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Buying used PT - advice appreciated

foolio_mugooliofoolio_mugoolio
in General Training Discussions

Hi Everyone,

New member here. I'm looking at some used PT's to allow me to train/race with a power meter..  I have zero experience with power meters so I'm a little lost. I'm trying to read up and gain information.

I'm looking on CL for any used ones and find one in my area for sale.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/2658525792.html

CycleOps SL 2.4 Wireless Powertap built on DT Swiss 1.2 rims - front rim has a matching Powertap hub. Shimano/SRAM compatible. Rims, hub and head unit are all in great condition. Includes heart rate monitor.



No cassette is included in the price. Tires, tubes and skewers are included. 

 

Does this look like a good deal?  I have a basic entry level road bike with Shimano Sora derailleur.  What does it mean that cassette is not included?  Do I need to buy one? Is that expensive? Hard to put on?  I have no clue.

Thanks for any help!

EP

Comments

  • vrk3dsvrk3ds
    That looks like a fair deal? I bought mine off CL for $600 but it was only the rear wheel, and I had to pay the 99 bux to upgrade it to ant+, which you will want.

    I would make sure it is ant+, so you can use it with garmin 500, 800, 310xt etc... or a joule, and try to find out how old it is, and how many miles it has on it as well.

    You can swap out the cassette from your current rear wheel, or pick up another cassette for 50-100 bux.

    Buy a wheelcover from wheelbuilders through Rich, and you have a great training/racing solution :-)

    Happy Negotiating.
  • foolio_mugooliofoolio_mugoolio

    Thanks Scott.

    Called the seller. It's not ANT+ upgraded. He's not the original owner so doesn't know the exact mileage on it.  Says he just doesn't use it since he got a TT bike.

    I'm curious about one thing.  Is there any downside to using the unit it comes with (the yellow cpu).  Is there a compelling reason to upgrade to ANT+ and use joule or Garmin devices?

    Or, can I get by with a setup like this for a while.

  • Tom GlynnTom Glynn
    No real reason why you can't use the yellow computer that comes with the older PT systems. It's just older technology and you may be able to find a good deal on an ANT+ system. I find that if you troll eBay for a couple of weeks you'll get a pretty good idea of pricing. I bought a brand new PT with ANT+ built into a DT Swiss wheel for $1K about 18 months ago.
  • foolio_mugooliofoolio_mugoolio

     @Tom.  Sounds like a good deal. I assume that was without any head unit?

  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    I bought a used Mavic Open Pro with a Pro+ PT just last week on eBay for $599. No head unit or cassette. I think I got a good deal, but they regularly trade for $700-800 now. Here's the one I bought http://www.ebay.com/itm/110755851712?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_1046wt_922

    You can certainly get by with the LYC. The upgrade to ANT+ is very simple, but costs $99 and then you'd need a new computer as well. I use the Garmin Edge 500 and have done this ANT+ upgrade on a couple different wheel sets in the past. Literally takes 5 minutes.

    Swapping a cassette from your old wheel is actually very easy as well if you have the right tool. You need a chain whip and socket adapter. You can buy these in a set on eBay for less than $15. A simple google or YouTube search will show you how to do it. First time will take a little longer, but now I can swap a cassette in less than 5 mins and that includes cleaning it.
  • Tom GlynnTom Glynn
    @Enrigue, it came with the little yellow computer.

    Regarding swapping cassettes, I bought the tools from by local bike store and asked for free lesson. It's really easy!
  • rob allenrob allen
    Check Neuvation cycling out. I just bought a new SL+ hub built into a HED belgium rim for $675 shipped. It was the best deal I have been able to find.
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