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Powertap Reading 0 watts with high winds?

Nemo BrauchNemo Brauch
in General Training Discussions

Has anyone else experienced this problem?   Today I rode my bike with the Powertap Hub for a little over 1.5 hours strait into the wind (15-20mph) and then flipped it for the return ride home with the wind at my back. I look down and see my Garmin showing 0 watts!!  OK, I admit, it was easier on the way back, but there's no way I was going 20mph based solely on the wind pushing me along.  This lasted for 10 minutes when I finally turned into a side road to ride back into the wind for a little bit.  When I finally flipped around again the powertap seemed to read correctly (or at least close to what I'd expect).  I should mention, this is a completely flat course, if there's any elevation at all it's when I roll over a sand crab.  Oh- and I just replaced the batteries on this Hub in January, so I don't think that's the issue.

Anyway- I thought I'd see if anyone else has seen this happen with their Powertap before.  

Comments

  • Shaughn SimmonsShaughn Simmons

    1) Re-calibrate (if this does not work then,

    2) Change battery and re-calibrate (if, no then,

    3)Firmware update (if no then,

    4)Call Saris......

    SS

  • Nemo BrauchNemo Brauch
    1- I do that before every ride
    2- Yeah, did that in January, see above
    3- had not thought of that, may need to give Saris a call to see if a Firmware update is available. Last time I did one they had to send a little computer chip thing.

    But ultimately, still just wondering if I've got a random issue or if others have experienced it.
  • Dino SartiDino Sarti
    If you are turning the cranks, it will show something. I have been going down hill at 30+ MPH and if I am pedaling, the head until will show 75-150 watts.
  • Nemo BrauchNemo Brauch
    I should probably also note this isn't the first time I have seen this happen.
  • Nate ParadyNate Parady
    Changed the battery out in January? I would change them again? You could have been reading zero watts because the signal strength just dropped. I just had to change mine out after 4 months which is slightly unusual coming off the winter but I figured I did do the Bike Focus plan for 12 weeks and there is always a chance that not all batteries are created equal. I actually saw my Joule say "low batt" for the first time in 3 years.

    and regardless of wind, if you are moving those cranks there should be a reading of some amount of watts.
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