General Discussion Triathlon Talk » "i bike" power meter ?? Rss Feed  
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2008-03-27 11:13 PM

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: "i bike" power meter ??

has anyone used an "i bike" brand power meter?

Any tests or comparisons with other brands that measure the physical force applied in watts as opposed to a calculation (such as power tap) ?

I'm curious as to how accurate this thing is.



Edited by kenaxford 2008-03-27 11:14 PM


2008-03-27 11:19 PM
in reply to: #1298957

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Elite
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Subject: RE: "i bike" power meter ??
I've heard good things about it. The error for the power is close to that of the high end meters, within a few percent if I remember correctly. The biggest negative that I saw is that it can't be used indoors or on any sort of stationary trainer.

For the price difference, it seems like a good deal. I don't own one, but if I had the ability to ride outdoors, I think I would seriously consider it.
2008-03-28 12:09 AM
in reply to: #1298957

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Expert
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Subject: RE: "i bike" power meter ??
I got one used for $150 and have used it on a few rides now. I don't have a "regular" power meter to compare it to, so I can't really tell you how accurate it is comparitively. Sometimes it doesn't have any power readings at all, I guess because it can't figure out what's going on -- like, I'm going downhill and not pedaling but going 30mph and there's a crosswind, etc. But sometimes it gives decent readings. I think to get more accurate readings, you should also recalibrate it before every ride (doesn't take too long). So, if you're looking for a general idea of your power and not an exact, every-moment, reading, the iBike will fit the bill.

I like the % grade feature which I haven't had in a bike computer before (I've been doing a lot of hills lately). It has a good deal of other features as well that I haven't had before, but I probably won't remove my regular bike computer because it provides my cadence (which iBike has an add-on for).

It's hard for me to recommend it even though I have one. Like I said, I got a deal on it, so for the price, I figured I'd try it out. I'm not ready to commit to a "real" powermeter yet. I think I'd have a hard time paying retail for the iBike. If you're only option is to buy one full retail, save up a little longer and get a PowerTap.

Cheers,
Mike
2008-03-28 12:33 AM
in reply to: #1298957

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2008-03-28 7:18 AM
in reply to: #1298957

Champion
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Subject: RE: "i bike" power meter ??

To follow up with what Aaron said...
 

Powertap the basic one is $1000. Performance Bike with 20% coupon and 10% credit to future purchases you can get it net for $720. They nail you pretty bad for shipping though.

I think they are having a 20% coupon sale this weekend.

 

2008-03-28 7:23 AM
in reply to: #1298957

Master
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Subject: RE: "i bike" power meter ??
Ive read very mixed reviews of this thing as well. Seems to me for the casual cyclist who is just a "data dork" and wants a neat gadget on his bike its great. Howeevr, if you are looking for a way to really train with power, you have to go with a PT or Ergomo, or similar. The Ibike's limited use seems more interesting than practical.



2008-03-28 11:46 AM
in reply to: #1298957

Pro
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Subject: RE: "i bike" power meter ??

I wrote an article on the Ibike. You can find it at www.thesportfactory.com . It is a pretty good piece of equipment for the price. They have made some significant improvements since my review was written.

 

PM me if you have any questions.

2008-03-28 11:57 AM
in reply to: #1299170

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Subject: RE: "i bike" power meter ??
KathyG - 2008-03-28 4:18 AM

Powertap the basic one is $1000. Performance Bike with 20% coupon and 10% credit to future purchases you can get it net for $720. 




But don't you still have to buy the wheel to build it around? Also if you use one wheel for training and a different wheel for racing, wouldn't you need two powertaps?

I don't have an ibike power meter, but when you list all the pros and cons of each power meter including the price. The power meter seems to be the best choice for the age grouper.


2008-03-28 12:00 PM
in reply to: #1299839

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Subject: RE: "i bike" power meter ??

Pretty much all I've read on it has said it was junk.  But no first hand experience here.

Seems the only two that are worth the investment are the Powertap and the SRM.  Everything else out there seems to either have major reliability issues or are just not accurate in all situations.

Read up on it more and take opinions with a grain of salt.

2008-03-29 9:57 PM
in reply to: #1298957

Extreme Veteran
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Colorado Springs, CO
Subject: RE: "i bike" power meter ??
thanks for all the input.  One of the reasons I would use this is to test power with clients, so I can't afford to not be accurate indoors.  Guess I'm leaning toward powertap.  Thanks for the info.
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