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PowerTaps - q's about used... help me!

kortneyringelkortneyringel
in General Training Discussions

 I am looking at used PMs on ebay... initally, I was going to wait until I could save enough to get the Quarq, but I think I am going to just look for a used PT  rear wheel so I can get into the power game now.  I don't want to do anything stupid image , however, so I have a couple of Q's:

- I found one PT Pro+ on a DT Swiss RR585 wheel... would this be a decent wheel for training/racing (and then I could get a wheelcover from Wheelbuilder)?  The price seems good at $700 and was used for 1 year.    Doesn't look like it comes with a head unit...  I use a Garmin 910XT for the rest of my training... can I just use this?  Or do you definitely want something that is more specific to cycling for all of the data readout?  

- I also found a Zipp 404 rear with PT SL+...  I don't really know how much this one will end up going for since it is not a "buy it now", but I guess my question here is - if I had a rear 404, I would really need a front 404 too, right?  Or at least some type of aero wheel?

 

 

Comments

  • Dino SartiDino Sarti
    Hi Kortney,

    Not sure about the DT Swiss wheel or any wheel that I don't own for that matter, but I am sure other will have vast knowledge. Here is what I think regarding the other questions -

    1. The 910 will work perfectly as PT head unit. I use a Garmin 500 on my road bike only because it has more data fields per page. The 500 has 8 per page while the 910 is limited to 4. That being said, I use the 910 exclusively when I ride my TT bike to keep training and racing as similar as possible. I only use the 500 on my roadie when there is really no need for multisport capability. Plus, it keeps me undercover when I ride with roadies. But, Data wise, they are the same with regard to power metics available.

    2. You can certainly roll a deep wheel like the 404 in the back and something more traditional in the front. I see it all the time. Also, since you probably event jacket the 404 for racing, what you have up front I think is less important, if that is possible... image
  • mgraffeomgraffeo
    Kortney,

    I have a Powertap Pro from several years ago, on a DT Swiss rim. Purchased it for a similar price, and have never regretted it. Great wheel. Add a disc cover from Wheelbuilder for $85, and you've got a sweet race setup. The one thing you'll need to check is if the PT Pro+ is equipped with ANT+ wireless. If it is, then it will work fine with your 910xt. Mine isn't (it's wired, which isn't such a bad thing when you're troubleshooting...), and there isn't a way to upgrade it. If it were to be a wired PT, finding a Little Yellow Computer (LYC) and a wiring harness wouldn't be much more money, probably around $100 on ebay.

    You'd probably never regret getting a PT 404, and yes, it's no problem to run a regular wheel up front with a 404 in the rear. The problems come if you have a deeper front wheel than back wheel. Otherwise, you're all set. BTW, you can find a used SRAM S60 (same as the older 404) for $4-500 if you look hard enough, if you wanted something to 'match'. Then, just apply some wheel stickers and nobody would be the wiser.
  • kortneyringelkortneyringel
    very helpful, guys - thanks! very, very helpful!
  • baprincebaprince
    On the 404, double check that it matches your front wheel either using clincher or tubular tires. You don't want to have one of each. Others wil have a more informed opinion on using the 404 for everyday training. Like Mike, I have a wired PT on a DT Swiss wheel with a wheel cover for races.
  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    You can train on a 404 and know plenty of people who do. If you're over 200lbs, you need to be more careful, but I'd guess you'll be okay. you should try to avoid blasting potholes, but you should avoid those anyways. Make sure it is a clincher. IMHO tubulars are a pain in the arse and will be more susceptible to damage if you use it every day as a training wheel. If you're patient enough on eBay, you can find an ANT+ PT wheel for the $500-700 range. That DT Swiss is a fine wheel. Also can't go wrong with the 404, will just pay more, my guess is close to $1,000. Any ANT+ PT wheel will work fine with your 910XT. Would probably make sense to get the quick release kit so you can mount it on your bars instead of needing to constantly look at your wrist.
  • Tom GlynnTom Glynn
    Agree with all the comments here. DT Swiss is a great wheel. Get a wheel cover from Wheelbuilder for racing and you are good to go. I'd make sure it is wireless and ANT+ ready, not wired or wireless compatible. In order to be ANT+ compatible, most of the old SL units need to be upgraded to SL+. It's easy enough to do, but costs about $100. Let someone else do it for you and make sure it works. Just eliminates one extra hassle form the list.

    Lots of people ride 404 in the back, either traditional up front or 404 in the front. Not on issue. Don't worry about being a dork, your riding around in spandex image
  • kortneyringelkortneyringel
    Thanks everyone for the info - much appreciated! I think I am going to try to get the DT Swiss wheel. I'm glad to hear it's a good wheel. Hope it works out - I am excited to train w/ power!
  • Dino SartiDino Sarti
    You will be excited until you get power and then obsessed with getting more!
  • kortneyringelkortneyringel
    update... I was ready to buy the DT Swiss wheel with Pro+ PT for $700. I ended up getting the 404 (2010 version but never used!) with PT SL+ for $770!

    Yay! So excited!
  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    Wow! Nice find! Enjoy.
  • baprincebaprince
    Great buy. Congrats.
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