Powertap build v off the shelf options

lef

So I've finally convinced myself I need a power meter! Either an SL or Pro depending on cost of the build (if thats the route I go). However I'm struggling with what it should go in.

I did think about having the powertap laced in my ksyrium SLs to keep costs down but I'm not entirely sure that would work. Has anyone done this? I have seen the odd thing about the spokes would need to be replaced, as well as not being achievable at all. Is this possible and would this be a sensible solution? Would they still be stiff?

The other option is to have a custom build done which leads me to my next question...what rims would you suggest?

I intend to use these for long rides with lots of climbing, group rides, trainer sessions and some racing in the coming months. As much as I like the look of deep section wheels (cosmic carbones was an option) I have concerns they wouldnt be practical in all weather, such as high winds and probably not preferable for climbing.

My weight is about 65kg-68kg so could get away with some lighter options. Any suggestion would be most welcome!

bigpikle

I had mine custom built by Derek at Wheelsmith.co.uk at the start of the year and couldnt be happier after asking a similar question here.

Speak to an experienced quality wheelbuilder (theres a few recommended over and over here) and tell them what you are looking for and they will recommend the best option of rims, spokes etc etc. You should get the solution that suits you rather than an off-the-shelf wheel that may not really be ideal.

A good example was Derek suggested a slightly different Ambrosia rim to me as plan to do a lot of miles on mine, and for the sake of a few extra grammes got a rim with a considerably extended lifespan. It seems that most people were very happy with the standard PT wheels but I'm glad I got it handmade in the end.

....and dont forget Cpggans book and a good few hours to read it over and over as you start to gather your data and plan your training

Strada Wheels

Hi Lef - I'd opt for a new set of rims and there are plenty of rim options to build a PowerTap into. The Ambrosio is a good choice and I can also recommend the Velocity A23 (like the HED Ardennes) or Aerohead - both of which are light and high quality rims. With your light weight you won't need a particularly high spoke count either. I'd opt for the PowerTap Pro+ meter, the SL is not much lighter and spend the money on better spokes such as Sapim CX Rays which are bladed and lighter to save the weight.

amaferanga

+1 for Wheelsmith.

Pro+ with IRD Cadence Aero rims and Sapim CX-Rays here. I've had a trouble free 12 months.

Lemond75

+2 for Wheelsmith. Got my SL+ rebuilt onto an IRD Cadence Aero by Derek after finding that a DT 1.2 flexed a lot and rubbed the brake blocks on climbs. Originally had it built by Harry Rowland who has a great reputation but I haven't had any further issues since I had it rebuilt.

hopper1

+3 for the IRD Cadence Aero rim build, mine are on a Pro+, with Sapim CX-Rays. Not a problem yet.

Oh... Do remove the wheel decals though... They look so much better without them!

lef

okay thats some great recommendations there, many thanks. I decided to go with wheelsmith and went for the black SL+ with IRD Cadence Aero trims and sapim spokes. I went with 20/24 which he mentioned should do the biz for my weight. I have to compliment him on the service thus far, he was really helpful and responses to emails were very quick. +4 for wheelsmith!

Can anyone confirm weights, Derek mentioned a little under 1600g but I think it will be more like 1670g? Either way, I cant wait to get the wheels on and get training with the powertap.

hopper1

Training wheels must be the only thing I didn't bother weighing...
Doesn't matter though, 'cos you don't half notice the difference when you put proper race wheels on!...
I've done a few races on mine, as I like to get the data, and they're not that heavy...

amaferanga

My only criticism of Wheelsmith is that Derek is very optimistic with his weights. Pretty sure he told me mine would be about 1600g, but from memory they were more like 1800g.

Monty Dog

FWIW retro-fitting a Powertap to a Ksyrium SL is not an option due to the unique spoke, rim and hub designs.

magliaceleste

Another happy customer of Wheelsmith. I have the IRD Cadence rims 20/24 on a PT SL+ hub with Sapim CX-ray spokes. Really strong. The only thing against them I would say is that they can catch side winds and they perhaps aren't the plushest ride. Mine weigh about 1680g IIRC

LazyLadyJ

amaferanga wrote:

My only criticism of Wheelsmith is that Derek is very optimistic with his weights. Pretty sure he told me mine would be about 1600g, but from memory they were more like 1800g.

My experience too, would live to know the brand of his scales lol Got mine built from wheelroom in the end, on paper were heavier, in reality they were correct with the same parts, no point kiddin yourself!

Lef, you are a similar weight to me (with a little more money!), I have got aero cadence rims on my powertap, very happy with them and I have ridden them on some rough roads this winter.

There is certainly no shying away with a powertap.....

rozzer32

My Powertap is laced to a 32H Mavic Open Pro. The roads round here are from smooth but had no issues.

What ever rim you go for try and and make sure you get a rim that spokes are easily to get hold of for. No point in getting a rim that you can't get replacement spokes for or that you have to wait like 6 weeks from the supplier.