This device looks intriguing and I am surprised it has not been
discussed here at any length:
http://www.ibikesports.com/products.html
Basically (if I understand correctly) it is a bike computer that can
provide basic cyclometer functions (speed, distance time etc),
atmospheric (barometric) data including elevation and airspeed, and in
conjunction with the built-in accelerometer(s) can use the data from
its sensors to calculate a figure for power as well. And apparently it
will also record all data for download to a computer.
There are a few discussions of it to be found on the web.
Interestingly, much of the discussion comes from those who have never
used it but are quick to point out the faults that it MUST have.
In contrast, the gist of the feedback from those who have used it
suggests that it is in fact a viable device.
Much like the discussion in this group of a low tech grade measuring
device:
http://www.adventurecycling.org/store/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=265
And there is very little discussion of the IBike to be found outside of
the focus on its capabilities as a power meter (which does seem to be
its targeted use). It is cheap as power meters go, but pretty expensive
for just cyclometer functions.
The concept appears to be fully described in an apparently unrelated
publication here:
http://oxide.eng.uci.edu/Personnel/max/Final%20Report-Velocomputer.pdf
Over time I have found some fun and utility in various forms of
instrumentation including cyclometers, altimeters, HRM's and GPS,
although I never have used a power meter. I have often thought an
airspeed indicator would be novel, if only to quantify a headwind and
thereby justify the resulting reduced rate of forward progress. Living
and riding in a mountainous area I also have always liked noting and/or
keeping track of the grades of climbs for similar reasons. I
discovered, among other things, that a GPS receiver that can display
vertical speed provides an indirect measure of performance that allows
directly comparison between two climbs, even if the respective grades
are unknown.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/riders/2003/interviews/?id=ferrari03
Bottom line - Anyone here have any experience with this thing?
DR