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About the iBike® power
meter.
Learn more about choosing an iBike
Learn more about upgrading your iBike
How does the iBike Measure Power?
Is the iBike accurate?
Is there any research that shows the accuracy of the iBike relative the other power
meters?
Is the
iBike accurate at the extremes of hill gradients?
How does the iBike measure power when I’m not pedaling?
How much is the weight advantage of the iBike?
How much data can be collected and downloaded for later?
What special features does the iBike offer?
Does the iBike work indoors?
Does the iBike measure cadence and heart rate?
Do wireless sensors work with iBike WIRED mounts?
Does a heart rate strap work with a wired mount?
Using the iBike
Where do I find the serial number of my iBike?
If I change riding position, how does that impact the iBike wattage reading?
Interpretation of power data can be confusing. How does the iBike help me?
On which bicycles can the iBike be used?
Is there a stem mount for the iBike Pro?
How long does the iBike Pro battery last?
Ordering the iBike Pro
If I order today, when will I get my iBike?
Is the iBike available outside of the United States?
About the iAero
How is the iAero different from the iBike Pro?
What are the conditions under which the iAero is most accurate for CdA measurement?
What are the conditions under which CdA measurement is less accurate?
What do I need to read-out Continuous CdA and Time Advantage on my iAero screen?
Do I need to own a DFPM in order to see CdA measurements on my iAero screen?
Do I need to own a wireless, ANT+ DFPM in order to view Continuous CdA and Time
Advantage measurements on my iAero screen during a ride?
I already own a DFPM made by PowerTap, or SRM. Can I use one of these DFPMs with the
iAero and iBike software for after-the-ride Power Meter Comparison and CdA and
Time Advantage analysis?
Is the iAero compatible with Garmin Edge products?
I own an iBike but I want to upgrade to an iAero. How do I do this?
Will my old wired or wireless mounts and USB adapter work with the iAero?
Read more on the iAero
About the iSport
How is the iAero different from the iBike Pro?
What are the conditions under which the iAero is most accurate for CdA measurement?
What are the conditions
under which CdA measurement is less accurate?
Read more on the iSport
Where do I find the serial number of my iBike?
Your serial number is stored in the memory of your iBike. Use the Windows/Mac iBike 4 software application and USB adapter to read the serial number out of your iBike’s memory. “Device/SN and FW Version…” is the command to use in the iBike 4 software.
How does the iBike Measure Power?
Power measurement is really about the measurement of force:Power = Force x Bike Speed. Cyclists apply forces to bike pedals in order to overcome the forces resisting forward motion (hill climbs, wind resistance, rolling resistance, acceleration, etc.).Traditional power meters measure the forces
applied by the cyclist.The iBike is the only power meter that measures the opposing forces that resist the cyclist’s forward motion. According to Newton's Third Law, applied and
opposing forces must be EXACTLY equal. So, by measuring the opposing forces the iBike gets the same answer as traditional power meters, but with less weight, cost, complexity, and more simplicity and flexibility.
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Is the iBike accurate?
Yes! The iBike uses advanced aerospace and automotive sensors to precisely measure the 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 relative the other power meters?
Yes! Check out direct comparisons with competitive products at
www.ibikesports.com, and also the many
reviews of the iBike to see what others are saying about the iBike power meter's accuracy and consistency!
Is the iBike accurate at the extremes of hill gradients?
Extreme hill gradients don’t present a problem for the iBike. The iBike’s tilt sensor is sensitive enough to detect the smallest variations in the slope of the road and has the range to detect up and down hills much steeper than any cyclist can handle.
If I change riding position, how does that impact the iBike wattage reading?
Most riders stay in the same position about 90% of the time or more, and hundreds of ride files recorded side-by-side with direct force power meters (DFPMs) mounted on the same bike show the iBike produces results within a few percent of the DFPM. Note that the iBike assumes that the cyclist always remains in the same riding position, so changes in riding position will not be reflected by changes in the iBike power meter's wattage readings. However, remember that the overall wattage "error" caused by ride position is moderated by other wattage components. For example let's suppose that, at a particular point of the ride, the iBike is reporting 200W on a level road with no acceleration. The wattage breakdown is in the range of 30W due to rolling resistance and friction, and 170W due to aerodynamic resistance. Note that there is no component of watts due to acceleration and hill slope. Let's now suppose that the rider sits up, instead of being in his normal riding position on the hoods, and that this is causing a 5% underreporting of aero watts. The iBike reports 200W instead of the “correct” 209W (30 + 170 X 1.05). The total wattage variance at this particular instant of the ride would be 209W/200W = 4.5%, not 5%,
and only for that portion of the ride where the rider is standing up. Even if the rider is out of position for 10% of the ride (not likely), the net error over the whole ride is only 4.5% * 0.1 = 0.45%. That's less than 1% and is well within the accuracy range of competitive products.
How does the iBike measure power when I'm not pedaling?
The iBike will not register power unless power is being applied at the wheels. More specifically, if the actual speed at which the cyclist is traveling is equal to or slower than the speed the iBike determines by calculation that the bike SHOULD be traveling (based on hill slope, wind speed, and friction) then the iBike knows the cyclist is not pedaling (Newton's Third Law in action once again!). The power reads zero.
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How quick is the setup?
Installation is simple and fast. If you've never installed a bike computer before plan on 60 minutes; if you're a bike mechanic (or feel like you could be) you'll be done in about 20 minutes. Install the mount and sensors. Then, use the “Fast Start” screens to enter weight and other basic rider data into the iBike. Finally, perform a simple 2 mile long Calibration Ride. That's it! There are no rear wheels to build, no cranks to remove and replace, no chain magnets and chain sensors to locate, no wires to run all around the bike. Use your setup time savings to get in an extra ride.
How much is the weight advantage of the iBike?
The iBike weighs only 65 grams (2 ounces). Though competitive units vary slightly, on average they weigh about 400 grams (nearly ¾ pound more) more than the iBike. Please, be sure to wave politely as you pass your competitors who are weighted down by their heavy power meters.
Interpretation of power data can be confusing. How helpful is the iBike software?
Like the iBike itself, the iBike software is simple AND thorough. Not only will you see power and speed vs. time, but you'll also see hill gradients, elevation, and wind speed for each point of your ride. Now you'll know WHY you were working so hard! And unlike anyone else, iBike software runs natively both on Macs and PCs! Looking for more? Included with your iBike is a trial version of CylcingPeaks WKO+, the gold standard of power analysis software.
How much data can be collected and downloaded for later?
The iBike stores your ride data (speed, distance, time, power, hill slope, elevation, and wind speed) in 1 or 5 second intervals. 65 hours of data can be stored using 5 second intervals. 13 hours of data can be stored using 1 second intervals. Flash memory is used so there is no loss of data in the event of battery failure.
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What special features does iBike offer?
Unlike any other power meter, the iBike provides ride insights like elevation gained, wind speed, and hill gradient in one or five second intervals. Other exclusive iBike features include: The Interval Training mode works as a valuable training tool to lead a rider step-by-step through a complex set of intervals so that a rider isn’t trying to run stopwatches or keep track of what he/she is supposed to be doing while also concentrating on cycling and the road. The iBike includes a Lap Timer to help with crits, or in places where you want stats just for that part of the ride. The five-point click ring puts most information, including real-time averages and maximum values just a click or two away. There is no scrolling through menus to find the information you are looking for and no way to lose your data before you download it. The iBike software provides important wattage breakdown information that can make a big difference in your training and strategy decisions. The iBike software not only provides a reading for Total Watts but also the watts breakdown (aero, acceleration, hill climb, friction) at any point of the ride. That is something no other power meter in the world can do. Finally, note that the iBike can be ride files will show you when you’re in the draft and when you’re pulling. This is because the iBike reports wind speed dynamically, making it possible for the rider to see every point where the rider is drafting. With all of this information, the data downloaded from your iBike can help you to modify your training and fitness programs, hydration and caloric intake, or race strategy.
Does the iBike work indoors?
Yes, with the Indoor trainer option any wireless iBike will work both indoors and outdoors on most popular indoor trainers.
On which bicycles can the iBike be used?
There is no inherent limitation on bicycle type, as long as the iBike can be properly mounted. You can use the iBike with a tandem bike. With the optional Remote Wind Sensor, the iBike will also work extremely well with TT bikes and recumbent bikes.
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Is there a stem mount for the iBike?
Yes! Make sure to choose between a low angle and high angle stem mount. You’ll find pictures of each application in the iBike Store.
Does the iBike measure cadence and heart rate?
The iBike is cadence and HR ready. To enable wireless speed, cadence and HR features you will need to purchase the optional wireless mount that contains the necessary sensors and electronics. You will not need a new iBike, just the mount. Once the new handlebar mount is installed simply put your iBike back on your bike and the new measurements will appear.
You can order optional wireless mounts or a wired cadence handlebar mount at the iBike Store.
Is the iBike available outside of the United States?
Orders placed through the iBike Store can be shipped anywhere in the world.
How long does the iBike battery last?
The iBike uses an inexpensive CR2032 battery, available almost everywhere. Depending on your ride style and iBike settings, the battery will last 50 to 80 hours of riding. When the battery voltage drops below 2.75V (voltage is reported on a setup screen), it should be replaced.
NOTES:
• If you ride during the winter you'll want to change your battery every 2-5 hours (all batteries loose "oomph" in cold weather).
• NOTE: Because of the way the iBike stores information, ride file data will not be lost if your battery dies. When you change the battery the only thing you’ll need to do is reset the date and time.
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How is the iAero different from the iPro?
The iAero is a fully wireless system. The iAero includes the Indoor Trainer feature as standard. The iAero has the ability to display Snapshot CdA™. The iAero enables Power Meter Comparison, CdA analysis, and Power Meter Comparison features in the iBike software software. The iAero works with an optional direct force power meter (DFPM) to measure and report Continuous CdA™ and Time Advantage™ on the iAero screen, during a ride.
What are the conditions under which the iAero is most accurate for CdA measurement?
Snapshot CdA (and optional Continuous CdA and Time Advantage) measurements work best when: 1) the cyclist is riding solo; 2) there are not heavy cross winds; 3) the iAero has been carefully calibrated; 4) the cyclist is traveling faster than 15 mph.
What are the conditions under which CdA measurement is less accurate?
CdA (and optional Time Advantage) measurements are less accurate when: 1) the cyclist is drafting; 2) basic calibrations have not been performed properly; 3) the iAero was not zeroed-out prior to the ride.
What do I need to read-out Continuous CdA and Time Advantage on my iAero screen?
In addition to the iAero you will need a wireless direct force power meter (DFPM) sensor that transmits its power signal using ANT+Sport wireless technology. The Quarq CinQo, SRM wireless, and PT ANT+ are all compatible with the iAero.
Do I need to own a DFPM in order to see CdA measurements on my iAero screen?
No. The iAero displays Snapshot CdA measurements whenever the cyclist stops pedaling for 30 seconds and is traveling at speeds in excess of 12 mph.
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Do I need to own a wireless DFPM in order to view Continuous CdA and Time Advantage measurements on my iAero screen during a ride?
Yes.
I already own a wireless DFPM made by PowerTap, or SRM. Can I use one of these DFPMs with the iAero and iBike software for after-the-ride Power Meter Comparison and CdA and Time Advantage analysis?
Yes. The iBike software works with PowerTap, SRM, Garmin, Polar, and Ergomo files to allow power meter comparison, Continuous CdA, and Time Advantage analyses.
Is the iAero compatible with Garmin Edge products?
Yes, with the purchase of optional iBike GT firmware.
I own an older iBike and to want to upgrade the latest model. How do I do this?
Velocomp offers upgrade programs that allows iBike owners to purchase latest-generation iBikes at a significantly discounted price. Details are available at the iBike Store at
www.ibikesports.com
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Do wireless sensors work with iBike WIRED mounts?
No. Wireless sensors (wireless heart rate, wireless speed, wireless cadence) require a wireless mount.
Does a heart rate strap work with a wired mount?
No. A HR strap requires a wireless sensor.
How is the iSport different from the iPro?
The iSport does not use any personal computer and thus it does not download information to any computer. The iSport reports everything on-screen, and it has accuracy and on-screen features identical to the iPro. The iSport has electronics and accuracy identical to the iPro and iAero.
How do I upgrade my iSport to an iPro?
Purchase the iSport to iPro upgrade from the iBike Store. You’ll receive a USB adapter, iBike software, and information that you’ll use to email your iSport serial number. Once your serial number is received you’ll receive a firmware key that unlocks the iPro features of your electronics.
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Can I upgrade my iSport to a wireless mount?
YES! Purchase a wireless mount and speed sensor from the iBike store. You can also purchase wireless cadence and HR sensors too; your iSport will then show speed, cadence and HR data on-screen.
If I order today, when will I get my iBike?
We'll ship your order immediately.
Is the iBike Pro available outside of the United States?
Orders placed through the iBike Store can be shipped anywhere in the world. Right now the shipping rates are not calculating accurately, so please e-mail us for accurate shipping rates.
Retailers interested in becoming dealers in Australia and New Zealand should contact:
Teschner Technologies Group
Unit 5 10, Expansion St
MOLENDINAR QLD 4214
AUSTRALIA
Tel: +61 (07) 5597 4125
Fax: +61 (07) 5597 4127
Outside of the U.S. and Australia and New Zealand retailers or those interested in becoming distributors should contact Velocomp directly.
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