Power Tap and requred sensors

jdcsbrsk8

Hi Power tappers,

I recently got a power tap and have a garmin 500.  Do I still need the speed [wheel magnet] and cadence sensor?

 

Thanks!

 

Jim

Beth_S

Nope.

dsmallwooden

just asking ... how do you get cadence out of that set up?

robin sarner

 Sensor a bit more accurate but not needed.     The hub itself detects cadence.

John Withrow

The hub just "knows" your cadence and transmits it with the ANT+ signal. I think it calculates your cadence by measuring micro changes in torque throughout your pedal cycle. Every once in a while you will get a couple of wacky readings (like a 200 cadence reading or something) but for most people it is "good enough" (90% of people just let the hub calculate cadence). I also have the Garmin Speed/cadence sensor, but I am totally anal about looking at a completely smooth cadence number.

William Jenks

The cadence sensor reads the cadence in the normal way. With a PT only, the cadence is calculated from the pattern of power surges. For just watching your cadence as you ride, you are totally fine without it. If you want to analyze the distribution of cadence over time, the "real"cadence data are better. The Garmin cadence sensor also acts as a distance sensor... But again not entirely necessary!

jdcsbrsk8

Thanks Will!

One more question.  If I ride on the trainer, will I need the speed/distance sensor and the wheel magnet?  Or does the power tap provide everything?

Thanks again!

jim

Beth_S

Posted By Jim Cornell on 22 Jun 2012 09:43 AM

Thanks Will!

One more question.  If I ride on the trainer, will I need the speed/distance sensor and the wheel magnet?  Or does the power tap provide everything?

Thanks again!

jim

 

Powertap does everything on the trainer. Speed, however, can be a little odd.