I’ve always been reluctant to use either of our PowerTap wheels because they are so darn heavy. We’ve got the older, 32-hole PowerTap standard hubs built up on Mavic Open Pro’s. They’re fine for training but they’re neither light nor aerodynamic. They’re both almost 5 years old and for the last few months one of them has been dropping power sporadically. I knew the inevitable was coming and a couple weeks ago, it finally died.

So I called Saris and they gave us the option to “upgrade” to a complete SL system (including new coded HR strap) for a price we couldn’t refuse! I de-laced the wheel and sent in our bad hub. The rim was still good and so I’ll eventually walk it over to our second PowerTap hub. The rim on that one has a nasty dip in it and goes out of true regularly (too bad it wasn’t this hub that died!).

I did a bunch of research on what to build up and who to build it. I decided to go with SpeedDream (aka, Dave’s Wheels). I called around and Dave seemed the most knowledgable and has experience with PowerTap hubs, which have some unique requirements. In talking with him, we decided on a 24-hole XR300 rim with Sapim CX Ray spokes (non-drive) and DT spokes drive-side, both 3x pattern…and all black. I was even able to get a black, 24-hole hub from Saris…score! I thought all the black ones went to Bontrager!?

Well, today I received the wheel and it’s sweet! It weighs in at 1008 grams, without rim strip or skewer. You can’t call it a lightweight, but it is definitely lighter than what it is replacing. Plus, the XR300 rim is 30mm deep, so in conjunction with using only 24 spokes, it should be more aerodynamic. I tested it out today with some new Panaracer tires and it felt great! The other plus is the bearings are actually smooth. So from here on out I’ll be racing more with a PowerTap than previously. That means I’ll be bringing home some nice data from the Tour of Walla Walla this weekend!