SRM (short for Schoberer Rad Messtechnik) has long been known as the first widely-available power measuring system for bicycles. Founded in 1986 by Ulrich "Uli" Schoberer, they still proudly use the tagline: "We make your bike a mobile ergometer!" Headquartered in Germany, SRM has satellite offices in Italy and the United States. This photo gallery features a day in the life of their US service center, located in sunny Colorado Springs, CO.
We were pleasantly surprised to find a very welcoming office atmosphere, with around 15 employees, a few dogs, and many bikes. Units are assembled, calibrated, packaged, and sold from this office location. As well, any crash repair or refurbishment for US-based customers flows through this fully-capable facility.
Uli himself splits his time between the three offices, and also travels extensively with sponsored teams and for research and development. SRM remains an independent, privately-held company; more than one employee expressed their view of the company as a family. They continue to expand to different crank style and length options, keeping pace with ever-expanding consumer desires.
All images © Greg Kopecky / slowtwitch.com
The SRM USA office is in beautiful Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The main entryway has a clean, European style. Is that a beer tap we spy behind the front desk?
This conference room features an open air feeling, and is monitored by Andy Schleck.
There are many different crank options to choose from.
SRM even has options for track, BMX and downhill mountain bikes.
The SRM Indoortrainer can be used for athlete testing and bike fits.
The SRM Ergometer, however, is the “heavy duty” version. It doesn’t come cheap, but top laboratories and testing facilities worldwide consider it to be the gold standard.
Considering a change in crank length? The Ergometer allows you to test a wide variety – and measure how it affects your output and efficiency.
The production area has quite a few crankarms in stock to suit customers’ every desire: FSA, Rotor, Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo, and more.
Dura Ace cranks, anyone?
Customers can pick from a wide variety of decal color options.
SRM employee Greg Frozley begins the calibration process on a brand new SRM system.
Completed units are ready for shipping.
This is the man who started it all, Uli Schoberer. A true industry veteran, he’s just come back from a ride and answers quick emails while still wearing his kit and cleats.
A GT Superbike hangs in Uli’s office. It was ridden in the summer Games in Atlanta.
Vintage aero technology at its best. Mavic, can you bring these back to production?
Now THAT is what I call aero.
The employee bike parking area featured many SRM systems. We can only imagine the water-cooler conversations: “So, what was your average wattage to the office today?”
SRM remodeled the basement to include a three bedroom apartment. Employees from their offices in Germany and Italy stay here while in Colorado Springs.
The European atmosphere and super-clean style make this look like a very comfortable place to stay.
