PT Pro and SL

swampy1970 said:

Are there any 'issues' with either of these units that have followed over from days of old regarding bad bearings, seals, reliability problems etc?

I'm kinda/sorta thinking about getting one but I'm curious is one has advantages over the other - other than just the weight.

Also with the 2.4 wireless units, does the PT computer have to be in it's 'mount' to work or can I just leave it off to one side while riding the trainer so I could cover the front of the bike with a big towel?

Thanks in advance!

Thinking about joining the power users 😕 🙂
If you get one before me I will be envious 🙂

swampy1970 said:

Are there any 'issues' with either of these units that have followed over from days of old regarding bad bearings, seals, reliability problems etc?

I'm kinda/sorta thinking about getting one but I'm curious is one has advantages over the other - other than just the weight.

Also with the 2.4 wireless units, does the PT computer have to be in it's 'mount' to work or can I just leave it off to one side while riding the trainer so I could cover the front of the bike with a big towel?

Thanks in advance!

I've had the wired version of the SL for a little over a year. 5800 miles and more than a few rides in torrential downpours and it is working great. I had to replace the batteries a couple of months ago but other than that, no problems. The bearings still run smooth and quiet. I have absolutely no regrets. The insight I have gained from using it has helped me train smarter and better.

swampy1970 said:

Are there any 'issues' with either of these units that have followed over from days of old regarding bad bearings, seals, reliability problems etc?

I'm kinda/sorta thinking about getting one but I'm curious is one has advantages over the other - other than just the weight.

Also with the 2.4 wireless units, does the PT computer have to be in it's 'mount' to work or can I just leave it off to one side while riding the trainer so I could cover the front of the bike with a big towel?

Thanks in advance!

The "new" Pro, the SL and the SL 2.4 essentially are the same from a mechanical build POV. They are water tight. The old Pro (no longer sold nor serviced by Saris) did tend to have water issues sometimes (but there were ways to fix or reduce that).

The difference between them is in the weight of materials used (not that big a deal but the Pro is a bit heavier than the SL models) and the option of needing a wiring harness or not.

With wireless, you can have the CPU in your back pocket if you want (but being out of sight, you'd miss if there were any reception problems long enough to see the CPU go to sleep).

The Pro & SL models are actually wireless (people forget that) it's just their range is only a few inches and hence the receiver is mounted on the stay near the hub and then a wire tranmits the signal to the CPU which must then be properly attached to the harness.

Now in wet weather, sometimes water can interfere with the signal by getting on the harness pins. That's readily fixed by a small dab of dielectic grease or vaseline. I have ridden through many a downpour with no problems.

As for bearings and hub design, well PTs are not the greatest in that respect and like any hub, they will require a service eventually, probably sooner than a normal high quality hub would. Those who are mechanically minded could probably replace the bearings themselves although it is usually recommended it go back to Saris for service (which they are exceelent at providing).

I'd say the only other consideration is one of future proofing, with wireless models most likely to have a longer service support window (we are talking many years here).

Alex Simmons said:

The "new" Pro, the SL and the SL 2.4 essentially are the same from a mechanical build POV. They are water tight. The old Pro (no longer sold nor serviced by Saris) did tend to have water issues sometimes (but there were ways to fix or reduce that).

The difference between them is in the weight of materials used (not that big a deal but the Pro is a bit heavier than the SL models) and the option of needing a wiring harness or not.

With wireless, you can have the CPU in your back pocket if you want (but being out of sight, you'd miss if there were any reception problems long enough to see the CPU go to sleep).

The Pro & SL models are actually wireless (people forget that) it's just their range is only a few inches and hence the receiver is mounted on the stay near the hub and then a wire tranmits the signal to the CPU which must then be properly attached to the harness.

Now in wet weather, sometimes water can interfere with the signal by getting on the harness pins. That's readily fixed by a small dab of dielectic grease or vaseline. I have ridden through many a downpour with no problems.

As for bearings and hub design, well PTs are not the greatest in that respect and like any hub, they will require a service eventually, probably sooner than a normal high quality hub would. Those who are mechanically minded could probably replace the bearings themselves although it is usually recommended it go back to Saris for service (which they are exceelent at providing).

I'd say the only other consideration is one of future proofing, with wireless models most likely to have a longer service support window (we are talking many years here).

Cool, thanks for all the info!

Felt_Rider said:

Thinking about joining the power users 😕 🙂
If you get one before me I will be envious 🙂

Within the next couple weeks I will begin training like the rest of the PM family with real data and no longer having to use perception for the zones.

"power newbie"

I just got one..PT pro on a DT Swiss rim.

It doesn't work.

I am able to use it in "cyclecomputer" mode, meaning it will receive heartrate from the wireless strap, and speed/cadence from the magnetic wired sensors, but the hub provides no data. At this time, it is essentially a very expensive heartrate monitor/cyclecomputer. I'm not very happy.

I called Saris for help, and they are sending me a replacement sharkfin. Hopefully that will solve the issue. If not, then I assume the next step will be to ship the wheel back to them to have the hub fixed. I have already changed the batteries. The original batteries were fine (tested at above 1.5v each on my voltmeter) and the brand new replacement batteries fixed nothing.

Personally, I am quite frustrated at the concept of a product that costs this much and does not work at all. Products certainly do fail from wear and tear, but there is no excuse for a brand-new product that fails to perform its intended function. They should be tested for proper functioning before they leave the factory. As far as the possibility of something "going wrong" with the hub during the wheelbuilding phase... I don't buy it. These things are supposed to be designed to withstand many hours of punishment outdoors among bumps, high torque loads and rain without failure. Building a wheel around the hub would seem to be the lightest of treatment.

I was thinking of trying to return the whole thing and just getting back my money, but I really really do want to start training with power. Therefore, I am going to be patient.

My main issue with all of this is I cannot stand my time being wasted (unless I am the one doing the wasting! lol)

jD_Empath said:

I just got one..PT pro on a DT Swiss rim.

It doesn't work.

I am able to use it in "cyclecomputer" mode, meaning it will receive heartrate from the wireless strap, and speed/cadence from the magnetic wired sensors, but the hub provides no data. At this time, it is essentially a very expensive heartrate monitor/cyclecomputer. I'm not very happy.

I called Saris for help, and they are sending me a replacement sharkfin. Hopefully that will solve the issue. If not, then I assume the next step will be to ship the wheel back to them to have the hub fixed. I have already changed the batteries. The original batteries were fine (tested at above 1.5v each on my voltmeter) and the brand new replacement batteries fixed nothing.

Personally, I am quite frustrated at the concept of a product that costs this much and does not work at all. Products certainly do fail from wear and tear, but there is no excuse for a brand-new product that fails to perform its intended function. They should be tested for proper functioning before they leave the factory. As far as the possibility of something "going wrong" with the hub during the wheelbuilding phase... I don't buy it. These things are supposed to be designed to withstand many hours of punishment outdoors among bumps, high torque loads and rain without failure. Building a wheel around the hub would seem to be the lightest of treatment.

I was thinking of trying to return the whole thing and just getting back my money, but I really really do want to start training with power. Therefore, I am going to be patient.

My main issue with all of this is I cannot stand my time being wasted (unless I am the one doing the wasting! lol)

Just checking but you won't get any power data in cyclocomputer mode. It has to be in power mode.

Alex Simmons said:

Just checking but you won't get any power data in cyclocomputer mode. It has to be in power mode.

I read the manual.

Trust me, I might make some ID-10-T errors but that was NOT one of them.

Are there any features that are only available on the SL and SL2.4 that are not available on the Pro?

I'm kinda leaning to a Pro on a DT1.1 rim, 32 spoke, 3X lacing mainly cause I don't mind the extra 90grams (or so) and the cable, plus the steel cassette body may be a little less troublesome in the long run than a generic alloy bodied one. My American Classic alloy cassette body is looking a little rough despite using the correct shims to spread the load as it where....

I got about 25lbs to lose and have cranks that could double as the monoliths at Stonehenge so 90 grams aint that important for training :P

I'm just about in Swampy.
Received an older PT Pro today, dropped off the bike at the shop and they guys are going to set it up on the bike while I'm out of town and throw on some new Michelin Pro3's. Like you I am not too concerned with bike component weight as I have plenty of room to drop body weight instead.

I hope to record my first ride on August 2nd at a fast century, which will be cool to compare this year's numbers to next year at the same century if I get to repeat.

I'm not as strong as you guys, but my goal is to break sub-five hour century on August 2nd.

swampy1970 said:

Are there any features that are only available on the SL and SL2.4 that are not available on the Pro?

The Pro & SL use the same CPU and firmware. The 2.4 has a different CPU. Apart from the wireless, the functions are identical.

Some older wired model CPUs (not the very old dark grey units) have half the memory capacity of others (7.5 vs 15 hrs on 1 sec recording) and some have an upgraded HR sensor which apparently works better.

Despite what the manual says, there really is no way to tell from the appearance of a CPU what it's memory capacity is though.

What about the customer service in Europe?Good, bad?Thanks🙂

EDIT: What if I have a Campy group and the PT is for Shimano? Is there a solution, execpt for changing the whole hub?

MIHECH said:

What about the customer service in Europe?Good, bad?Thanks🙂

EDIT: What if I have a Campy group and the PT is for Shimano? Is there a solution, execpt for changing the whole hub?

Just swap the freehub, an apparently simple job.

UPDATE: they sent me a replacement shark fin sensor, and now the thing works! yay!

after one ride it seems to be functioning pretty well...

jD_Empath said:

UPDATE: they sent me a replacement shark fin sensor, and now the thing works! yay!

after one ride it seems to be functioning pretty well...

As I dont want to open a new thread, I will post my question here. Is there a chance to use the Powertap PRO with a campy equipment?

Thanks🙂

their website says you can buy a kit to change the cassette body on the pro

update: actually you have to buy a special cassette ... ick

MIHECH said:

As I dont want to open a new thread, I will post my question here. Is there a chance to use the Powertap PRO with a campy equipment?

Thanks🙂

Old style Pro (cover held on by two screws)= conversion cassette.
New style Pro (looks the same as SL)= Campy freehub body.

TF