PowerTap G3

 

 

Specifications

• Hub weighs a mere 325 grams
• Wider flanges for a stiffer overall wheel
• Smaller overall hub profile
• New field-serviceable electronics
• ANT+ compatible for use with Joule or your favorite computer
• Axle: 15 mm alloy
• Hole Count: 20, 24, 28 and 32
• Compatibility: Shimano/SRAM or Campagnolo
• Color: black
• Battery: Coin cell 2032 QTY 1
• 11 Speed compatible

Rim Options

 

Spokes if Sapim CX Ray 4.1 grams each bladed aero.  Blade is 2.3 mm x 1 mm

We use Loctite 242 on the non drive side spokes and on the front spokes during the building process (no lubricant).  On the drive side rear spokes we use a lubricant to build (nothing special - just something slippery) and after the build put some Loctite 242 in to finish them off.   The Loctite 242 will make the spokes harder to turn but will not sieze them.

 

Rear Non Drive Side Nipples Alloy 14 gauge uses Park Black Spoke wrench

 

Used internally on the drive side rear spokes.  I have them custom made by Boker's in the US.  They provide an extra layer or durability while adding almost no weight.  Weigh less than 1 gram each.

 

With the wider rims, you can use pretty much any tire width you want - from 19 mm all the way up to over 30 mm.  I like 25 mm wide tires simply because they hold more air and are more comfortable.  23 mm tires are probably the fastest and are the most aerodynamic.  As you get bigger tires, the limiting factor is the frame.  Typically the tires will first rub on either the brakes (on the top of the tire) or with the rear tire hitting the seat tube.  Most road bikes will fit up to 25 mm tires, a few bigger ones, and many won't even fit a 25 mm tire.

 

With the wider rims you can generally run at least 10% less pressure than with a narrower rim because the system holds more air.  Less pressure is better because you have a bigger tire patch and will roll over the bumps in the road instead of bounce over them (it's that sidewall flex that gives you better rolling resistance).  Most people run too much pressure in their tires because they believe they are faster (and they feel faster at first).  If the roads were perfectly flat that would be the case but they all have lots of bumps so lower pressures make sense.  Generally speaking a 160 pound rider should be around 80-90 psi in the back tire and 75-85 in the front. If you have been running higher pressure you will immediately notice how much more comfortable the ride is and how much better the bike handles around corners.

 

When you receive your wheel it will include a package with the extra spokes and some documents.  The documents will list the builder and on alloy wheels a serial number (which is under the rim strip near the valve hole on both wheels).  Also included is a spec sheet showing the type and length of spokes used and the spokes tensions for your wheels).    We keep a record of your info here so you can contact us with either your invoice number (preferred), serial number (also OK), or your name and we can pull up your records.

 

Powertap recommends that all Powertap service be done by Powertap.  They have far more expertise in the electronics than we do and have an excellent reputation for quality service.  They have a two year world wide warranty.