Power meters

Larry Peters

Hi,

Does anyone have experience with (or an opinion of) the powerpod for measuring bike power?

http://www.ibikesports.com/product-category/powerpod-power-meter/

It is a lot cheaper than other accessories for measuring power (like hubs, or pedals), but claims it is still highly accurate. So obviously it seems a bit too good to be true. I guess one drawback is that you could not use it inside on a trainer.

Any experience with this? Has anyone tested it side-by-side with another power meter?

Thanks!
-Rob

Peter Noyes

I don't have one, but DC Rainmaker did a review:

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/03/powerpod-depth-review.html

It sounds like it does work, but not by directly measuring any forces. It has a bunch of sensors that it uses to algorithmically determine the power based on wind speed, incline, speed, and so on. 

He basically says that at the price point it is so close to the 4iii power meter at 399$ that it might not be worth it.

The biggest deal breaker for me would be that it wouldn't work well on a trainer. If you plan to do any inside riding and you don't already have a smart trainer than I think a real power meter with a strain gauge that is measuring the true force would be the way to go.

Al Truscott

This is a re-purposed iBike set up...using wind speed into the unit, coupled with other data like rider weight, hill gradient, and bike speed to calculate the forces against which the rider is working, rather than a direct measurement of the power generated (whether at the crank, pedal, hub or wherever). I used an iBike as my power meter from 2006-2009, and had some success during that time (4 x KQ). But once I got a PowerTap hub, I never looked back. PowerTap  - I've got two hubs now, and also a set of pedals - is ROCK solid. Step on the bike, and it just works, every time. The iBike/PowerPod method is, well, finicky is putting it kindly. Constant need to calibrate, which involves actually riding for a period of time, and even then its just not reliable enough to use in a long race. If it were to cost, say < $200, might be worth it as an entry level introduction to power usage. But given the cost of single crank or pedal systems, or even PT hubs, I'd say, don't bother with this, go to something with a proven track record of reliability.

OTOH, if you are a VERY experienced and successful Time Trialist or Triathlete, and want to tweak your bike position/fit with data which might be better than a wind tunnel, this system does offer that opportunity, given some of its capabilities to generate Ccr coefficients (if you don't know what that is, well, neither do I, but it has something to do with how efficient your position is vs the wind.) But that's graduate level stuff...

For the usual in-depth DC Rainmaker review with some comparisons, go to https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/03/powerpod-depth-review.html

He also explains how it can be used with an indoor trainer to generate "virtual power" data.

Larry Peters

Thanks so much Peter Noyes and Al Truscott! I really appreciate your thorough replies!

Shaughn Simmons

I have both the PT Hubs and the PT pedals as I have transitioned from old bike with PT hub to newer bike with PT pedals.  Both are, IMO, probably the best single investment you could make for your bike over anything else, like wheels, other components, etc...  

Both are very durable, dependable and accurate and I do put a lot of wear on them.  I prefer the pedals over the hubs given the flexibility and ease they afford me when I want to switch bikes.

SS

jeff beetz

I just purchased a powerpod as I don't do a lot of outdoor riding and just couldn't justify the cost for a few races. I've taken 2 short rides with it <1.5 hrs and it seems pretty good. For trainer rides I use trainerroad EN workouts. I purchased a wahoo for my scott road bike strapped into a Blackburn trainer, easy to set up, runs all target watts, actual watts, HR thru my iPhone, auto uploads when finished, love that ap. gives you great targets/intervals to follow. I'll be taking the powerpod out on the long IM rehearsal rides this weekend weather permitting and can report back when data is dumped.

Larry Peters

Thanks so much Shaughn Simmons & Jeff Beetz! Jeff, I would be interested to know how the powerpod works out on your IM rehearsal ride. Regardless, I hope the ride goes well for you!

jeff beetz

Larry

I was pleased with the performance. I ended up going from the road to finishing on the trainer after 4.5 hours for a couple reasons. The next day I did a 90 min ride, first ride was extremely windy, second not so much. I'm not a strong cyclist and have never used power before trainerroad/wahoo, so my expectations may be low. But I do think it will help on my upcoming races. attached are two screen shots from both days. Let me know if you have any questions

Larry Peters

Thanks a ton for posting that data Jeff!

David Howard

I've been using the iBike Newton PM for 5+ years (still working well BTW). Many of the set up issues have improved with periodic updates. I Presume the same functions with the pod just w/o the data screen.

Still has some funny power reading if not warmed to ambient air temp prior.  On trainer (my major use) it tracks within 10 watts of Computrianer historically (high) But consistent. And Outdoors about 10 watts higher on FTP test VS indoor test etc -but that I think is a function of outdoor effort/ability.  Having 4 profiles for 4 bikes was a big PLUS for me just change profile and clip on and GO. 

I recently purchased a Vector peddle unit and despite multiple re mount/reset it runs 30w LOWER than computrainer....so I'm training indoor at FTP 230 (Newton)/220 computrainer and Vector 200 outdoor which kinda drives me mad:  Vector 220-230w =24mph @160hr VS indoors seeing 265w for same speed/effort indoors.

I've run both side by side and the power files are very parallel just 35w off across the ride. (in iBike software) I do like the supplied software BTW. Easy to navigate and parse out important data. 

Again I'm speculating the pod will work similarly.  I do plan on doing coast downs to test drag from various setups/position tweaks. which may prove valuable ....have only looked at the postride #s from a few rides with road bike vs TT bike to notice average CDA #s ...no ever used formal coast down testing so far.

Larry Peters

Wow, thanks a ton David Howard!