I'm REALLY considering buying a power meter. Best cheap one?
Bhima
Posts: 2,145
I reckon it's probably the best performance aid money can buy. Although, I don't have much money to spend at the moment so have been looking at the cheaper ones.
What baffles me about these ones [LINK] is that they apparently don't require any special installation - they just get mounted on your handlebars and you're off... :shock: How accurate are they?
I really want to get an SRM setup, but you're looking at £1000 minimum last time I checked.
Are there any good ones out there which are below £1000 and how accurate are they?
What's this one like? [LINK]
What baffles me about these ones [LINK] is that they apparently don't require any special installation - they just get mounted on your handlebars and you're off... :shock: How accurate are they?
I really want to get an SRM setup, but you're looking at £1000 minimum last time I checked.
Are there any good ones out there which are below £1000 and how accurate are they?
What's this one like? [LINK]
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Why not rent one and see how you go? They all have their pros and cons so probably best to try one or two and see which you prefer.0
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iBike is cheap and cheerful but SRM or Powertap are the way to go. You can likely pick up a lower end wired SRM for a reasonable price and would sacrifice little in terms of accuracy versus other SRMs. If you have some specific objectives and are prepared to train methodically a PM is very useful.
As suggested above, speak to Bob at www.cyclepowermeters.com and rent one first though. It's not that expensive and will give you a chance to see how you like it. Also get WKO+ so you can make sense of the data. Analytics are limited in the Polar and SRM SW.0 -
I wondered how long it'd be before some saw the iBike
I've been using the latest iBike Pro for about 6 months now. The new GenIII units really are miles better than the iBikes of old. The old problems of bumps causing spikes or tilt errors are gone.
The iBike does take some calibration but once you have it set-up it really works! It's really quite a neat device. As part of the power measuring process it has to measure wind speed/direction, slope etc and you can see all this stuff real time (including TSS, NP etc) and in also in the analysis files later. The files can be imported into WKO or Sportstracks (using free add-ins) too. You can also upload or use built in intervals or fitness tests.
I toyed with a Powertap but frankly I don't want to be tied to a wheel, the weight and cost also put me off. Of course if you do get an iBike you can also use it as a head unit for the Powertap too. I'd say the iBike is a bit more temperamental than a DFPM of course and there is more set-up involved but being able to swap the units easily between bikes is pretty handy.
You'd have to buy it directly from the USA, either Velocomp directly or somewhere like Competitive Cyclist. Service is first class though.
There will be a lot of people saying it can't possibly be accurate, there are some comparions to DFPMs over on the iBike site/forums.
All I know is using the iBike has certainly help me get faster and stronger and surely that's the point after all?0 -
Those look really exciting... Do they still have HRM functionality? If so... SOLD!"In many ways, my story was that of a raging, Christ-like figure who hauled himself off the cross, looked up at the Romans with blood in his eyes and said 'My turn, sock cookers'"
@gietvangent0 -
iBikes have HRM functionality, yes. Everything I've talked about above applies to the iBike Pro. The Aero has even more functionality for time trialists and those with a DFPM.
The iSport doesn't have all the functions I mentioned in my post earlier, although based on the same technology it's basically a get fit tool that measures power.0 -
Powertap for the win! Brilliant...0
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Do you know if the iBike can send power data to a Garmin 705? I've read the info on the iBike site, and it's clear the iBike can receive ANT+ power data, but not clear if it can send it to other devices. They do mention Garmin interoperability, but don't say exactly what interoperability is supported.magliaceleste wrote:I've been using the latest iBike Pro for about 6 months now.
I think it would be a nice idea for the iBike people to offer a really cut down version for people who already have ANT+ HRM, speed, cadence sensors, where all it does is send out ANT+ power data to a head unit like the 705. If they could sell something like that for $400, say, it would be pretty compelling as a solution that would be "good enough" for a lot of purposes, as well as having the advantages you mentioned such as light weight.0 -
Tony williams at Flamme Rouge on Jersey has one for sale, have a look, just chuck flamme rouge into Google.0
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magliaceleste wrote:The iBike does take some calibration but once you have it set-up it really works! It's really quite a neat device. As part of the power measuring process it has to measure wind speed/direction, slope etc and you can see all this stuff real time (including TSS, NP etc) and in also in the analysis files later.
How much calibration?
How does it measure wind? :?
Something about it just doesn't seem right...
I believe that the power meter cranks available measure actual torque generated - how does a powertap system do this, if it's just a hub? I'm not doubting that it works, i'm just baffled at how it works...
Just had a look at some of the powertap hubs - what's the difference between paying £700 for one and £2000 for one? Can you get them cheaper than £700? (That's the lowest i've found).
I have a feeling that the price difference will be to do with saving a few grams. :roll: Not too bothered about that, i'm just looking for the cheapest possible way to measure power.0 -
Someone on another forum has tried an iBike against an SRM and a Powertap and found the iBike was all over the shop and inconsistent due to the measuring of wind (!) and gradient when riding, the SRM and Powertap were very similar to each other and consistent.
This is the first time I have heard positive comment about the iBike to be honest.
I've heard the Polar is OK for average power but for short bursts, for example a 5 second peak, it is not accurate at all.
I got my powertap SL system including the head unit, HR strap, Cadence monitor built onto a Mavic open Pro for 620 quid from Cyclepowermeters.com . It is wired but I'm not in the least bit bothered about that.
It transformed my riding, it really did!
The iBike is better than nowt I suppose, despite it's suggested inaccuracy and inconsistency, if it makes your training more efficient then it is doing something right!0 -
NapoleonD wrote:The iBike is better than nowt I suppose, despite it's suggested inaccuracy and inconsistency, if it makes your training more efficient then it is doing something right!
That's an interesting point. Surely a powermeter that is inaccurate, but consistent will be of benefit. An inconsistent one though...how can that be beneficial?0 -
I wholeheartedly agree APIII. The most important thing is consistency. However, Magliaceleste states that it has helped him/her...0
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NapoleonD wrote:Cyclepowermeters.com
Good website.
I'm looking at this - is it all I need?
http://www.cyclepowermeters.com/powerta ... -471-p.asp
How does it measure cadence without a cadence sensor? (Or is there?)
If it transmits wirelessly, is there any interference? Wnere does the battery go?0 -
You'll need it building on to a wheel.
Battery goes in the black bit on the none drive side of the hub and in the head unit. Doddle to change. (I've done about 1100 miles on mine before I crashed and not needed changing).
There is a cadence sensor, I started using it but then took it off, it can measure cadence at the hub (although less accurately) by fluctuations in the power caused by each pedal stroke.
Can't answr about interference but bearing in mind they are used in the pre peloton I don't think it's an issue.
Give them a bell and see if they have any wired ones left on an Open Pro, they will be much cheaper!0 -
Have you looked at this comparison data?NapoleonD wrote:Someone on another forum has tried an iBike against an SRM and a Powertap and found the iBike was all over the shop and inconsistent due to the measuring of wind (!) and gradient when riding, the SRM and Powertap were very similar to each other and consistent.
This is the first time I have heard positive comment about the iBike to be honest.
http://www.ibikesports.com/documents/Jo ... alysis.pdf
It looks like the iBike is poor for brief high power bursts, but apart from that it looks pretty impressive, "good enough" for many purposes I would say based on that comparison.0 -
No I haven't mainly because I can't be ar5ed!
I'm just going off what numerous people have said on another forum who bought them and were disappointed...0 -
Cool. I was thinking of building it into my Mavic Cosmic rear wheel but i'll ask about a pre-made wired one anyway.
Where does the wire go, if the hub is constantly spinning? :shock: :?:0 -
Heh heh, it transmits to a 'shark fin' mounted on the chain or seatstay, that is wired to the head unit...
You can just about make the sensor out (the black blob) on this cack handed, out of focus, mobile picture of my training bike (pre-frame selling!)
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Not NapoleonD wrote:It looks like the iBike is poor for brief high power bursts, but apart from that it looks pretty impressive, "good enough" for many purposes I would say based on that comparison.
Hmm... No, it's not good enough. I want it to be as responsive as possible. :? The ability to measure those brief high-power bursts are something I expect from a power meter, otherwise, what's the point?! It's like having a speedometer that refuses to work over 25mph! :roll:
So... I think i'll pass on the iBike gadgets.0 -
WTF? Heh heh, I didn't write that!0
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Ah right! So that's what those things are on the pro's bikes on TV...!
By the way... What happened to your rules? Chain not on the big ring? :roll: 0 -
Whoops. :shock:
Didn't fiddle with it, I promise!
:?:0 -
It's not an OCP pic in any stretch, I was selling my frame and I had to get a quick picture.
Very very poor show on my part and for that I apologise!
When the Litespeed frame comes, that will be remedied...0 -
Bhima, if you fancy a trip to S cheshire you can have a try out with mine, it's on the TT bike at the moment as the winter/trainer is frameless and I don't have it mounted on mhy bessie bike...0
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I did say "for many purposes", I wasn't suggesting it's good enough for everyone and every usage. For example, if someone wanted to use one to try to do a TT at a steady specific power output, it looks from the data like it could do a decent job.Bhima wrote:Hmm... No, it's not good enough.
Obviously it's never going to be as good as something that directly measures power, such as SRM, Powertap, Cinqo. Personally I've got a rental Powertap wheel heading my way soon.0 -
Yes yes, fair enough, I see your point.
Looking back at the way I worded that, it sounded like a brutal attack! :shock: I just meant that, if i'm going to spend a fair bit of cash getting one, it's got to be up to standard!NapoleonD wrote:Bhima, if you fancy a trip to S cheshire you can have a try out with mine, it's on the TT bike at the moment as the winter/trainer is frameless and I don't have it mounted on mhy bessie bike...
Yeah, that would be much appreciated! Not sure when i'll be able to get out for a longer ride in the next couple of weeks but i'd definately be up for a test. 0 -
Theres a lot of old stuff about, most of it relates to pre-generation 3 iBikes. In the eight months or so I've had mine it's improved significantly and the developers actually listen to requests an implement them.
Calibration consists of:
1. Enter weight of bike+rider
2. Set tilt
3. Set wind offset
4. Do a series of coast downs
5. Do a 4 mile out and back ride
From that the iBike calculates your drag, drivetrain efficiency. wind offset, tilt angle etc. The calibration needs to be done on a calm day with no or little traffic ideally. This is then stored as a profile for that bike/set-up.
Before using the iBike each time you need to just reset the wind offset (it's a couple of button presses)
Mine certainly shows the power spikes when I stamp on the pedals!
I've nothing against other meters. I managed to get the iBike Pro for about £250 from the US at the time, so it was a no-brainer to try. It's certainly good enough for me.0 -
TarmacExpert wrote:
Do you know if the iBike can send power data to a Garmin 705? I've read the info on the iBike site, and it's clear the iBike can receive ANT+ power data, but not clear if it can send it to other devices. They do mention Garmin interoperability, but don't say exactly what interoperability is supported.magliaceleste wrote:I've been using the latest iBike Pro for about 6 months now.
I think it would be a nice idea for the iBike people to offer a really cut down version for people who already have ANT+ HRM, speed, cadence sensors, where all it does is send out ANT+ power data to a head unit like the 705. If they could sell something like that for $400, say, it would be pretty compelling as a solution that would be "good enough" for a lot of purposes, as well as having the advantages you mentioned such as light weight.
Yes it can, the Pro with a Garmin G firmware upgrade, or the iAero does send data to Garmin 705 meters (mine does!). I actually use the Garmin speed/cadence sensors on my bikes rather than the iBike provided ones. The heart rate strap is the same.
However in my experience using both is actually fairly pointless. Firstly you have to have two devices mounted on your stem/bars (the iBike does require a rock steady mount, stem is much better) which is plain ugly. Then of course there is the problem that the Garmin doesn't average data properly, so the power averages are nonsense.
I tend to just carry the Garmin around in my pocket, just in case I get l lost, and use it to capture the gps points of the route.
Hope that helps.0 -
Thanks for the info - useful to know.magliaceleste wrote:Yes it can, the Pro with a Garmin G firmware upgrade, or the iAero does send data to Garmin 705 meters (mine does!). I actually use the Garmin speed/cadence sensors on my bikes rather than the iBike provided ones. The heart rate strap is the same.
However in my experience using both is actually fairly pointless. Firstly you have to have two devices mounted on your stem/bars (the iBike does require a rock steady mount, stem is much better) which is plain ugly. Then of course there is the problem that the Garmin doesn't average data properly, so the power averages are nonsense.
Re the point about the Garmin and power, they have actually added the option in the latest firmware (2.70) to include zeros in the calculation of average power. However people are still not happy because the setting applies to both power and cadence, and most people seem to want zeros included when averaging power, but not when averaging cadence.
http://forums.motionbased.com/smf/index ... ic=12032.00
