Powertec/Powercal

[Cyclewizz]

I thought it was the Powertap's PowerCal? 

It is.

 

I've tried different straps, all with the same result (spikes happen).

If I put a Garmin HR monitor on the same strap it works 100%, once the PowerCal is back on the spikes are back.

 

The PowerCal is probably a good start to "playing" with power but it's no power meter.

You can't use it for intervals and I'd also say that it would be difficult to use to train in the power zones.

A number of people start with the PowerCal (mainly because of the price) and then move onto a proper power meter.

 

IMO you are far better buying a 2nd hand Stages power meter than a PowerCal.

Seeing most people use Shimano there are plenty in the Classifieds.

If like me you use Campag then you have to make another plan.

[Cyclewizz]

Here's another hubbers feedback after buying a new PowerCal:

 

 

it's not very accurate for short high intensity workouts due to heart rate lag 

for longer stuff it's fairly accurate for my needs.

the power is not smooth and every now and again I get some big spikes.

still want to borrow a pm and test it on a ride

 

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/116861-boast-about-your-latest-purchases-here/page-654

Edited April 19, 2018 by Cyclewizz

[milky4130]

It is.

 

I've tried different straps, all with the same result (spikes happen).

If I put a Garmin HR monitor on the same strap it works 100%, once the PowerCal is back on the spikes are back.

 

The PowerCal is probably a good start to "playing" with power but it's no power meter.

You can't use it for intervals and I'd also say that it would be difficult to use to train in the power zones.

A number of people start with the PowerCal (mainly because of the price) and then move onto a proper power meter.

 

IMO you are far better buying a 2nd hand Stages power meter than a PowerCal.

Seeing most people use Shimano there are plenty in the Classifieds.

If like me you use Campag then you have to make another plan.

Thanks for the info. I currently use Powertap hubs on both road & mtb training wheels, just thought this would be cool for race days, although not 100% accurate it's better to have something instead of nothing,just to measure & gauge Power\TSS stats post race.

[Cyclewizz]

Thanks for the info. I currently use Powertap hubs on both road & mtb training wheels, just thought this would be cool for race days, although not 100% accurate it's better to have something instead of nothing,just to measure & gauge Power\TSS stats post race.

PowerTap hubs are a different ball game - that's a proper power meter.

Back in the day most of the guys used to use these. Now days I don't know too many people that use them.

Most people that I know use Stages (probably because of the price and no extra weight added to the bike).

 

If you'd just like avg power and TSS then it's ok.

The spikes won't make a major difference because they only about 1 sec long and your ride is probably 2+ hours.

[Jakkals.]

Any idea how I can fix the spikes? Use to be a lot more stable but lately not so much.

[fanievb]

Any idea how I can fix the spikes? Use to be a lot more stable but lately not so much.

 

new battery and new strap