Seriously though, I am purchasing an SL PT with a wheel for training. I’m thinking I wouldn’t use my PT while racing because I already have 404’s to use for race day and really, all I can imagine is me staring down at the meter during the race wondering why I can’t hold the wattage I did in training 2 weeks ago and it deflating my race psyche.
I would love some feedback from folks that have made the jump before I pull out the plastic.
Things you wish you thought of before making a wheel selection for training, the actual PT model you own and it’s pros and cons.
Things to remember when setting up the unit to save unneeded frustration
and lastly, do you regret only having it for training and not racing.
I know I can do a ton of searching for this info but decided to pull a “erichollins” and be lazy and just ask for some fresh opinions!
I just bought one a few weeks ago (used) and I’m kicking myself for not waiting to buy Britney’s hair.
No, I wish I had bought it sooner.
You should consider an 808 clincher or 404 clincher for training and racing. You can always cover up the watts for racing with black tape.
I’m going to do most of my racing with a disk, so I won’t be using the PT anyway.
If you’re not going to be swapping the wheel between bikes, why not an Ergomo? If you will be swapping the wheel you should get an extra harness right away.
Lets say you went the 404 route. You’ll probably want 32 spokes on your wheel because you’ll want it to be as sturdy as possible. A 404 with 32 spokes is going to be heavy. Maybe that’s not a concern.
Even if the 404 could be used for everyday training…do you really want to risk it? It’ll be expensive if you have to replace it.
If you went box section first and then decided to race with power you could use one of those covers. Also, it’s been thrown out around here that racedaywheels.com will have PT wheels available.
“…all I can imagine is me staring down at the meter during the race wondering why I can’t hold the wattage I did in training 2 weeks ago and it deflating my race psyche.”
Not sure I’m following on this. Your power output will remain the same between the 404’s and a standard rim laced to a PT. Aero-wheels don’t help you put out more watts, they help make the watts you put out to be more efficient at moving you forward for x amount of energy.
I have a PT SL laced to a DT swiss 1.1 rim and use a wheel-cover. But I got the DT swiss rim because I race road races primarily. But from your post a wheel-cover might be “unneeded frustration.”
Just out of curiosity, based on what you have written (training wheels, racing wheels, etc.), why PT over Ergomo?
I think her coach is interested that in her having an accurate powermeter.
Do people really train on their 404’s??? Oh yeah… I’ve seen it, the posers!
Nope, my budget and good sense says , never subject carbon race wheels to training ride pot holes.
Just curious, b/c I went through much the same analysis before I pulled the trigger. I have Mavic Ksyrium SL3 wheels for training and 404s for racing, with a disc on order. With the variety of wheels, I went with an Ergomo (rather than a PT).
Just out of curiosity, based on what you have written (training wheels, racing wheels, etc.), why PT over Ergomo?
I think her coach is interested that in her having an accurate powermeter.
I seem to have no problem. And, believe it or not, I’m not even sponsored by Ergomo!
If you can’t get an SRM, get Britney’s hair. I’ve have 2 PT’s (still in the shop getting fixed) and an SRM. No problems with the srm wish I have bought another. With the PT’s I can’t say no problems or even low maintenance.
Buy her hair, it will have better resell value as well.
I’m with Desert Dude, buy Britney’s hair. She’ll likely die soon, Anna-Nicole style, the hair value will skyrocket, and then you could buy 2 SRMs like DD wishes he had.
I have a PT SL with open pro rims. I am happy with that set up. The PT is not that reliable. I think it is accurate and a fair chunk cheaper than SRM. My PT has been back twice in 18 months and gives me grief every couple of months (usually on a training race or a key workout), but new batteries and resetting the firmware usually fixes it. It is a great training tool, and I use trispoke/discs for racing… If money was no object I would go SRM. I wouldn’t go ergmo, as it does only measure power on one side, and I don’t think many people are equal on both sides. Even if it is only a little out, the difference is probably your improvement - or not…
I do find the PT a very useful training tool - and wish I had it 15 years ago!
Hey TGP
*Well I only hope that you’re not a gadget geek like most of us! *
*I bought a use PT standard from a buddy and thought that would be fine and I would not race with power. Well I have kind of gotten use to seeing the power out put and sold a bunch of my other wheel to support the purchase of a set of American Classic 420’s with a powerTap SL for racing. *
*My training wheel is the bomb proof combo of an open pro with double butted spokes and I think it’s fine, I haven’t had any problems so far. *
*You may want to take a look at the American Classic you can get any of there wheels with an SL hub now. they make very nice wheels and this will be my 3ed set. * Have fun out there Dan…
Elaine,
Kat here…I got the wireless for training for my birthday…while there were definately some hurdles to go over (like…read directions before use). I am definately happy I got it. Although pricey, it has kept me in the proper training zones this winter on the trainer. It also opened my eyes up when outside, and if you PM me I can fill you in as to what I am talking about. Unfortunately, I didn’t get as much time on it outside as I wanted this year so far. Jeff ordered it for me from Wheelbuilder in October and I never got it until mid-December…there’s definately a back log. My training partner in Boulder got hers from Saris through a sponsorship and it took over 6 weeks to get.
As for the Brits hair…yuck!! Yours is much cuter!!
Anyway, just my thoughts.
Talk soon.
Kat
