iBike
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ChunkyB posted 19 weeks ago.
iBike is probably the cheapest power system out there. The thing is that it doesn't really measure power, it calculates it using weight/incline/wind/speed/cadence/etc., so there could potentially be some variability. But, I guess you get what you pay for. Personally, I'd stick with the Forerunner until you can afford a power tap, but that's totally my opinion.
"The melting point of wax means nothing to me": Thrice
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tsilcyc posted 19 weeks ago.
ChunkyB wrote:
iBike is probably the cheapest power system out there. The thing is that it doesn't really measure power, it calculates it using weight/incline/wind/speed/cadence/etc., so there could potentially be some variability. But, I guess you get what you pay for. Personally, I'd stick with the Forerunner until you can afford a power tap, but that's totally my opinion.
Ahhh... but then you'll get the people who say that you can't accurately measure power with a powertap either. Those of course being the SRM people... http://www.srm.de/usa/index.html
And then within those people, you'll get the people who say you need to buy the Professional version with an accuracy of measurement: +/- 2% because the amatuer has an accuracy of measurement: +/- 5%.
And then of course, there is the science version with an accuracy of measurement: +/- 0,5% but at a whopping $5600 I think I'll continue to make my mortgage payments.
And now you know why I haven't invested in a power meter.
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ChunkyB posted 19 weeks ago.
There's going to be much less variability with a power tap, or similar power measurement device. Even if it doesn't measure the exact power, it will be the same every time and it will let you know how you're doing with comparison to yourself. With the iBike, there are so many variables, that you could be putting out the exact same power on 2 days and get 2 different readings. With a power tap, you might not get the exact right wattage, but you'll get the same readings from day to day if you're putting in the same power.
"The melting point of wax means nothing to me": Thrice
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tsilcyc posted 19 weeks ago.
You make perfect sense. I'm still holding out on my purchase though. I have a feeling that we will see more power products in the near future as they become more popular... which they seem to be doing.
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trimas posted 19 weeks ago.
I use a Polar CS600 with Power module. I really like it and I don't have to worry about building wheels for it because it works based on chain tension, speed, and weight. I was skeptical of its accuracy at first, but after comparing it to a ride on the computrainer, it is very accurate. It is also one of the cheaper power measurement toys out there, running around $600-$700 retail. I got mine on ebay for nearly half that.
I read that the new iBike is much better than the one they previously released. The iBike is now $499 and iBike aero $799. Anybody using iBike ? Happy ? Dissatisfied ? Anybody have alternatives to measuring power ? I use Garmin 305 Forerunner for training.
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