cycling power meter
A cycling power meter is a device on a bicycle that allows measuring of the power output of the rider. They directly measure torque applied, and translate this to power. They have been commercially available since 1989. Prior to 2006 most models mounted in the bottom bracket, rear freehub, or crankset. New devices instead measure power through handlebar-mounted units that leverage the principles of Newton's Third Law by measuring a cyclist's opposing forces (gravity, wind resistance, inertia, rolling resistance) to estimate the output of the rider.
Training using a power meter is increasingly popular. Most power meters also measure and display heart rate as well as riding speed, distance and time. Power meters provide an objective measurement that allows training progress to be tracked very simply - something that is more difficult when using, for example, a heart rate monitor alone. Cyclists will often train at different intensities depending on the adaptations they are seeking. A common practice is to use different intensity zones. When training with power these zones are usually calculated from the power output corresponding to the so called lactate threshold or MAP (maximal aerobic power).
Manufacturers
- SRM Training System, a torque-measuring crankset that replaces your present model
- PowerTap, a torque-measuring hub that you build into a wheel
- Ergomo Sport, a torque-measuring bottom bracket available in Campagnolo square-taper or Shimano OctaLink
- Polar S-710i or CS600, uses a chain vibration sensor that mounts on the right chainstay
- iBike Pro, a handle-bar mounted power meter that measures the cyclist's output by measuring opposing forces
- Quarq, a torque measuring device that mounts on the crankset spider - currently at prototype stage, due for release December 2007
- Cycling Peaks, software that imports power output data for analysis
- PowerCoach®, software, independent of used measuring systems, and on Mac OS or Windows, that imports power output data for analysis
External links
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