Powertap Lifespan?

nojiri

I'm thinking of building up a Powertap SL 2.4 wheel with a Velocity Aerohead OC rim and Sapim CX-Ray spokes for training and racing, but I'm wondering what to expect for its lifespan. Here are a couple of questions if you guys don't mind letting me know about your experience with Powertaps:

1) Which model(s) do you have?
2) How long, or how many miles have you had them?
3) Are they still functioning 100%?
4) Have you had any die?
5) Would you buy them again?

Thanks! Cheers! - nojiri

Spunout

PoweTap SL. 3 years old, probably 1,500 hours of use.

I'm on my 3rd wiring harness, 2nd computer head. Wheel is fine, but the battery carrier interface is getting a bit wobbly. Bearings are ready for a re-do. I'll probably send it back this fall for a re-build of bearings and to check the hardward. I've only recently started to get some signal drops.

daveryanwyoming

1) - 3*PT SL(wired) and 1*Pro units(track bike)
2) - I've had one set of ~ 22 months, the others ~ 1 year the newer units are mounted on race wheels and have fewer total miles. All were purchased used so I don't know total miles but based on who I bought them from and what I've ridden since I'd estimate 10000 miles on the training set and ~ 1000-1500 miles on the race wheels combined.
3) - All are currently working fine and torque tested to <1.5% error
4) - Yes I had one hub die last fall(the high mileage unit). I sent it back to Saris, out of warranty, and they repaired it completely for ~ $130 US. It came back in about a week and a half and looked brand new and has functioned fine ever since.
5) - Yes, no doubt. I'm pretty much hooked on the wired version since I've got the harnesses on my bikes already and have a few sets of wheels. I do have the newer 2.4 wired computer which definitely has a better HRM receiver but otherwise seems pretty much the same.

-Dave

Mike Lawson

Have had an early model (Graber vintage) since late 1999. No problems that I haven't been able to sort out myself very easily. I never even experienced any moisture related troubles, even though I was caught in rain a few times. Have now converted this one with a Surley Fixxer (with Wheelbuilder.com axle) and it's still going good.

Also have an almost 2 year old SL, which has again been trouble free. Only problem I have had was the bottom 1/3rd of numbers on CPU going missing after dropping it on a concrete floor. Still works fine, but leaves me guessing sometimes out the road. Downloads are fine though.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend you getting hold of a PT. It's been the most valuable training tool you could imagine.

Mike

rmur17

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rmur

Alex Simmons

Hi Mike, welcome aboard!! Good luck at the Nats - another pursuit podium for you? Sorry I missed doing your pursuit scheduling at the States, I had so much going on I simply missed it.

Mike has been using a PT probably longer than anyone I know!

I have 3 PTs:

2 of the very early model SLs which both failed after a handful of months and were replaced free of charge with newer models which have been fine ever since.

1 PT pro (legacy) converted to fixed gear track use which required a service return (power readings became unusual, possibly following a crash on the track) - again service completed free of charge.

I also have a couple of SRMs in the waiting for use. 1 Road Pro (PCV) and 1 Track.

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