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2009-01-10 6:13 PM

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Subject: Anyone using the ibike bike computer?

I'm waiting for my new bike to arrive (any day now!) and I need to get a new bike computer for it.  I am really interested in the iBike because it has a power meter feature for $199 bucks.  Now I know it is not going to be entirely as accurate as a PowerTap or hub based unit but, I'm looking more for consistancy that accuracy.  If it is showing my power 5% higher than it actually is, I don't care, as long as it always shows 5% higher and from what I've read it does.

So if anyone uses it, how long do the batteries last?  I see one of the optional purchases is a 20 pack of batteries! Yikes, if it's eating them up to the point I need to buy them in 20 packs, that's enough to turn me off.

Thanks in advance for any input. 

Mike



Edited by tightline 2009-01-10 6:15 PM


2009-01-10 8:44 PM
in reply to: #1900042

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Subject: RE: Anyone using the ibike bike computer?
I would suggest if you decide to buy one you get it from a store which will allow you to return it no questions asked. I purchased mine from Performance Bike and after a number of problems with it I returned it and got a PT instead.

It was a pain to set up, gave mixed reports and if the wind was from a strange angle the aero bottle disrupted the read outs.

2009-01-10 11:38 PM
in reply to: #1900042

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Subject: RE: Anyone using the ibike bike computer?
I think you should read the online reviews, they generally aren't that great in terms of accuracy or consistency. I've also read about them having problems if they get wet.

I don't have one but I saw one for sale in my LBS so I started reading about them.

I assume you already have a HRM and a nice bike computer, if not I would get those instead.
2009-01-11 5:39 PM
in reply to: #1900042


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Subject: RE: Anyone using the ibike bike computer?

Hey all,

 

My name is Boyd Johnson. I helped develop the new Generation 3 iBikes. I thought I would hop in here and address a couple questions. The iBike can be just as accurate as a power tap if you set it up correctly. And the nice thing is, because it's all based on math formulas, it's very precise. This means that if you see an increase in watts, it's because you got stronger (2+2 has always equaled 4 is a VERY simplified example of this).

 So, here are the links to a ride that I did today. I had a Quarq, Power Tap, and an iBike on my bike today. You can download the iBike software for free at www.ibikesports.com . Then open the Quarq and iBike file. When it's open click on features -> power meter comparison. There you can add the power tap data.

 I figured I can talk about how well the iBike works, but the numbers prove it. The nice thing is all three models of the iBike use the same computer, so if you order the iSport you have all the accuracy and precision of our top of the line model.

 

Here is the Quarq and iBike data (right click, save file as)
http://www.ibikeforum.com/download/file.php?id=417

Here is the Power Tap data (right click, save file as)
http://www.ibikeforum.com/download/file.php?id=416

If you have any questions, you can reach me directly at boyd (at) totalcyclist dot com
Thanks for your time guys, hope I cleared up a few things



Edited by coachboyd 2009-01-11 5:42 PM
2009-01-11 6:21 PM
in reply to: #1901083

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Subject: RE: Anyone using the ibike bike computer?

Boyd,

Thank you very much for your post.  I have done quite a bit of research on your product and have found the accuracy and consistancy to be very good.  I have read and reviewed previouse test results and you really can't tell the differences between all of the graphs between the various power meters in the sample.

 When seeing the "port" on the front of the unit I immeadiatly was concerned about the aero bottle I use.  Would my hydration system be something that I would need to change when using the ibike?

Could you explain the set up process?

Thanks for everyone's response.

Mike

2009-01-11 7:37 PM
in reply to: #1901150


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Subject: RE: Anyone using the ibike bike computer?

The aero bottle could pose a problem if you have the iBike mounted on your stem. A couple options would be to mount it on the iBike to the outside away from the aero bars. We also have the Topeak bar extender available on the website that would mount it away from the bottle. And I can't say too much right now, but in the next couple weeks we are going to test out a new tool to help triathletes with aero bars. . .cool stuff coming!

 

Set up is pretty easy, just enter your weight and check the settings in the setup screen. You have to do a tilt calibration and a wind offset and then do a few coastdowns and a 4 mile calibration ride. This will give you a profile that is stored in your iBike. Once you have that in the iBike all you have to do before you ride is a wind offset (takes me about 5 seconds).

 With the new unit you can store two profiles, so if you race with a disc wheel and skinsuit, you can have a profile for that stored and easily switch to that on race day.

 

I also want to point out that all the reviews and "stuff people have heard" about the iBike is from the older generations. It would be like reading a review of a computer with Windows 95 to decide which one you wanted to buy at Best Buy. For the new Generation we listened to tons of customer requests, and went through thousands of miles of beta testing in all situations. What we came up with it an imporved product that is much easier to set up, and gives you the numbers on the computer that you are actually putting out.

So when you see an increase in your watts, it means you have gotten stronger.

 Oh, and for you guys trying to improve your threshold (all triathletes), we have a built in fitness test. It's a 20 minute test that gives you a w/kg number and a fitness ranking 1-10. Then, based on your fitness ranking, there are intervals built in to the computer. These are based on your threshold so they are perfect for your riding level. The cool thing is say you get a fitness level 5, you do the intervals for 4-6 weeks, then you retake your fitness test. Now, say you went from a fitness lever 5 to a 6. The intervals change and are designed to now make you go from a 6 to a 7!

It's a power meter that not only tells what you are doing in training, but helps you train the right way to improve.



2009-01-11 7:53 PM
in reply to: #1901295

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Subject: RE: Anyone using the ibike bike computer?

Boyd

Thanks for the info. I, like I am sure many newbs, would like to use power to get better. Cost has always been a detterent for me, so it is good to see something that could work for way less.

I have not done much looking into your product, but thought I would ask while you are around. The ibike will not work when riding on rollers indoors?

That is where I would do alot of my interval type stuff and I feel it would be vital to have a powermeter that could be used on rollers indoors. Am I correct in assuming that the ibike would not help in this regard.

Thanks

2009-01-11 7:59 PM
in reply to: #1901342


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Subject: RE: Anyone using the ibike bike computer?

There is a trainer key that is an option purchase. With this enabled, the iBike will take the trainer speed/power coefficients. We have started doing a few models of rollers for this. If your rollers have a variable resistance unit (resistance that you can change) then the iBike would not be able to work with changing the resistance since it only works on speed data.

 

But for most trainers and a few sets of rollers, the iBike actually works pretty well. Travis (who writes the software) has tested this and developed a way for people to set their own coefficients for the trainer to "fine tune" if you can ride a power tap for a day. I can not personally speak for the trainer functions. I am fortunate enough to have moved to South Carolina, so I very rarely can't get outside. And I would rather ride 3 hours outside in the cold rain than 45 minutes on the trainer.

2009-01-19 1:44 PM
in reply to: #1900042

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Subject: RE: Anyone using the ibike bike computer?

Boyd - nto sure if you're still reading this thread, but I'm curious to know if you have any more info on the new "tool" for aerobars.

Thanks.

2009-01-27 9:36 PM
in reply to: #1900042


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Subject: RE: Anyone using the ibike bike computer?

Hey, I can't say exactly what it is yet. . but I tested the first prototype this past Sunday in Southern Florida. I have the Quarq and the iBike on my TT bike. The bars on my TT bike are as narrow as you can get with the stem that I have, and my iBike is on the stem. Normally my hands would block the wind port really bad, especially at speed. But with the new tool we were able to get perfect wind data.

Now the cool part. I did my coastdowns and calibration ride and it gave me my cda (.246 with jersey, training wheels, and a seat pack). I paired the iBike to the Quarq crankset and turned on the live cda. I rode 8 miles down A1A staying in my aero bars the entire time. Average watts between the two were within 3 watts, and I could see my live cda and how much time I was gaining or losing. I lost 3 seconds in that 8 miles due to raising my shoulders, dipping my head down, etc.

I then turned left and got out of the aerobars and even reached the high point of my ride (32 feet above sea level ona bridge). I was in traffic so for the next mile I stayed out of the aero bars, even as I descended the bridge. This all cost me about 36 seconds (especially standing out of the saddle).

Then as I turned left again, I stayed in the aero bars all the way back to the factory. Watts again were lined up within 3 watts, and my time advantage stayed at the negative 36 seconds all the way back to the factory.

 Now, when I get back home it's time to experiment even more to find that perfect position, I think I have a few new positions to give a test. And check at the iBike website for an announcement on a few things that will come out very soon. Frimware and accessories, no new units.

2009-01-28 7:58 AM
in reply to: #1900042

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Subject: RE: Anyone using the ibike bike computer?
Boyd - thanks for the feedback.  I would like to have the iBike on the stem but I have an aero bottle in the bars at the moment.  Not sure if the new accessory will help get around that issue, or if I'll still need the bar extender and run it below and to the left or right of my stem.


2009-01-28 8:55 AM
in reply to: #1900042

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Edited by kmill23 2009-01-28 8:57 AM
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