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Cadence/Speed Sensor - with PT wheel

imc1792imc1792
in General Training Discussions

Do I really need a separate ant+ speed/cadense sensor?

I have a PT sl+ and Edge500.

I recall reading somewhere some time ago that the PT provides decent cadence and my Edge500 will provide speed (not that I really care). I did not find info on cyclops site that confirmed this.

Comments

  • John WithrowJohn Withrow
    You do NOT "need" a speed/cadence sensor with that setup... The PT wheel calculates your cadence by an algorithm that looks at the power distribution throughout the stroke and "guesses" your actual cadence. It's pretty accurate most of the time.

    BUT... I have the same setup and I do have a speed/cadence sensor and like it. Every once in a while with the PT wheel, it will either lose cadence or it will spike super high. So it may give you false readings for say "average" cadence if you're looking at your data after a ride or race. I was really trying to focus on my cadence a yr or so ago so I bought the sensor and I liked the smoothness of the readouts of it so I still use it.

    My advice is to start without it and see what you think. If it works for you, then no need to add. If it's too jumpy or you really feel as though you want to analyze the data, then go ahead and add one.
  • Spokane_AlSpokane_Al

    I rode for a couple of years with my PowerTap without the separate speed/cadence sensor. Then I broke down and bought one and installed it and noticed little or no difference.

    After a while I got tired of worrying about the crap hanging off the side of my bike and removed it.



    I have never looked back.

  • foolio_mugooliofoolio_mugoolio
    I don't use a separate sensor and don't feel the need for one. PT works fine for me.
  • Cary BlancoCary Blanco
    My N=1 observations here: PowerTap Cadence vs. Dedicated Cadence Sensor [Spoiler - the Cadence Sensor is way better]
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