CycleOps PowerTap SL Owner's Manual
PowerTap SL
OWNER’S MANUAL
2
Copyright
Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied,
photographed, reproduced, translated, transmitted electronically or placed on digital media
without the prior written consent of Saris Cycling Group, Inc.
Trademarks
Saris Cycling Group, Inc , PowerTap and the PowerTap logo, are all registered
trademarks of Saris Cycling Group, Inc. All other product, brand, or trade names
used in this manual may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective owners.
Modifications
Saris Cycling Group, Inc reserves the right to make improvements and/or updates to the products described herein at any time without notice.
FCC Statement of Compliance:
"This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation."
The term "IC:" before the radio certification number only signifies that Industry Canada technical
specifications were met.
Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance with FCC regulations (the manufacturer) could void the user's authority to operate
the equipment.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a normal installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation
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About This Manual
Thank you for your purchase of the CycleOps PowerTap SL. PowerTap technology is the ultimate
measure of performance by providing real-time feedback on your training intensity. No other
equipment will give you greater performance return on your investment.
This manual describes the proper use and maintenance of the PowerTap SL. Every
person, inde-
pendent of skill level, should read at least PRECAUSTION: IMPORTANT prior to use of the
PowerTap.
DEFINITIONS
Bold
Letters - Bring special attention to important points and that should be read and under-
stood prior to using the PowerTap.
Italicized Letters - Indicate reference to another section of the manual where further explanations are found.
This manual describes the functions of the PowerTap SL and the information provided may not
apply to all PowerTap models. For the most current owners manual available please consult
CycleOps at www.cycleops.com.
Table of Contents
About this Manual
Precautions: Impor tant.....5
System Overview.....7
The PowerTap System.....7
Preparing for Installation.....7
Compatibility.....8
Wheel Building.....8
System Installation.....9
General Computer Operation.....12
Display Levels.....12
Display Modes.....12
Bu
ttons.....12
Power Conservation.....13
Computer Navigation.....14
Power Function.....14
Torq ue Function.....15
Zero Torque.....15
Speed Function.....16
Multi-Function.....17
Cycle Computer Mode.....18
Heart Rate Monitor Mode.....20
Interval Mode.....21
Interval Memory Mode.....22
Compute
r Setup.....23
Computer Setup Main Menu.....23
Computer Setup 1.....24
Computer Setup 2.....27
Computer Setup 3.....28
Computer Setup 4.....29
4
Maintenance & Specifications.....31
Bearings.....31
Freehub.....31
Freehub Replacement.....31
Computer Batteries.....33
Technical Specifications.....33
Range of Measurement.....33
Hub Batteries.....34
Battery Replacement.....34
Test Mode.....35
Trouble Shooting.....37
Glossary.....39
Precautions: Important
• Before beginning any exercise program, consult your physician.
• Keep your eyes on the road. Do not
become overly engaged with the PowerTap display.
We recommend familiarizing yourself with computer functions while stationary.
• The computer, receiver, and hub are water resistant, not
water proof. Avoid sustained water
contact and do not deliberately place the PowerTap or its components in water or under high-
pressure sprays. Therefore caution should be used when riding in rain. Following such rides,
special precautions should be taken including removing the PowerTap plastic twist cap and
allowing the hub
to air dry.
• Wash off dirt with a cloth soaked in a weak mixture of neutral detergent and water and wipe
excess water off with a dry cloth Avoid spraying the unit directly with solvent mixture.Do not
use thinner or other solvents to clean parts as they may dissolve the plastic console casings.
• If you are not familiar with bike maintenance please contact a professional bicycle mechanic
before servicing. The power measuring components of the PowerTap are highly complex and
should only be serviced by Saris Cycling Group.
• The plastic cover on the hub should be removed only when replacing batteries or when
allowing the unit to dry after submersion in water. Repeated disassembly may compromise the
effectiveness of the O-ring seals. O-rings should be inspected and replaced if necessary when
ever the battery cover is removed. Use a light coating of grease when reinstalling the battery
cap on the O-rings.
•
During the course of repair do not remove the torque tube. There are no serviceable parts
inside. Special tools are required for reassembly and calibration. If problems are suspected
contact Saris Cycling Group directly at 800-783-7257 (001 608 274 6550).
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Precautions: Important, cont.
• The PowerTap wheel does not include a quick release skewer. CycleOps recommends using a
steel skewer.
• Both sides of the PowerTap should be built using a 3x spoke lacing pattern. Because of the
design of the PowerTap, torque is transmitted through the hub to the non-drive side. For
additional questions please consult WHEEL BUILDING.
• Electromagnetic interference, such as interference caused by high power lines or additional
magnets on the bicycle, may briefly disrupt the communication between the hub, chest strap
and computer. To minimize this interference remove all
other magnets from the bicycle,
including those mounted on the front wheel.
• Failure to adhere to these precautions may cause premature failure or incorrect operation of
the unit and may void the warranty. Please register your PowerTap at www.cycleops.com.
IMPORTANT:
For your safety, the non-drive side of the PowerTap hub must be built with at least a 2x lacing
pattern. Because of the patented PowerTap design, torque is transferred through the hub to the
non-drive side. Failure to adhere to this precaution will void the warranty.
6
System Overview
THE POWER TAP SYSTEM
The PowerTap system includes a power-measuring hub which measures torque and wheel
speed. This information is transmitted via digital radio frequency to a receiver mounted on the
rear seat stay. The receiver transfers the data via a wired signal to a computer mounted on the
handlebar or stem. Heart rate data is transferred via A non-coded telemetry signal from the chest
strap monitor. The data is then integrated to display current, average, and maximum biometric
information.
PREPARING FOR INSTALLATION
The PowerTap SL hub comes either alone or in a pre-built wheel. If purchased alone, th
e hub
must be built into a complete wheel prior to use. Other items necessary for installation and not
provided include a cassette, spoke protector, reflectors, skewer, rim strip, tire, and tube (clincher
rim) or glue and tubular tire (tubular rim). See TABLE 1 to verify package contents.
TABLE 1
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1 PowerTap hub (or built wheel)
1 PowerTap computer
1 Receiver
1 Chest strap
4 Foam mounting tapes
12 Cable ties
1Training With Power guide by CTS
1 Product registration card
1 PowerLink Lite CD
1Link cable
1 Cadence Magnet (
Pro Model Only)
10 Cadence Sensor Cable Ties
1Extra CPU Battery
QtyItem
Package Contents
System Overview cont.
COMPATABILITY
The PowerTap SL hub is compatible with Shimano 8, 9, and 10 speed systems or Campagnolo 8,
9, and 10 speed systems. Freehub bodies may be interchanged. Reference FREEHUB
REPLACEMENT for further instructions.
The PowerTap is available in 130mm and 135mm axle lengths. Only insert t
he correctly spaced
PowerTap hub into your frame. For example, only use a 130mm-spaced hub in a 130mm road
frame. Do not force the hub into any frame. Doing so may cause failure of the frame, hub, or both,
and will void the warranty. Contact your dealer or Saris Cycling Group to address any special
compatibility concerns.
WHEEL BUILDING
Contact a wheel building professional or dealer for assistance in building the PowerTap SL wheel
if not purchased as a complete wheel. Both sides of the PowerTap should be built using only a 3x
spoke lacing pattern. Due to the design of the hub, the load pattern is not the same as
a conven-
tional hub. Slotting the hub flanges to accommodate bladed spokes is not recommended and
will void the warranty. Complete wheel building hub dimensions are listed in TABLE 2.
Reference a spoke-length calculator to determine
proper spoke length.
TABLE 2 - Wheel Building Dimensions
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IMPORTANT:
For your safety, the non-drive side of
the PowerTap hub must be built with
at least a 2x lacing pattern. Because of
the patented PowerTap design, torque
is transferred through the hub to the
non-drive side. Failure to adhere to
this precaution will void the warranty.
9
FIGURE 1
System Overview cont.
SYSTEM INSTALLATION
1. Insert Wheel Into Frame
Insert the PowerTap SL wheel into the frame. Mak e sure the
axel is correctly positioned in the dropouts and secure the
wheel in place with a steel skewer.
2. Attach Receiver to Seat Stay
Attach the Shark Fin receiver a maximum of 3 inches
from the PowerTap hub using cable ties. If necessary,
rotate receiver to within 5 degrees of parallel with the
hub battery cover before tightening cable ties. (FIGURE 1)
3. Attach Computer Harness to Handlebar or Stem
The receiver shoe can be mounted on either the handlebar or stem. Secure the receiver shoe
with cable ties.
Slide the receiver shoe in the direction of the arrow as depicted in either FIGURE
2A or 2B depending on mounting location.
Receiver Shoe
Mounting Base
Arrow
Cadence
wire
Receiver Shoe
Mounting Base
Arrow
Cadence
wire
Slide shoe in direction of arrow onto the base.
Slide shoe in direction of arrow onto the base.
2A. Attach Receiver mount to Handlebar
2B. Attach Receiver mount to Stem
4. Install Cadence Wire (Optional)
Cadence can be measured via two methods, wired
(pedal) and wireless (hub). To measure cadenced via the
wired method install the pedal cadence wire and the
cadence magnet to the crank arm. Ensure the center of
the magnet passes the wired end of the sensor unit. Do
not
center the magnet in relation to the sensor (FIGURE
4). No installation is required for the wireless cadence
method. See COMPUTER SETUP 4 to correctly configure
the computer for the chosen method of cadence determination.
5. Pla
ce Computer into Receiver Shoe
Place the computer into the mounting shoe on the handlebar or stem.
Line up the slots on the base of the computer with the bracket and slide
computer toward the rider (FIGURE 5). NOTE: Ensure the computer is
fully inserted onto the receiver shoe for proper data transmission.
6. Heart Rate Monitor Strap
Position the heart rate monitor strap on your torso as pictur
ed in
FIGURE 6. The strap should rest just beneath the pectoralis muscles
of the chest. For best results slightly moisten the electrodes where
contact is made with skin. The heart rate strap must
be worn to
enable the heart rate function. NOTE: The chest strap for the
PowerTap SL uses a non-coded frequency and is not compatible
with other manufacturer’s chest straps.
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Cadence
Wire
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 6
7. Verify Installation
Check to make sure all components are properly secured. Spin
the rear wheel and verify that in the upper left hand corner of the
computer the transmission icon illuminates (FIGURE 7). This indicates the hub is properly transmitting a signal to the receiver and
computer. If the trans mission icon is not illuminated consult
TROUBLESHOOTING for further instructions.
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FIGURE 7
General Computer Operation
DISPLAY LEVELS
The computer has three (3) main display levels:
Top • Power
Middle • Speed
Bottom • Multi-Function
Display
NOTE: These locations only apply to trip and
interval modes and does not
apply to Cycle Computer
or Heart Rate Monitor Function. See COMPUTER SETUP 4
to customize display options.
DISPLAY MODES
The computer has two (2) main modes of operation:
1) Trip
2) Interval
Hold [MODE] to toggle between display modes.
BUTTONS
There are two (2) buttons on the computer:
1) [Mode]
2) [Select]
NOTE: [BRACKETED] words indicate buttons.
There are fiv
e (5) types of button presses:
1) Press [MODE] or [SELECT] - a single press and release of either [MODE] or [SELECT].
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TRANS.
ICON
INTERVAL
DISPLAY
MODE (LEFT)
POWER
DISPLAY
SPEED
DISPLAY
MULTI
DISPLAY
BOTH
SELECT (RIGHT)
Changes active
mode
Clear data
Enter setup
Select function
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