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Powertap on Ebay

Jon BergmannJon Bergmann
in General Training Discussions

 I've been looking for an inexpensive way to get into training by power.  What do you guys think of this one on ebay?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Velocity-Aerohe...500wt_1156

 

Thanks

Jon

Comments

  • HayesSanbornHayesSanborn

    Do you use Campy? Its a wired version that is 3yrs old,  you can get a new wired version from competative cyclist for 600.

  • dan_forbesdan_forbes

     Agreed.  I bought mine new for 700 2 years ago.  Campy is a bit rare component wise as opposed to sram/shimano and not compatible with either of those.  

  • Christian RabbatChristian Rabbat

    Jon,

    As a point of reference I got a powertap sl+ built on a Mavic 32 spoke wheel for $1000 approximately 6 months ago. It was lightly used (less than 300 miles), but looked new. I have no regrets making that purchase. All accessories were included. I am not familiar with Velocity Aerohead wheels, so I can't comment on quality/value for money. Make sure that you consider Campy/shimano compatibility.

  • kjanracingkjanracing
    I think I'd be looking at wireless on a PT system. That is a lot of cabeling running from the rear of the bike to the bars. It is really nice to be able use the wheel on different bikes.
  • Nemo BrauchNemo Brauch
    Posted By Kurt Andersen on 16 Nov 2010 12:46 PM

    I think I'd be looking at wireless on a PT system. That is a lot of cabeling running from the rear of the bike to the bars. It is really nice to be able use the wheel on different bikes.

    Just to add to the confusion   You can run a PT wired wheel on two different bikes.  You need two sets of wiring harnesses though (one for each bike).  That said, the wired units can be finicky in the rain (at least that was my experience).



     

  • Jon BergmannJon Bergmann
    I do have a campy setup so that is one reason I was looking at it. The wires concern me. But I am looking for a good price point that I might be able to afford..
  • dan_forbesdan_forbes

     Well, in that case, its not an awful deal.  I have a wired PT, it really doesn't take long to set up, but if you have multiple bikes, it would be a real pain.  There will be excess wire, depending on whether your bike has internal cable routing or not will depend on your slack.  I do not have internal routing and wrap the extra cable around my brake cable before I connect it to the dock and its a clean seat up with that and zip ties.  I removed the cadence wire from the set up since I really don't look at it much and it has made the bike even more clean.  Plus, my cadence wire was breaking at the dock.  

  • Jon BergmannJon Bergmann
    I have 2 bikes. My tri-bike is 700c and my roadie is 650c. so I have struggled with the whole training by power deal due to the lack of portability between the two. My tribike is set up on my trainer and I ride the roadie when the weather permits. I like the idea of wireless, so that if I either get a new road bike or get a 650c powertap wheel than I can jump back and forth
  • cfpetecfpete
    I also bought an SL about 6 weeks ago on ebay for $500 - rebuilt, and built on a Mavic 32 with new Shimano Pro tire. This is an easy entry into the Power world - which is a very good place to be. I have learned more about my cycling limits in the past 6 months than I could have imagined. Will likely trade up to wireless later - but the return on investment is well worth it.
  • Tom GlynnTom Glynn
    If you buy wired, setting up multiple bikes is no problem. You'll have to order another harness, but once they are set up, just swap out back wheels and your done. I had wireless for almost 5 years and loved it.

    Having said that, last year I bought wireless, brand new, on eBay for $1K and then spent another $100 or so to update it to ANT+. If you can hold out to look for a bargain and can afford the extra dollars, wireless is great. It's only cosmetic vs the wireless, but the bike looks so much nicer without all the wires.
  • Dave TalloDave Tallo
    Jon, I went through the same search at the beginning of the summer. Generally speaking, I was finding that the going price for a PT wired SL, used for 2-3k miles, was around $500.

    I would agree with the competitive cyclist recommendation - the one on auction has about 7.5k, which is a fair amount of use. The CC option would be a nominal dollar increase for peace of mind and warranty / upgrade protection.

    Wired, imho, is fine (on balance, I went with this option over the upcharge for wireless). There are plenty of ways to make wiring invisible to the wind and the eye.
  • Chris M.Chris M.
    Posted By Tom Glynn on 17 Nov 2010 01:04 AM

    If you buy wired, setting up multiple bikes is no problem. You'll have to order another harness, but once they are set up, just swap out back wheels and your done. I had wireless for almost 5 years and loved it.



    Having said that, last year I bought wireless, brand new, on eBay for $1K and then spent another $100 or so to update it to ANT+. If you can hold out to look for a bargain and can afford the extra dollars, wireless is great. It's only cosmetic vs the wireless, but the bike looks so much nicer without all the wires.

    Don't forget that if your bikes have different gearing, you have to swap out the cassettes as well.  

  • Shaughn SimmonsShaughn Simmons

    One more thing to consider, I bought a used PT about a year ago and it worked great for about 8 months then died.  I got a wired, used PT and a 404 wheel all for $400 - was a steal though used a lot.

    When hub went out I called Saris who then gave me a 50% discount on a new wired SL+ with the trade in of my old one.

    So, definitely a good deal, especially if you plan to trade in for a new one at some point down the road.

    SS

     

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