How is the iAero improved over the original iBike Pro?
  Is the rough roads performance improvement in the iAero the result of a firmware change?
  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 Quarq CinQo 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 2.0.5 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 Pro 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?

Where do I find the serial number of my iBike?

Your serial number is stored in the memory of your iBike.  You use 
your iBike application and USB Adapter to read the serial number out 
of memory.   Windows: Help/About iBike, click the download button 
next to serial number.  Mac: Device/iBike Information.

How does the iBike Pro Measure Power?

Power measurement is really about the measurement of force:

Power = Force x 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 new iBike Pro is the first power meter that measures the resistive forces working against the cyclist.

Now, according to Newton's Third Law, resistive forces must EXACTLY equal applied forces. So, the iBike Pro gets the same answer as the old guys, but with less weight, cost and complexity, and more simplicity and flexibility.

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!
 

Is the iBike Pro accurate at the extremes of hill gradients? 
 

Extreme hill gradients don’t present a problem for the iBike Pro. The iBike Pro 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.

          back to top
 
What 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, so the percentage of the total ride where there is a wattage difference won't be great. The iBike Pro assumes that the athlete remains in the same riding position, so changes in riding position will not be reflected by changes in the iBike Pro 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. Remember that the iBike "knows" where the watts are going. For example purposes, our rider is on a level road with no acceleration. The wattage breakdown is: 50W due to rolling resistance and friction, 150W due to aerodynamic resistance.

Let's suppose that the rider is out of his normal riding position on the hoods and that this is causing a 10% underreporting of aero watts. The iBike Pro would be reporting 200W instead of 215W. The total wattage variance at this particular instant of the ride would be 215W/200W = 7.5%, not 10%, and only for that portion of the ride. If the iBike is off by 7.5% for 10% of the time due to riding in the drops, the net error over the whole ride is only 0.75%. That's less than 1% and is well within the accuracy range of competitive products.

How does the iBike Pro measure power when I'm not pedaling?

The iBike Pro 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 (you could be applying the brakes!) than the speed the iBike Pro calculates the bike SHOULD be traveling (based on hill slope, wind speed, and friction) then the iBike Pro knows the cyclist is not pedaling (Newton's Third Law in action once again!). The power reads zero.

          back to top
 
How quick is the setup?

Installation is simple and fast. If you've never installed a bike computer before plan on 30 minutes; if you're a bike mechanic (or feel like you could be) you'll be done in 10 minutes.  Install the front-wheel speed sensor and magnet, and iBike handlebar mount. Enter weight and wheel data into the iBike, and then perform two simple calibration procedures that take about 5 minutes. That's it!

There are no rear wheels to build, no cranks to remove and replace, no chain magnets and sensors to locate, no wires to run all around the bike, no bike mechanics to wait for.

Use your setup time savings to get in an extra ride.

How much is the weight advantage of the iBike Pro?

The iBike Pro weighs only 62 grams (2 ounces). Though competitive units vary slightly, on average they weigh about 220 grams (one half pound) more than the iBike Pro.

Please, be sure to wave politely as you pass competitors weighted down by old-style power meters.

Interpretation of power data can be confusing. How helpful is the iBike software?

Like the iBike Pro itself, our 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, our software runs natively on Macs and PCs both, without expensive PC emulator software!

Looking for more?  Included with your iBike is a trial version of CylcingPeaks WKO+, the gold standard of power analysis software.  Of course, it's iBike compatible too!

How much data can be collected and downloaded for later?

The iBike Pro stores your ride data (speed, distance, time, power, hill slope, elevation, and wind speed) in 1 or 5 second intervals. 50 hours of data can be stored using 5 second intervals. 16 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.

          back to top

What special features does iBike offer that make it claim superior intelligence?

Unlike any other power meter, the iBike Pro provides ride insights like elevation gained, wind speed, and hill gradient in one or five second intervals. Other exclusive iBike Pro 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 Pro Sub-Trip mode allows you to gather information about specific segments of your ride or rides within your 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 Pro software provides important wattage breakdown information that can make a big difference in your training and strategy decisions. The iBike Pro 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 power meter in the world can do today.

You’ll know (and be able to download) exactly what your power output is under every condition you face during your entire ride. Understanding this information enables you to know exactly how your power is being used and more specifically, what % of your power is going towards opposing each force. With this type of knowledge, the opportunities are limitless.

Finally, please note that the iBike can be used in a peloton to find the optimum drafting position; that is, it dynamically reports wind speed, making it possible for the rider to find the point of least wind resistance.

With all of this information, the data downloaded from your iBike Pro can help you to modify your training and fitness programs, hydration and caloric intake, or race strategy just to name a few.

          back to top
 
Does the iBike Pro work indoors?

The iBike Pro measures the outdoor forces opposing the cyclist's forward motion: hills, wind, friction, acceleration. Indoor trainers don't create those types of forces. However, with the money you save on an iBike Pro, you could travel to a warm climate to use your bike outdoors!

On which bicycles can the iBike Pro be used?

There is no inherent limitation on bicycle type, as long as the iBike Pro can be properly mounted.

Is there a stem mount for the iBike pro?

We have had a lot of interest in a stem mount, so we plan to make one available next year. Create an account and sign up for our news alert list and we’ll be sure to keep you posted.

          back to top

If I order today, when will I get my iBike?

We'll ship your order immediately. 

Does the iBike Pro measure cadence and heart rate?

The iBike Pro is cadence and HR ready.

To enable those features you will need to purchase the optional handlebar 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 Pro back on your bike and the new measurements will appear.

You can order the cadence handlebar mount at the iBike Store.

The HR handlebar mount will be available in 2007. Be sure to create an account and register for e-mail updates and we'll send you an e-mail letting you know that they are available for order.

          back to top

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:

Outside of the U.S. and Australia and New Zealand retailers or those interested in becoming distributors should contact Velocomp directly. 

          back to top

How long does the iBike Pro battery last?

The iBike uses an inexpensive CR2032 battery, available almost everywhere. Depending on your ride style and iBike settings, the battery will last 25 to 50 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 more frequently (all batteries loose "oomph" in cold weather).

• Because of the way the iBike Pro store information, data will not be lost when your battery dies.

What do I do if I get a "communication error" or can't download my rides?
 

Most likely you haven't found the proper com port for your PC and USB Adapter.  Do the following: 

1. Install the iBike for Windows application.  The most current version is in the downloads section of our website. 

2. Plug in your USB Adapter.

3. Go to Start/Control Panel/System/Hardware/Device Manager/Ports (COM&LPT). 

4. Open the Ports(COM&LPT) link and inside you should find either CP210x (COMx) or Si Labs (COMx).  COMx is your port number. 

5. Once you have your port number launch the iBike for Windows application.  6.      Go to Device/Connect.  The iBike app will ask for your com port number.  Find it on the list and click the Connect button.  The window will disappear. 

6. Go to Help/About iBike...  Click one of the two download buttons.  

Depending on which button you click you should get your serial number or your firmware version.  If either button responds everything is working just fine and you can download rides, etc.

          back to top

How is the iAero improved over the original iBike Pro?

The iAero is a fully wireless system. It has significantly improved accuracy in rough roads situations due to 4x higher vibration resistance. 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 2.0.5 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.

Is the rough roads performance improvement in the iAero the result of a firmware change?

No. There are changes to the iAero circuit design that cause improved rough roads performance. Cyclists have reported excellent results with the iAero on chip sealed roads and with bike speeds in excess of 30 mph.

What are the conditions under which the iAero is most accurate for CdA measurement?

CdA (and optional 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) wind offset calibration was not performed or was performed before the iAero was acclimated to outdoor temperature; 4) there are heavy cross-winds.

          back to top

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 is an example of such a wireless DFPM. iAero firmware updates will add compatibility with more DFPMs as they embrace the ANT+Sport communications technology.

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 10 seconds and is traveling at speeds in excess of 12 mph.

Do I need to own a Quarq CinQo in order to view Continuous CdA and Time Advantage measurements on my iAero screen during a ride?
Yes.

I already own a DFPM made by PowerTap, or SRM. Can I use one of these DFPMs with the iAero and iBike 2.0.5 for after-the-ride Power Meter Comparison and CdA and Time Advantage analysis?

Yes. The iBike 2.0.5 software works with PowerTap, SRM, and Ergomo files to allow power meter comparison, Continuous CdA, and Time Advantage analyses. Note, however, that as of April 2008 none of these products will enable on-screen Continuous CdA and Time Advantage measurements during a ride.

          back to top

Is the iAero compatible with Garmin Edge products?

Yes, with the purchase of optional iBike G firmware. HOWEVER, if iBike G firmware is used with the iAero, all CdA and Time Advantage features of the iAero will be disabled.

I own an iBike Pro but I want to upgrade to an iAero. How do I do this?

Velocomp offers a trade-in program that allows iBike Pro owners to purchase an iAero computer at a significantly discounted price. The owner returns the iBike Pro computer to Velocomp, pays a $250 upgrade fee, and a new iAero computer is sent to the purchaser. Details are available at the iBike Store at www.ibikesports.com

Will my old wired or wireless mounts and USB adapter work with the iAero?

Yes. The iAero is fully compatible with existing wired and wireless mounts and with any iBike USB adapter.

          back to top