Ignorance is Bliss

[BBQcyclist]

I had 3 PPs. One died, now have 2 left.

I was constantly under the impression one of my PP's was under-reporting power values - but was chalking it up to less riding, de-conditioning etc.

Until I got a pair of Assioma pedals - just for fun and for comparision.

Wow. "Knowledge is Power" (Sir Francis Bacon).

Now I definitely know that I was putting out more power than the PP was reporting, while before I was oblivious - even though my gut instinct was that the power values reported by this PP were off.

I tested it today and have attached post-ride pics of 2 Garmin head unit summaries, showing the differences. (Note: Upper L unit is Assioma pedals, lower R unit is the PP).
Same exact anomalies happened on 2 different rides in September - which I also took pics of with Garmin headunit summary screens - however, curiously those ride files are not showing up in my Isaac for Windows app files. I can nonetheless still attach those pics if you wish

I have attached today's PP ride file for your perusal and hopefully helpful advice & solution please.

Regards,

[BBQcyclist]

Was not able to attach more than 2 pics - even after resizing them, therefore am attaching them (2 more pics) here:

[Velocomp]

Your wind sensor is not functioning properly. It is under-reporting wind. This is the cause of your low watts.

Please email technicalsupport@velocomp.com for next steps.

[BBQcyclist]

Another one bites the dust:

Dear John,

I really, really, REALLY wanted the Powerpod (PP) powermeter to work, through the past almost 10 years or so.

Specially because I loved my Keywin pedals and did not want to replace them with a pedal-based-powermeter.
Another reason was because I use Campy (10-speed) setups on my 2 bikes - threfore, easily accessible crank-based, after-market pods to attach to cranks and measure power, were not available for Campy cranks. So - the PP seemed perfect to fill my needs.

I've bought several PPs throughout the years - (see attached picture with all the boxes, as proof).

Inevitably and sadly, after a couple of years, each one of them bit the dust:
Either the recharge port would stop charging / or break, or the PP electronics would measure completely inaccurate numbers due to a non-repairable/malfunctioning power-measuring electronic issue in the unit, or the unit would simply die during a ride/not charge, or refuse to connect to the Velocomp Aero software anymore (like the most recent one - see the picture with it still attached to my bike - just before I now replace it with my "Hail Mary attempt" last, unused PP).

I have also sent 2 PPs back to Florida for repairs or replacement - on my dime, after the 1-year warranty was over.

So, to be fair - they all seemed to work decently - after the initial calibration (and sometimes a re-calibration or 2 required, every so often).

However, after 2 or 3 years, the units would inevitably kick the proverbial bucket.

Needless to say - very disappointing and ultimately too expensive - even though initially, it seemed like a decent deal and cost-effective option vs. a pedal-based powermeter.

Last year I caved in, changed my Keywin pedals for Look -style pedals, in order to purchase a pair of Assioma PM pedals, for one of my bikes. It has worked flawlessly to date, without any re-calibration requirements, and one charge lasts for at least 50 hours!!! - without having to use a wonky, old-style USB charging port after every ride (for the PP).

I will now remove the defective PP, to replace it with my last, final PP unit, and see how long this one lasts. If and/or when it also dies, I'll bite the bullet and buy another set of Assiomas for my second bike.

All the best, and many thanks for the funtimes with the PP through the years - while the units worked. The time has unfortunately come for me to move on.

[Velocomp]

Hmm...I have a Newton on my bike that was manufactured 10 years ago. No problems.

I have 2 AP on the same bike that were manufactured 8 years ago...no problems.

I have seen many ride files from customers whose units were manufactured in a comparable time period. No problems.

I ride about 5,000 miles per year. So they all get a good workout

I'm certainly not denying your reports. It would be very interesting to know what kind of riding you do, and under what conditions. The only rule I have for my riding is that i don't go out when it is raining.

I agree with you that the Assioma is a solid product. I have one on my bike and so far it has been trouble-free. But I have more than one bike and I don't have the $$ to get a separate DFPM for each bike, and I refuse to do the manual work of moving the one I have from bike to bike.

By the way: we are about to announce a completely wireless version of PP/AP...no need to connect with a USB cable to your computer! I have loved using the wireless feature...and there more goodies coming too, that I won't yet reveal.

Since you've had problems we will upgrade your unit for wireless for free. email me at jhamann@velocomp.com and let me know if you are interested.