It will be my birthday soon and my beautiful wife has decided to buy me a Powertap. She’s had to confess her intentions to me because she did some research and realized that this is not a simple purchase. Unfortunately, I’m not a great source of info myself. I know that the Powertap Pro will probably meet my needs and our budget and I know that I’m going to have to have it laced into my Zipp 404 rear wheel.
I’m hoping some of you kind folks could provide us advice about where to buy the Powertap and a recommendation of someone to install it. I live in the Bay Area and would prefer to do this locally, but would consider shipping the wheel somewhere if it means a higher level of service.
They carry them at Livermore Cyclery in Livermore (and maybe Dublin, too).
I’ll tell you, though, IMO, the SL with a Velocity Aerohead rim is a better option than a Pro with a 404. Slap on a wheel cover and it’s more aero, too.
It’s a great tool, you will certainly be happy with either option.
I built up a 303 with a PowerTap 2.4 for a customer on Wednesday. We do sell and install a fair number of PowerTap products each year. You can always come by to visit my shop so you’re comfortable with us before committing.
It’s not local, but it’s hard to beat WheelBuilder.com (based in SoCal) for both quality and customer service. They also cut custom wheel covers to fit your wheel. I’ve had two PT wheels built there, and it was definitely worth sacrificing the immediacy of going local.
They carry them at Livermore Cyclery in Livermore (and maybe Dublin, too).
I’ll tell you, though, IMO, the SL with a Velocity Aerohead rim is a better option than a Pro with a 404. Slap on a wheel cover and it’s more aero, too.
It’s a great tool, you will certainly be happy with either option.
Ditto. Well, sort of. I definitely say go with the SL if you possibly can. Much more rainproof (now) and lighter. I have a Pro and two SLs. My Pro crapped out in the rain, needed replacement, and still blanks out when it gets really wet. I had troubles w/ the SLs, too, but not as extensive.
I’d also say that there is no reason to get a Zipp 404 rim… I’d go either 808 (same price, or close enough I think) or find another deep aero rim.
Rich Sawaris - www.Wheelbuilder.com (with no dis-respect to anyone else) … this guy has built more PT’s into wheels than anyone and specializes in carbon. All he does is build wheels!
Go see Darrell. You’ll have the advantage of someone who knows powermeter technology. I’ve been amazed at how the local bike shops (i.e. not tri/bike shops like Darrell’s) are completely ignorant of powermeters – that includes some very expensive shops. I have an old Bontrager Powertap wheel and the otherwise competent local Trek/Bontrager dealer only seems to have one person who knows anything about them.
Rich is a good guy to order wheel covers from and does build some fine wheels. But if you want someone to really set your powertap system up and make sure it’s dialled in, you should go local and see Darrell.
I want to thank all of you for taking the time to provide me your feedback. I will consider the SL more seriously based on your input. I really value your recommendations.
I may not respond very quickly as I’m out in Arizona to do the Ironman. I will get back to you though.
And just so you know, I was taught how to build wheels by Ric Hjertberg who is one of the founders/co-owners of Wheelsmith spoke/rim/wheel building company a number of years ago. He used to live a block away from me before he moved to Seattle to head up R&D for FSA.