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Power Hub Install

dwj9506dwj9506
in General Training Discussions
Hi. I am considering a PowerTap hub and am not very good at DIY bike repair or maintenance. So, dumb question... does the PT hub come already installed in a wheel, or would I have to install the hub into my existing wheel? Thanks!

Comments

  • Steven FordSteven Ford
    Most people but the wheel with it already built in.
  • dwj9506dwj9506
    Got it...thanks!
  • Shaughn SimmonsShaughn Simmons

    You can send the wheel to the Hub provider and they will install on the wheel or you can have your local bike shop install the hub on the wheel.

    Make sure the number of spokes on the wheel matches the number of spoke holes provided on the hub to ensure the two are compatible.....

    Smart move getting a power meter......

    SS

     

  • thekidduxcthekidduxc
    +1 @SS

    David - the term to use is "lace." An experienced bike shop can "lace" a powertap hub into an existing wheel.

    While this is done frequently and is recommended, I suggest you find the most experienced person/shop to lace in the PT.

    For example, www.wheelbuilder.com probably does more powertap wheel builds in a week than a LBS does in a year. It is a core competency for them.
  • scott dinhoferscott dinhofer
    Until I bought the P1 Pedals, I had two PTs laced into wheels. Good choice, but remember, you won't be able to use on a trainer unless you change tires, etc.

    reminder that if you ping Coach R you can get a Discount from Wheelbuilder, but I think you need to buy the gear through them. R can advise you, obviously.
  • Duane DennisDuane Dennis

    Posted By Scott Dinhofer on 09 Nov 2016 05:45 PM


    Until I bought the P1 Pedals, I had two PTs laced into wheels. Good choice, but remember, you won't be able to use on a trainer unless you change tires, etc.



    reminder that if you ping Coach R you can get a Discount from Wheelbuilder, but I think you need to buy the gear through them. R can advise you, obviously.

    I had a G3 laced into some Zipp 101's for a training wheel by my LBS a few of years ago. I spent some money on new spokes from Wheelbuilder.com based on their recommendations, and paid my LBS $40 to build the wheel.  It's been bulletproof so far.  

    I also used it on my kurt kinetic trainer, and I never once changed the tire before putting on the trainer.  I'm sure it may depend a great deal on what type of tires you use.   I use the Continental Four Seasons Tires for their durability on our local crappy roads.  I've got alot of miles on the trainer, and I've never seen any unusual wear from it.

    But...if you think might get a kickr or one of the other direct drive trainers, you lose your "backup" power capability with a powertap.  And you are kinda locked into a wheel set.  For example if I went out and about nice new set of Zipp 404's to ride with, I'd lose my power unless I also paid to buy another powermeter of some sort.  So, if you think you might run multiple wheel sets concurrently, you might look at one of the crankbased or pedal based powermeters out there.  My .02.   

  • dwj9506dwj9506
    Thank you!
  • dwj9506dwj9506
    Thanks!
  • dwj9506dwj9506
    Thank you!
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