CycleOps PowerTap SL User 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 prod-
ucts 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

3
About This Manual
Thank you for your purchase of theCycleOpsPowerTap SL. PowerTap technology istheultimate
measureof performance by providing real-timefeedback onyour training intensity. No other
equipment will giveyou greater performance returnonyour investment.
Thismanual describes theproper use and maintenance of thePowerTap SL. Every person, inde-
pendent of skill level,should read atleast 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 explana-
tions 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
AboutthisManual
Precautions: Important.....5
System Overview.....7
ThePowerTap System.....7
Preparing for Installation.....7
Compatibility.....8
Wheel Building.....8
System Installation.....9
General Computer Operation.....12
Display Levels.....12
Display Modes.....12
Buttons.....12
Power Conservation.....13
Computer Navigation.....14
Power Function.....14
TorqueFunction.....15
Zero Torque.....15
Speed Function.....16
Multi-Function.....17
CycleComputer Mode.....18
HeartRate Monitor Mode.....20
Interval Mode.....21
Interval Memory Mode.....22
Computer Setup.....23
Computer Setup MainMenu.....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
Rangeof Measurement.....33
Hub Batteries.....34
Battery Replacement.....34
Test Mode.....35
TroubleShooting.....37
Glossary.....39

Precautions: Important
• Beforebeginning any exercise program,consultyour physician.
• Keep your eyes ontheroad. Do notbecomeoverly engaged with thePowerTap display.
Werecommend familiarizing yourself with computer functions whilestationary.
• Thecomputer,receiver,and hub arewater resistant, notwater proof. Avoid sustained water
contact and do notdeliberately place thePowerTap or its components inwateror under high-
pressuresprays. Thereforecautionshould beused when riding inrain. Following such rides,
special precautions should betaken including removing thePowerTap plastictwist cap and
allowing thehub to air dry.
• Wash off dirtwith a cloth soaked ina weak mixtureof neutral detergent and water and wipe
excess water off with a dry clothAvoid spraying theunitdirectly with solvent mixture.Donot
use thinner or other solvents to cleanparts asthey may dissolvetheplasticconsolecasings.
• If you arenotfamiliar with bikemaintenance please contact a professional bicyclemechanic
beforeservicing. Thepower measuring components of thePowerTap arehighly complex and
should only beserviced by SarisCycling Group.
• Theplasticcover onthehub should beremoved only when replacing batteries or when
allowing theunitto dry after submersioninwater. Repeated disassembly may compromise the
effectiveness of theO-ring seals. O-ringsshould beinspected and replaced if necessary when
ever thebattery cover isremoved. Use a lightcoating of grease when reinstalling thebattery
cap ontheO-rings.
• During thecourse of repair do notremovethetorquetube. Thereareno serviceableparts
inside. Special toolsarerequired for reassembly and calibration. If problemsaresuspected
contact SarisCycling Group directly at800-783-7257 (001 608 274 6550).
5

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 POWERTAPSYSTEM
ThePowerTap system includes a power-measuring hub which measures torqueand wheel
speed. Thisinformationistransmitted via digital radio frequency to a receiver mounted onthe
rear seatstay. Thereceiver transfersthedata via a wired signal to a computer mounted onthe
handlebar or stem. Heartrate data istransferred via A non-coded telemetry signal from thechest
strap monitor. Thedata isthen integrated to display current, average, and maximum biometric
information.
PREPARING FORINSTALLATION
ThePowerTap SL hub comes either alone or ina pre-builtwheel. If purchased alone, thehub
must bebuiltinto a complete wheel prior to use. Other itemsnecessary for installationand not
provided includea cassette, spokeprotector,reflectors, skewer,rim strip,tire, and tube(clincher
rim) or glueand tubular tire(tubular rim). See TABLE 1 to verify packagecontents.
TABLE 1
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1PowerTap hub (or builtwheel)
1PowerTap computer
1Receiver
1Chest strap
4 Foam mounting tapes
12 Cableties
1Training With Power guideby CTS
1Product registrationcard
1PowerLink Lite CD
1Link cable
1 Cadence Magnet (Pro Model Only)
10 Cadence Sensor CableTies
1Extra CPU Battery
QtyItem
PackageContents

System Overview cont.
COMPATABILITY
ThePowerTap SL hub iscompatiblewith Shimano 8,9,and 10 speed systemsor Campagnolo 8,
9,and 10 speed systems. Freehub bodies may beinterchanged. Reference FREEHUB
REPLACEMENT for further instructions.
The PowerTap is available in 130mm and 135mm axle lengths. Only insertthecorrectly spaced
PowerTap hub into your frame. For example, only use a 130mm-spaced hub ina 130mm road
frame. Do notforce thehub into any frame. Doing so may cause failureof theframe, hub,or both,
and will void thewarranty. Contact your dealer or SarisCycling Group to address any special
compatibility concerns.
WHEEL BUILDING
Contact a wheel building professional or dealer for assistance inbuilding thePowerTap SL wheel
if notpurchased asa complete wheel. Both sides of the PowerTap should be built using only a 3x
spoke lacing pattern. Dueto thedesignof thehub,theload patternisnotthesameasa conven-
tional hub. Slotting thehub flanges to accommodate bladed spokes isnotrecommended and
will void thewarranty. Complete wheel building hub dimensions arelisted inTABLE 2.
Reference a spoke-length calculator to determine proper spokelength.
TABLE 2 - Wheel Building Dimensions
8
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. InsertWheel Into Frame
InsertthePowerTap SL wheel into theframe. Makesurethe
axel iscorrectly positioned inthedropouts and securethe
wheel inplace with a steel skewer.
2. Attach Receiver to SeatStay
Attach theShark Finreceiver a maximum of 3 inches
from thePowerTap hub using cableties. If necessary,
rotate receiver to within5 degrees of parallel with the
hub battery cover beforetightening cableties. (FIGURE 1)
3. Attach Computer Harness to Handlebar or Stem
Thereceiver shoecanbemounted oneither thehandlebar or stem. Securethereceiver shoe
with cableties. Slidethereceiver shoeinthedirectionof thearrow asdepicted ineither FIGURE
2A or 2B depending onmounting 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 canbemeasured via two methods, wired
(pedal) and wireless (hub). To measurecadenced via the
wired method install thepedal cadence wireand the
cadence magnet to thecrank arm. Ensurethecenter of
themagnet passes thewired end of thesensor unit. Do
notcenter themagnet inrelationto thesensor (FIGURE
4). No installationisrequired for thewireless cadence
method. See COMPUTER SETUP 4 to correctly configure
thecomputer for thechosen method of cadence deter-
mination.
5. Place Computer into Receiver Shoe
Place thecomputer into themounting shoeonthehandlebar or stem.
Line up theslots onthebase of thecomputer with thebracket and slide
computer toward therider (FIGURE 5). NOTE: Ensurethecomputer is
fully inserted onto thereceiver shoefor proper data transmission.
6. HeartRate Monitor Strap
Positiontheheartrate monitor strap onyour torso aspictured in
FIGURE 6. Thestrap should rest just beneath thepectoralismuscles
of thechest. For best results slightly moisten theelectrodes where
contact ismadewith skin. Theheartrate strap must bewornto
enabletheheartrate function. NOTE: Thechest strap for the
PowerTap SL uses a non-coded frequency and isnotcompatible
with other manufacturer’schest straps.
10
Cadence
Wire
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 6

7. Verify Installation
Check to makesureall components areproperly secured. Spin
therear wheel and verify thatintheupper lefthand corner of the
computer thetransmissioniconilluminates (FIGURE 7). Thisindi-
cates thehub isproperly transmitting a signal to thereceiver and
computer. If thetransmissioniconisnotilluminated consult
TROUBLESHOOTING for further instructions.
11
FIGURE 7

General Computer Operation
DISPLAY LEVELS
Thecomputer hasthree (3) maindisplay levels:
Top • Power
Middle • Speed
Bottom • Multi-Function
Display
NOTE: These locations only apply to trip and
interval modes and does notapply to CycleComputer
or HeartRate Monitor Function. See COMPUTER SETUP 4
to customizedisplay options.
DISPLAY MODES
Thecomputer hastwo (2) mainmodes of operation:
1) Trip
2) Interval
Hold [MODE] to togglebetween display modes.
BUTTONS
Therearetwo (2) buttons onthecomputer:
1) [Mode]
2) [Select]
NOTE: [BRACKETED] words indicate buttons.
Therearefive(5) types of buttonpresses:
1) Press [MODE] or [SELECT] - a single press and release of either [MODE] or [SELECT].
12
TRANS.
ICON
INTERVAL
DISPLAY
MODE (LEFT)
POWER
DISPLAY
SPEED
DISPLAY
MULTI
DISPLAY
BOTH SELECT (RIGHT)
Changes active
mode
Clear data
Enter setup
Select function

2) Hold [MODE] or [SELECT] - a single button press and hold of either [MODE] or
[SELECT] for 2 sec.
3) Press [MODE] and [SELECT] - simultaneously press and release of both [MODE] and
[SELECT].
4) Hold [MODE] and [SELECT] - simultaneously press and hold both [MODE] and
[SELECT] for 2 sec. NOTE: Continuing to hold longer than 2 sec. will clear all data.
5) Extended Hold [MODE] and [SELECT] - simultaneously press and hold of both
[MODE] and [SELECT] for greater than 5 sec.
POWERCONSERVATION
Thecomputer and hub havepower saving features to prolong battery life. Thecomputer powers
downthedisplay after four (4) minutes of inactivity. Press either [MODE] or [SELECT] to activate
thedisplay. Similarly,thehub powersdownafter two (2) minutes of inactivity. Thetransmission
iconwill notbevisiblewhen thehub isasleep. To wakethehub spinthewheel and verify the
transmissioniconisilluminated.
13

Computer Navigation
POWERFUNCTION
Thetop level of themaindisplay showscurrent, max, and averagepower readings.
1) Press [MODE] to scroll thecursor to thetop line of themaindisplay
2) Press [SELECT] to togglethrough thepower functionoptions.
For accurate power readingsitisimportant to frequently zero thetorque, see ZERO TORQUE.
Current Power
Power isdisplayed inwatts from 0-1999 in1 watt increments. Current power
readingsaredisplayed only when theword “WATTS” appearsbelow thetop line
(FIGURE 9). NOTE: If “WATTS” does notappear under thetop line thecomputer is
intheCycleComputer Function. To returnto power readingssee CYCLE
COMPUTER MODE.
Maximum Power
Both “WATTS” and “MX” displayed simultaneously indicate thehighest recorded
power outputsince thelast timethedata wascleared intrip modeor theselected
interval ininterval mode. (FIGURE 10)
AveragePower
Both “WATTS” and “AVG” displayed simultaneously indicate theaveragepower
outputsince thelast timethedata wascleared intrip modeor theselected
interval ininterval mode. (FIGURE 11)
14
365
25
58.I0
WATTS3
MI
D
849
25
58.I0
MX WATTS 3
MI
D
I95
25
58.I0
3
MI
D
AV WATTS
FIGURE 9
FIGURE 10
FIGURE 11

TORQUE FUNCTION
Showsthetorqueplaced onthehub ininch-pounds. To display torque
intrip mode:
1) Press [MODE] to scroll thecursor to thetop line of themaindisplay.
2) Press [SELECT] until thecurrent power functionisdisplayed.
3) Hold [SELECT] until theword ‘WATTS” begins to flash. A blinking “WATTS” display indicates
thetorquefunctioniscurrently displayed.
4) Press [SELECT] to returnto thecurrent power function. (FIGURE 12).
3
MI
D
000
25
58.I0
15
FIGURE 12

SPEED FUNCTION
Themiddlelevel of themaindisplay showscurrent, max, and averagespeed readings.
1) Press [MODE] to scroll thecursor to themiddleline of themaindisplay.
2) Press [SELECT] to togglethrough thespeed functionoptions.
Current Speed
Speed isdisplayed ineither miles per hour (MI) or kilometersper hour (KM) up to
99.9 mi/hr or km/hr in0.1 mi/hr or km/hr increments. Current speed readingsare
displayed when only “MI” or “KM” appearsbelow themiddleline. (FIGURE 13)
Maximum Speed
Either “MI” or “KM” and “MX” displayed simultaneously indicate thehighest record-
ed speed since thelast timedata wascleared intrip modeor theselected interval
ininterval mode. (FIGURE 14)
AveragePower
Either “MI” or “KM” and “AVG” displayed simultaneously indicate theaverage
recorded speed since thelast timedata wascleared intrip modeor theselected
interval ininterval mode. (FIGURE 15)
16
365
25
58.I0
WATTS3
MI
D
365
33
58.I0
WATTS
7
MX MI
D
365
20
58.I0
3
AV MI
D
WATTS
FIGURE 13
FIGURE 14
FIGURE 15

MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAY
Distance (D)
Total trip or theselected interval distance ininterval modeisdisplayed inmiles or
kilometersfrom 0.00 to 999.99 (FIGURE 16).
1) Press [MODE] to scroll thecursor to thebottom line of themaindisplay.
2) Press [SELECT] to togglethrough themulti-functiondisplaysuntil the“D” iconisdisplayed.
NOTE: Distance isdisplayed inthesameunits asspeed.
Trip Timeand Timeof Day (T)
Total trip time, interval time, and timeof day isdisplayed to 9:59:59 (FIGURE 17).
1) Press [MODE] to scroll thecursor to thebottom line of themaindisplay.
2) Press [SELECT] to togglethrough themulti-functiondisplaysuntil the“T”iconis
displayed.
3) Whileintrip timehold [SLECET] to access thereal timeclock.
4) Hold [SELECT] to returnto trip or interval time.
NOTE: Auto startand stop with rotationof thewheel isthedefaultsetting. To customizeauto
startand stop see COMPUTER STETUP 4.
365
25
58.I0
WATTS3
MI
365
25
2.5 I.43
WATTS
3
MI
T
D
FIGURE 16
FIGURE 17

Cadence (C)
Cadence canbemeasured via two methods, wired (pedal) and wireless (hub).
Wired cadence utilizes a magnet placed onthecrank arm and wireless isdeter-
mined by natural power differences inthepedal stroke. Therate of pedaling is
shownfrom 20 to 240 RPM.
1) Press [MODE] to scroll thecursor to thebottom line of themaindisplay.
2) Press [SELECT] to togglethrough themulti-functiondisplaysuntil the“C” iconisdisplayed.
(FIGURE 18)
18
365
25
89
WATTS3
MI
C
FIGURE 18

AverageCadence (C& AVG)
Theaveragecadence displaysdata since thelast timedata wascleared intrip
modeor theselected interval ininterval mode. Averagecadence isdisplayed in
RPM.
1) Press [MODE] to scroll thecursor to thebottom line of themaindisplay.
2) Press [SELECT] to togglethrough themulti-functiondisplaysuntil the“C” and
“AVG” isdisplayed. (FIGURE 19)
Energy Expenditure(E)
Thetotal work done over thecourse of thetrip or interval isshowninkilojoules.
Thisvalueisa measureof thetotal energy expended over thecourse of your ride.
Thisisroughly equivalent to dietary calories expended.
1) Press [MODE] to scroll thecursor to thebottom line of themaindisplay.
2) Press [SELECT] to togglethrough themulti-functiondisplaysuntil the“E” isdis-
played. (FIGURE 20)
Odometer (O)
Total accumulated distance traveled since thelast system reset isdisplayed in
miles or kilometers. To manually inputtheyour odometer reading see COMPUTER
SETUP 1.
1) Press [MODE] to scroll thecursor to thebottom line of themaindisplay.
2) Press [SELECT] to togglethrough themulti-functiondisplaysuntil the“O”
isdisplayed. (FIGURE 21)
19
365
25
76
WATTS
3
MI
C AV
365
25
2009
WATTS
3
MI
E
365
25
2584
WATTS3
MI
O
FIGURE 19
FIGURE 20
FIGURE 21

HeartRate ()
Current heartrate isshownup to 255 beats per minute (BMP). You must wear the
heartrate chest strap to enabletheheartrate measurement function. NOTE: The
PowerTap SL uses a non-coded chest strap.
1) Press [MODE] to scroll thecursor to thebottom line of themaindisplay.
2) Press [SELECT] to togglethrough themulti-functiondisplaysuntil the“”is
displayed. (FIGURE 22)
20
365
25
I72
WATTS 3
MI
FIGURE 22