OMC News and Updates

Friends, in my search for the best possible solution for training with power, I believe I have reached a firm conclusion. First, let me say, that I am an absolute convert to the whole "power" thing. Next to aerodynamic bikes, aero helmets, and deep dish wheels, the use of power data is almost like cheating when it comes to the race. If you train with power and know your physiological parameters, you will be able to determine exactly how much power you need to use on the bike (and on the run) so that the last match is burned as you cross the finish line. It would be amazing knowing objectively you have given your expensive Ironman race (for which you've spent serious money on registration, travel, accomodations, training plans, not to mention a significant portion of your lifetime training) your best effort. While I am holding my breath for the new speedplay-based power meter, now slated for Q2 of 2010--and remember this will be a first generation product--I believe that the iBike Power meter may represent the best of all worlds. The iBike folks are now on generation III of their product. They have wireless capability. You're not stuck with wheels the way you are with PowerTap or with a hellaciously expensive crankset as you would with SRM. You can switch the unit from bike to bike easily. The weight penalty is absolutely minimal. The iBike Pro with GT firmware upgrade (now included in the price until 12/31) allows you to use your Garmin 305 (yes, 305, not just the 310XT) cadence, speed, and heart rate sensors with the iBike. There is a triathlon package that includes the full version of the Training Peaks WKO+ software (a $129 value). When the company does come out with a new version of their product you can even "trade up" your unit for a fraction of the price. You don't have to go and buy a whole new product at full price. Meanwhile, all firmware upgrades are free.

Here's what it says on the website: Is the iBike Pro accurate? Yes! The iBike Pro uses advanced aerospace and automotive sensors to precisely measure the resistive forces opposing the cyclist's forward motion, and a powerful microprocessor to solve in real time the fundamental physics equations (Newton's Laws) that determine power levels.

Is there any research that shows the accuracy of the iBike Pro relative the other power meters?

The internal sensors of the iBike Pro have been proven by their use in critical automotive and aerospace applications. Our own internal tests show accuracy fully comparable to high end power meters. (The iBike may be less precise during sharp turns and on long stretches of extremely rough roads; however, our test data shows these infrequent situations do not significantly affect overall accuracy of watts). Check out the many reviews of the iBike and see what others are saying about the iBike Pro power meter's accuracy and consistency!

The reviews link takes you here: http://www.ibikesports.com/documents/iBikeProCustomerReviews.pdf The reviews are pretty honest in terms of pros and cons. Bear in mind that some of the reviews are old, and that the gen III does measure heart rate and cadence.

I called the company and they were very easy to talk to, gave solid advice, and did not try to "sell" me. One word about buying this product that I want to pass along: If you want to use it on a triathlon bike, get the iBike Pro triathlon package. It is about $100 more, but will give you more accurate power measures. The reason is that the technology takes into account wind resistance when calculating power (rather than strain on the crank or hub). On a TT bike, most riders will stem mount the computer and when you are in your aerobars the unit tends to be shielded from the wind. By including the extra piece of hardware that detects aerodynamic drag (remote wind sensor) you will get a more accurate measure of power. So, add up the savings and consider splurging before 12/31:

SRM power meter: $3000-4000, Power Tap SL+: $1600, iBike Pro Triathlon package: $799 until 12/31 (regularly $825) - plus they give you the GT firmware upgrade that works with your Garmin (a savings of more than $100), plus they give you the WKO+ software from Training Peaks that retails for $129.

Even though this video is old it says a lot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDBsaT170lI

I spoke with John Hamann at Velocomp LLC (which makes the iBike) and he said that we could potentially get up to a 25% discount on orders of 5 or more through the triathlon club. He said that if I ordered one, and tried and liked it, and then sort of demonstrated it to club members who then turned around and bought one, that he could also retroactively refund 25% to me. So, everyone could get the discount. If you think you might be interested, let me know because we could all potentially save a lot of money.

Think about it...