powertap question

smnw10

I'm looking to get a powertap and i can get one second hand for cheap. The model is 3 years old but the guy said it doesn't come with software or a cable to hook up to the computer to download data, nor did it come with it when he bought it new.
I couldn't find anything on the powertap website but do any of you know if all their models are compatible with linking to a computer if i just go buy the cable and download the software from their site?

in addition does anyone know of problems with the older models?
thanks
John

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Orbea Starship

beerco

Powertaps are wonderful. I traded in my polar for a used one and don't regret it.

There is an old model, I don't remember what it's called (prolouge perhaps?) which doesn't download. All of the others will. The tune model (also quite old) which had a matte grey finish on the hub is less water resistant than the newer ones with a polished Al finish.

Finally, the cone in the freehub is pretty poor and must be checked regularly. Some people seem to have big problems with that but I never have. It can be replaced with a better cone such as Ultegra or DA.

smnw10

thanks for that bit of information

the one i'm looking at does have the matte grey finish, not the polished look
i got an email back from the Cycle-Ops people and they said based on the description i gave them (3 years old, black cap, grey hub) that they don't think it will download information to the computer but they weren't positive...

i can't find much online other than stuff about the new ones, anyone got some information about which models and years can download to the computer and which ones can't?
Were they even sold as a package without the link system?

or if anyone wants to sell me one really cheap i'd be forever greatful!

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Orbea Starship

Smartt/RST

I've had an old Tune model (matte grey finish) for about 5 years now, and I've never had any problems with it at all (don't get me wrong, Graber made some excellent improvements to the old model). You can order hubs without any of the extras (eg: software), and you can also order just the download cable, software, etc from PT (maybe not online, but from your LBS or RST). You can also order an upgrade package (which I have done) to get the newer handlebar computer (that comes with the currently available hubs) and other accessories for your older hub. Lots of choices, but with how many used PTs that are out there these days, you may want to hold out for a more complete package... depends on how much you can spend. Perhaps you know someone with a downloadable PT so you can try to download from this one you're looking to buy....???
Either way, it's a fantastic investment, and nothing will tell you more about the demands of your sport and how you are training to meet those demands.

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Smartty

smnw10

sounds very interesting
Will you older version, the grey matte one download to the computer?
I really can't find much info online about them, but i'm assuming all the data is stored in the CPU unit, not the hub...and you said it's upgradable, so if this older version does not keep the data and download could I just get the upgrade kit?

Sounds like the hubs are pretty much the same, just a little lighter and better built...

I gotta run to class so don't have time to check prices, but how much would it be to order either just the link cable and software or the upgrade package from you all at RST?

thanks!

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Orbea Starship