JohnKScott

I wanted to ask you guys. I have a little money to spend (and I mean a little). Options are some nicer wheels. $500-600 range maybe. I currently run the CXP22's that came stock with my bike.

Other option - Power Tap (I know the math doesn't work but I get some reimbursement for this from work that I probably wouldn't get on the wheels).

I can't do both. Wheels (and whatever hub is in them) will be used for both training and racing.

So, with that in mind. I toward a powertap. Is it entirely stupid to get a hub (thinking a pro+) and have it laced up to the CXP22? I figured if I wrecked a wheel I could buy a new set of CXP22's for cheap. They aren't that bad.

What do you think?

Apus^2

I'd do the PT.

caloso

Not silly at all. CXP22 are fine rims. My FG wheels are CXP22s on Formula hubs and they've been super-reliable. They're certainly not the lightest or blingiest rims, but they're lighter and cheaper than Deep Vs or CXP33s.

waterrockets 

You can get a used and built PowerTap in the $500-$600 range. Lots and lots of options for you.

hammy56

Have you looked on Ebay at built PT wheels? Even if you only got a rear w/ the PT hub and compter...Ive seen some good deals on there, albeit used.

Racer Ex 

Or a wired one with all the trimmings from CC for around $600 new.

JohnKScott

Thanks guys. Yeah. I'll consider used and built already. Would prefer wireless. And there is something about being the original owner of shiny new stuff. Plus new with an official looking receipt helps me get half of it back from our fitness subsidy at work! But will consider all options. I guess a PT fits into the improving me first and equipment second category and fulfills the bike schwag lust all in one fell swoop. At least that's my rationalization!

Thanks again guys.

waterrockets 

True, that's been a killer deal since the new versions came out. Still, a case for used: PowerTaps are heavy enough in SL form. I'm not a weight weenie, but I don't want anything heavier on there than that

I dunno, 110g vs. a fresh warranty...

Hida Yanra

JKS - get the wired version.
1) Get a new wired PT
a) it's new... this is nice :-)
b) get money back more easily with a receipt
c) wired isn't a big deal... run the cable once (the smart way) and don't think about it again
d) The wired gives you the same data as the wireless, and it is better in a lot of ways (can run a magnet w/ the harness if you don't have the PT wheel, etc)

I got a wireless version recently, after having a wired version years ago. Honestly, the reasons mine is wireless now is because I couldn't get the rebate deal on a wired model, and the fact that I have more than two bikes which I use regularly.

IIRC, you don't have more than two bikes, and the deal through CC is unbeatable.

go do it, and send us pictures.
NOW

;-)

Racer Ex 

$10 tube instead of a $5 tube and it's a wash.

wanders

That's pretty cool.

Me? I waited for:

New.
Wireless.


Happy, happy, joy, joy.

waterrockets 

See, I'm more the type who gets free tubes from his brother-in-law/teammate in Houston who doesn't care to patch them. I buy more patch kits than tubes

At any rate, when I bought my PowerTap 2.5 years ago, the market was different. $600 was better than any new deal out there, so I don't know that I'd make that same decision now that the prices have come down. Hell, with wired SRMs out there for that kind of money, everything has changed.

Then again, stupid fancy frame can't take old wired SRM receivers...

Racer Ex 

Tell me about it.

BigSean

Guess I may need to do that too. Sounds too good to be true.

jwible

I take it wired includes a head unit whereas wireless would require a new computer if yours isn't Ant+ already.

paste_me

Get the wheels dude, wheels are awesome!

LanceFanBoy

What about a wired PT hub in Soul wheels That's what I have! Wired SL in S4.0 Souls

KendallF

I have a bunch of wired units, and one wireless. I don't mind the wired ones at all, and I just picked up another wired hub for $310 shipped. I have cut a couple of harnesses in two running them on my cheap travel bike with horizontal dropouts..I pull the wheel sideways and zzzt! there goes the harness. I just solder them back together.

pjcampbell

you get a reimbursement from work to buy a powertap? does that include used ones?

JohnKScott

Yes. If I can sell that it is a "bike trainer". I get reimbursed half of the cost up to $500 per year. I've gotten nearly half of my last two bikes paid for (bikes are on the list of approved for reimbursement).

The Lord works in mysterious ways. Shortly after I posted my last response my boss called me over and we got our compensation review for the next payroll year. I got a small raise (though larger percentage than most because of high performance marks) but apparently because of my higher than average performance rating and management level I became eligible for a bonus. I would call it sizable. But that's left up to interpretation. Anyway it was a nice surprise. I told my wife and pledged the majority of it to her "Wood Floor fund". But I will be able to use a bit of it for bike schwag. Looks like I may be able to get a PT & wheels . Still more on the "budget" side. But yeah...I guess it's time to fire off an email to psimet. Won't know the amount I have to spend until I get the check and Uncle Sam take his dirty mits out of my pocket. But I'm estimating I've got $1400 to play with ($500 of which is company money ).

STOKED!

mike868y

awesome! Enjoy the schwag! I don't know if you have an ant+ computer, but if I had $1400 to deal with, I would maybe save a little and go with a quarq.

caloso

Racing wheels plus Quarq. Absolutely.


(Isn't it fun spending other people's money?)

mike868y

absolutely!

much more fun than spending your own hard earned cash money.

JohnKScott

hahahaha...BF schwag inflation.

I do not have an ant+ computer. Will likely be squeezing a Garmin Edge 500 in with this too. I have a 305 right now so I have the heart rate strap & cadence sensor already. Quarq looks cool but not in the budget

ridethecliche

Boy, you are so friggin' white!