Cyclocross Racing - Powertap in a race?

I've got some nice fresh Psimet wheels coming tomorrow with a powertap SL+ in the rear. The builds are certainly strong enough for CX, but is the PT rear hub up to the task? I'm thinking it is, but what are the risks of using it in a harsh environment?

My alternate wheelset is a set of Mavic Ksyrium Elites.

I'd really like to get race data as it would be the ultimate baseline for where I am in my training (not very far) but I don't want to risk killing the electronics either.

JW

If you wouldn't mind buying another powertap sl+, then sure, race with it.

I agree with your methodology, but that's pretty expensive race gear.

I raced once with my powertap and it survived fine on a dry but brutally bumpy course. I didn't find the data too useful to I haven't used it again. I've seen other guys race with them and they seem fine.
Personally, I wouldn't use mine on a wet, muddy course for fear of killing it but on a dry course I think it would be ok.

you can get a speed sensor for it and run your regular wheels, and then you can infer TSS and what not to keep your CTL and ATL accurate

IF and TSS gets all screwed up if you do any running so its hard to do meaningful analysis unless you are really good at it.

If you wouldn't mind buying another powertap sl+, then sure, race with it.

I agree with your methodology, but that's pretty expensive race gear.

To be honest, in the event of a crash, the hub will be the last thing to fail, especially the PT which is a pretty solid hub. The newer hubs are also fairly waterproof and can handle mud pretty well. Just remember, Saris also makes a MTB disc Powertap, so these things can take somewhat of a beating.
I've raced on mine and have never had a problem, the data is nice to look at but dont be hard on yourself if the numbers are lower, lots of zeros and softpedaling through turns/technical sections. I dont race anymore on it because I use tubulars but if i had a PT laced to a tubular wheel you bet I would

IF and TSS gets all screwed up if you do any running so its hard to do meaningful analysis unless you are really good at it.

That is true, but the more workouts you can put in there the better. I guess it depends on how much you are running for cross. I dont do much at all so it doesent really effect me all that much.

Good points on the running. I've got a Garmin 7-5 I'll be using for the head unit so I can at least collect HR, speed, cadence, etc. if I don't run it. Considering the race is on Halloween and the only components I have together now are the frame and seatpost I think I may just run the Ksyriums and keep the Psimet wheels on the Storck until I get a feel for how brutal CX is around here.

I have a Quarq and I just manually adjust the TSS to 100 for the hour of racing.

What logical reason would there be for using a power measuring device in cyclocross?

Good points on the running. I've got a Garmin 7-5 I'll be using for the head unit so I can at least collect HR, speed, cadence, etc. if I don't run it. Considering the race is on Halloween and the only components I have together now are the frame and seatpost I think I may just run the Ksyriums and keep the Psimet wheels on the Storck until I get a feel for how brutal CX is around here.

Holy crap, you're going to be busy. :twitchy:

Holy crap, you're going to be busy. :twitchy:

Well the derailleurs and shifters are on. Still no headset, bb, tires, crank, brakes. It'll only take a couple of hours once the parts are all here.

It always takes me awhile to get the bike just how I like it. I've had my Salsa for a couple of months now and I'm still tinkering.

As long as it shifts and everything is torqued OK it should be raceable. I'm going to transfer settings from my road bike for seat height and reach as best I can and go from there.

Saris says no problem CXing their hubs. No warranty issues at all.