Powertap options ??

levitronix

Hey guys

Am about to take the plunge into power and the powertap is in my budget and will suits my needs.

Im thinking of a powertap pro hub built onto a DT swiss 465 rim but where im lost what head unit, should i go with the cervo cpu that comes with most packages and use the poweragent software or go down the road of a garmin and use something else ???

DirkVoodoo

Garmin probably gives you more flexibility, you have GPS and HR in there as well.

mloc123

What hub have you? Garmin for power isn't meant to be great, much like hr. I have a wired pt so use the standard headunit... It's fine. I download the data using power agent and then export it to CSV which allows me to import it to any third party software.

Diarmuid

I use a Garmin 500 after having used the powertap head unit for a year. I would definately recommend the Garmin, nothing wrong with the powertap but I like the features on the Garmin. Never seen the problems others comlain about, but then I didn't look too hard. The software you use is probably of more importance. For that, use GoldenCheetah.

As for the wheel, check out wheelsmith.co.uk. Great prices for a custom built wheel.

Beasty

Definitely go with a Garmin (705 or 500 are both fine, although you may want to wait for the near-imminent arrival of the 800), unless you want to "invest" in the Saris Joule, which gives you quite a bit more "in-ride" power data, as well as the HR/cadence data etc available on the Garmin

levitronix

I ll be getting the wheel shipped from the states, similiar kinda site as wheelbuilder ..

Goldencheetha .. do you have to buy that ?

I just like the look of the cervo cpu just looks simple and easy to use

Does the garmin come software for power ? If i was getting a garmin id only get a 500 others are too big for me

Beasty

Shiiping from the States means you'll probably get stung for Customs Duties and VAT

Garmins come with Training Centre Software

You can download Golden Cheetah for free from http://goldencheetah.org/

levitronix

You only get catch with a courier company ie fedex , ups , but i ll be shipping them to the states anyway and getting them forwarded and sent USPS, wont get catch for taxes ..

Good to know the software is free if i go the garmin route

marcofan

has anyone tried the joule i am tempted to get one

Beasty

marcofan wrote: »

has anyone tried the joule i am tempted to get one

Yes - comments here

Diarmuid

levitronix wrote: »

You only get catch with a courier company ie fedex , ups , but i ll be shipping them to the states anyway and getting them forwarded and sent USPS, wont get catch for taxes ..

With all that shipping costs , I guess you've done the maths?

levitronix wrote: »

Good to know the software is free if i go the garmin route

Goldencheetah works with most head units.

levitronix

Yeah free shipping state side and 53 dollars with USPS to dublin

Saving about 150 on uk prices .. hope to make the leap in the next 4 weeks , think its a two week lead build time , so all in all saving that much is worth the wait

Beasty

levitronix wrote: »

You only get catch with a courier company ie fedex , ups , but i ll be shipping them to the states anyway and getting them forwarded and sent USPS, wont get catch for taxes ..

Technically it makes no difference how goods are imported. I don't know how they do it in practice, or why you think USPS are any different from couriers, but don't be surprised if they do come after you for duty and VAT, particularly given the size of the parcel.

levitronix

Fedex and UPS and DHL dont release the shipped item to you without duty being paid ,they either make you pay at your front door, or take it back to the warehouse and you ll have to pay over the fone, USPS will be handled by an post and chances are you wont get catch .. i ve bought very large items before from the US ( dj equipment ) and lots of other stuff and never got caught yet .. so i ll take my chances , also items can marked test sample , this has helped , but when my brother sends it declared value will be less

Whats the battery life like in the hub ?

mloc123

levitronix wrote: »

Fedex and UPS and DHL dont release the shipped item to you without duty being paid ,they either make you pay at your front door, or take it back to the warehouse and you ll have to pay over the fone, USPS will be handled by an post and chances are you wont get catch .. i ve bought very large items before from the US ( dj equipment ) and lots of other stuff and never got caught yet .. so i ll take my chances , also items can marked test sample , this has helped , but when my brother sends it declared value will be less

Whats the battery life like in the hub ?

I have had stuff stopped by an post lately, that said I did order my PT from the us and it arrived 3 days later customs free.

levitronix

I know you take a chance but its worth it .. items can be marked gift as well and still have full marked value on shipping docket

Beasty

levitronix wrote: »

Whats the battery life like in the hub ?

I replaced (one of) mine after about 8 months - the batteries are relatively cheap and easy to change though (you are best using the designated removal tool though)

Beasty

levitronix wrote: »

I know you take a chance but its worth it .. items can be marked gift as well and still have full marked value on shipping docket

To be clear, this is tax fraud, and is not to be encouraged here

Thanks

Beasty

levitronix

Adding to the budget deficit !!

Elle13

Beasty wrote: »

To be clear, this is tax fraud, and is not to be encouraged here

Thanks

Beasty

Hey Beasty,

sorry but.... are you for real... WTF... tax fraud in this country????!!!! Not like we are not paying enough!!! :eek:
If you are working for Boards.ie and you have to say stuff like this then fair enough but other then that...

Beasty

Elle13 wrote: »

Hey Beasty,

sorry but.... are you for real... WTF... tax fraud in this country????!!!! Not like we are not paying enough!!! :eek:
If you are working for Boards.ie and you have to say stuff like this then fair enough but other then that...

I can assure you boards.ie is not a place to encourage any illegal activity - anyone who does so can expect a ban, as can anyone who questions my moderating actions/instructions in-thread

BTW - I do not work for boards - this is voluntary - I have worked as a tax specialist for the past 25 years or so.

Elle13

BTW - I do not work for boards - this is voluntary - I have worked as a tax specialist for the past 25 years or so.[/QUOTE]

I am sure you have and I am also sure levitronix was not encouraging any illegal activity...
BTW I am also working in tax area!

Beasty

3 day ban for Elle13 for ignoring my previous warning about questioning moderating actions in-thread

Ryaner

Is it just me or have the powertaps really gone up in price the last year? I got my Elite+ hub last year for 550Euro. The lowest now seems to be around 700Euro(579STG).

levitronix

Well beasty i hope i dont get done for tax the wheels got ordered tonight couldnt wait ..

So the build i ordered
Powertap pro+ DT swiss rim 585 grey 28 hole , DT compedition spokes silver, DT nipples red, laced 3 cross pattern
Powertap front hub DT swiss rim 585 grey 28 hole , DT compedition spokes silver, DT nipples red, laced radial

A heavy set of wheels around 1.9kg with rim tape
Will post some pics wheel i get them

levitronix

DT swisspowertap.JPG

Just got them today very happy !!

DirkVoodoo

Nice wheels, mind me asking the total cost for the rear on it's own?

levitronix

With postage and duty around about 863 euro, funny thing i ll have to park them for a few weeks , i have no head unit till christmas so powerr training will have to wait

uberwolf

Now that they've arrived can you tel us where you ordered them? Will be over in states in Dec and could bring back a hub to be built here

shg101

uberwolf wrote: »

Now that they've arrived can you tel us where you ordered them? Will be over in states in Dec and could bring back a hub to be built here

+1.


EDIT: Looks like wheelbuilder.com - they offer the same wheels anyway

levitronix

prowheelbuilder.com a bit cheaper than wheel builder.com