PowerTap-Cadence Accuracy
#2
Double Secret Probation
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Eastern Indiana
Posts: 2,578
Bikes: Madone 6 series SSL, Cannondale CX9, Trek TTX, Trek 970, Trek T2000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
In the ballpark. When looking at data after the ride, PT cadence is close to actual measured, usually a couple rpm low.
__________________
Time to Ride...
Time to Ride...
#3
Burning Matches.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 9,714
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4077 Post(s)
Liked 1,002 Times
in
676 Posts
You put out two torque spikes per revolution. I'm sure it doesn't measure perfectly, but I've never noticed a difference between hub mode and sensor mode. I'd bet if I looked at the data the sensor info would be smoother, but on average over longer periods (one minute and up), I bet sensor = hub.
__________________
ElJamoquio didn't hate the world, per se; he was just constantly disappointed by humanity.
#4
Peloton Shelter Dog
Seemed far less accurate to me than the regular crankarm sensor I just installed. Big difference.
#5
pan y agua
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,303
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1447 Post(s)
Liked 727 Times
in
372 Posts
I have 3 bikes set up to use the PT. On one of them the cadence pickup isn't working, so the cadence is hub only on that bike.
In my experience, the cadence isn't very accurate at low power outputs, from just the hub. But when you're working, (above about 200 watts) it settles downand is pretty consistent with what I get on the other bikes.
My theory is that at low power output the two torque spikes aren't as pronounced, leading it to jump around.
In my experience, the cadence isn't very accurate at low power outputs, from just the hub. But when you're working, (above about 200 watts) it settles downand is pretty consistent with what I get on the other bikes.
My theory is that at low power output the two torque spikes aren't as pronounced, leading it to jump around.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Santa Cruz Mountains
Posts: 6,169
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
For me the hub cadence is totally useless. I can sometimes find isolated sections of seated climbing where it's close, but it is often at 200 or above. I spin low gears but not that low!
I'd like to think that it's my incredibly smooth pedal action that is throwing off the hub but it's more likely lack of power.
I'd like to think that it's my incredibly smooth pedal action that is throwing off the hub but it's more likely lack of power.
#7
Quarq shill
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts: 3,962
Bikes: 08 Felt F4, 05 Fuji Team SL, 08 Planet X Stealth, 10 Kona Jake the Snake, 03 Giant OCR flat bar.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Mine is within a couple rpm's most of the time. When I do spin ups though it is way off. I always have a max reading of 244 rpm.
#8
Making a kilometer blurry
Of note, hub cadence will read a trackstand as pedaling. One time I had the thing in cadence mode while I was trackstanding at a light and it had me pedaling at 17 rpm.
The torque pulses were there, just from me rolling back and forth to keep my balance.
The torque pulses were there, just from me rolling back and forth to keep my balance.
#9
Quarq shill
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts: 3,962
Bikes: 08 Felt F4, 05 Fuji Team SL, 08 Planet X Stealth, 10 Kona Jake the Snake, 03 Giant OCR flat bar.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
While the PT geeks are here, does anyone else's PT turn the cranks when they spin the wheel backwards? Seems odd to me.
#10
Making a kilometer blurry
My Ultegra Octalink will spin forever, but my wife's FSA outboard has always been tight.
#11
Quarq shill
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts: 3,962
Bikes: 08 Felt F4, 05 Fuji Team SL, 08 Planet X Stealth, 10 Kona Jake the Snake, 03 Giant OCR flat bar.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
SRAM outboard, just installed last night.
And I was just making sure that it wasn't too out of the ordinary. I was having some problems today and while testing it out, I noticed it. I was on the phone with Cycleops, but forgot to get around to asking them.
And I was just making sure that it wasn't too out of the ordinary. I was having some problems today and while testing it out, I noticed it. I was on the phone with Cycleops, but forgot to get around to asking them.
#12
Making a kilometer blurry
Never mind...
Anyway, I've handled only two PowerTaps, and both had the same feel to the freehub body. Must be the seals in there to keep water off the power components. Eat another Twinkie and you'll still outcoast your teammates
Anyway, I've handled only two PowerTaps, and both had the same feel to the freehub body. Must be the seals in there to keep water off the power components. Eat another Twinkie and you'll still outcoast your teammates
#13
Quarq shill
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts: 3,962
Bikes: 08 Felt F4, 05 Fuji Team SL, 08 Planet X Stealth, 10 Kona Jake the Snake, 03 Giant OCR flat bar.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Sounds good enough for me.
And no twinkies for me. I'm down 10 lbs on last season, with another 10 to go.
And no twinkies for me. I'm down 10 lbs on last season, with another 10 to go.
#14
Senior Member
#15
Making a kilometer blurry
#16
Quarq shill
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ohio
Posts: 3,962
Bikes: 08 Felt F4, 05 Fuji Team SL, 08 Planet X Stealth, 10 Kona Jake the Snake, 03 Giant OCR flat bar.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Hmmmmmm........never really thought of it. Man, I need to get off the trainer.