a computer on the bike

[spin-up]

I (almost) got lynched by my collegue JGSI's last year when I suggested to ask Schwinn, Star Trec, other bike-suppliers to offer a wattage meter on the spinner bike. Most JGSI's were in the opinion that spinning is not about measurements.

Here, under Billy's comfortable umbrella of Peace & Harmony I'll try again. I read somewere on this forum (can't find it anymore) someone writing about a computer on his bike. Are they available in the US? I like to know more about it, on our local market I can't find anything on this.

Do you use them in classes or just for your own training? A lot of my students keep asking about it, some don't care at all. Personally I would die for a computer. Bringing down restpuls is 1 way of improving but its rather vague and varies with the circumstances. Measuring wattage would give spinning an extra dimension, supplying a more scientifcal way to get stronger and faster. Also for those who don't cycle outdoors I think this is an interesting added value.

Anyway hope any of you will have some info on this.
Thanks, Clarien.

[Nipsi98]

Clarien,

I know I'm showing my ignorance now, but what exactly would a wattage meter tell you? Can it distinguish a climb from a flat? Is it able to determine how much resistance is applied to the wheel as you pedal at 90 rpm's using moderate resistance as opposed to pedalling 90 rpm's using heavy resistance?

If people are interested in adding another dimension , and having a scientific way to get stronger and faster, doesn't it make sense to measure the bodies ability to work at certain levels by using a HRM?


ps The lynching usually only comes when one asks about a device that measures how far you travel during a SPINNING class.

[Jonnyspin]

Polar (polar.fi) watches have a cadence meter on some models. I have one student who regularly blue-tacs this onto his bike before each session.

[greentea]

I would favor this sort of option on the studio bikes.

I am losing alot of my outdoor riders to cycloputers or whatever those things are that measure wattage and hook you up to a cyber coach.

wendy

ok what I mean is a device that measures speed AND resistance and adds it up so you get your total performance

Clarien/spin-up

[Legspeed]

It's fairly trivial to attach a cyclocomputer that measures "speed" and even cadence on a stationary bike. Simply glue a magnet on the flywheel and position the pickup appropriately.

Not really sure how informative this would be, though. After all, the effort for distance and speed varies widely outside. For example, it's a very different effort to go 30mph downhill for 30 miles, than to go 5mph uphill for 5 miles.

Now, measuring resistance is very informative. "Resistance" is just another way of referring to power output; and yes, power meters provide meaningful information about the effort required to spin at 90rpm with moderate resistance versus heavy resistance. The bad news is that there isn't an economically feasible way to measure this on the current Spin bikes. All of the consumer options currently available cost around $1K (or more, the SRM runs about $2K, I believe). Polar's product, which imputes power measurements from chain frequency is not terribly accurate and is especially inaccurate on an indoor bike due to vibrational crosstalk. Graber's Power-tap is integrated into the wheel hub and couldn't possibly be installed on a spinner. With an unlimited budget, an SRM might feasibly be installed. That would require replacing the bottom bracket and pedal arms. Not for the faint of heart.

[JFK]

Ergomo makes a power meter that is integrated into the bottom bracket (and yes, it just got recalled, but that's a minor detour, unless you own one....) It measures the torque on the left leg and doubles it. It is less than the SRM, IIRC it runs around $700 or so.

[spin-up]

Not being very technical I thought this would be simple: just 2 sensors 1 on the flywheel and 1 on the resistance nod and some registration clock/computer. Still wonder why bike-suppliers don't take this up..
Anyway I guess I'll ask my bike-shop see if they can make something.

Jennifer you have a link for me on Ergomo?

[JFK]

www.ergomo-usa.com and as I look at the pricing, I realize I was off by about $500 on the price (the WRONG way..sorry)

[like2bike]

Thanks Mike for posting. I love digging up old nuggets and this is one. I sure do miss Legspeed. Sure hope he (and all the other alumni) are doing grea!