coating on the crank arms

Feature-wise, the P515 is where things get interesting.

This is a spider-based power meter, which is generally considered a highly reliable method of measuring power. Magene claims an accuracy of ±1%, a notable improvement over the P505’s ±1.5%, and a figure that puts it squarely in contention with pricier units. Beyond your raw watts, it captures crucial metrics like left and right balance and pedalling smoothness.

These insights can be invaluable for identifying imbalances and refining your pedal technique, valuable data that was once the exclusive domain of professional setups. Automatic temperature compensation and multiple calibration methods (including the simple backpedal) further enhance its usability and reliability in varying conditions.

ANT+ and Bluetooth compatible, ensuring connectivity across devices

The P515 also boasts robust connectivity with both ANT+ and Bluetooth, ensuring it plays nicely with virtually all modern cycling computers, smartwatches, and training platforms. Battery life is quoted at a healthy 330 hours on a single charge via the magnetic cable. This is another significant improvement over previous models, meaning less time tethered to a wall socket and more time on the bike. Which is the whole point, yes.

When it comes to improvements over the P505, beyond the enhanced accuracy and battery life, there’s a subtle but important refinement in the overall design and engineering.

Magene appears to have addressed some of the earlier discussions around the single crank bolt design, with the P515 offering a more robust and refined attachment. There’s also enhanced compatibility with various bottom bracket standards, including T47 and BB386, which is a welcome development for a broader range of frames.

External Magnetic Rechargeable Port which ensures the internal electronics are safely housed

For those of us in South Africa, the good news is that Magene products, including the P515, are readily available through Bicycle Power Trading (BPT). With over twenty years of industry presence, having a local distributor like BPT provides invaluable support, from sales to technical assistance. An invaluable peace of mind that’s often absent when dealing with international online purchases.

Ultimately, the total proposition and longevity of the Magene PES P515 is a compelling upgrade for riders. It brings high-level power data with impressive accuracy and comprehensive metrics into an accessible bracket for a far wider audience.