IBike Pro GenIII
I was looking around and found some info on the IBike Pro GenIII power meter. After doing a little more investigation it seems like a good entry level (read that less expensive) way to start training with power. The IPRO Tri set-up cost is ~ $650 (Cost w/ WKO, Power webinar & wheel cover through EN $880) and gives NP, TSS, and IF measurements in real time as well as speed (current, average, max), power (current, average, max), wind speed, hill gradient, altitude, temperature, total calories, elevation gain, trip distance, trip time, odometer, total hours logged, date, and time of day, cadence (current, average, and max) and heart rate (current, average, and max). Looking on-line at wheelbuilder a power tap Pro+ with Garmin 500 with the EN discount would go for ~ $1350 (Cost w/WKO, Power webinar & wheel cover ~1600). So overall the IBike is still almost ½ the cost of the power tap.
1. So is anyone out there using an IBike power meter and if so how do you like it?
2. How do ya;’ll think the IBike compares to a Power tap Pro+? Seems to me similar results for less money.
3. If I go with the IBike would I still need the WKO software from EN. It comes with Cycling Peaks WKO? If WKO not needed cost drops to ~$770 less than ½ cost.
Thanks for any help and info.
Comments
Do a search on the 3.0 forums. There's been a lot of discussion about it. Cycling Peaks WKO is the same software. I would highly recommend the Power Webinar if it's in the budget. Well worth the money. It will teach you how to use power to it's fullest advantage, specifically for long course triathlon.
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/product-components/2011-cycleops-power-tap-compdt-rr-465-complete-wheel-5905.380.0.html
In my opinion, $660 for a PT that makes actual power measurments makes it really hard to justify going with a iBike for about the same price when the iBike is estimating power based on other inputs (speed, wind, etc).
I have never used an iBike so the estimated power it provides may be spot on.
The other "add-ons" of WKO, power webinar, and Racing and Training with a power meter are critical to your learning hw to properly use the power meter. I actually got the book and the webinar first and recomend others do as well. There is a steep learning curve and it gives you a chance to see if you really want to invest all the money into it.
@ Matt A. I like the suggestion of the book and webinar first. Was planning on getting the book for x-mas and a PM early next year. May add the Webinar to the x-mas list. Overall just trying to budget and save up for the PM and looking at different setups as well as new vs. used. Had not seen the low cost PT from CC so thanks for the link.
Most of the data on the IBike I've seen is spot on with different PM's but most of the data is on the company website so is likely biased a little. But on the 3.0 forums Navytriguy has some comparison data that seems to match up nicely.
@Billl is that the IBike Sport you have. (249 wired, 399 wireless). Only problem that I seen with the Sport is that the data cannot be downloaded. However, the Sport is fully upgradable to the Pro or Areo so can get started for $250 then upgrade over time. nice concept just wish I knew how good the readings were.
Hi,
I have an ibike Pro that I bought used. it was an upgraded iBike sport.
It had some issues with water leakage, but the company replaced it on the spot (they are local to me, and are very helpful).
I have been using my ibike for 6 or so months, and I have found it to be excellent as a training tool. It seems very consistent in its measurements, and has little hassle in getting the data.
Plus, you can tweak it in all sorts of ways.
The downside-it is hard to know if the ibike numbers are comparable to a PT or SRM, but, for me, I am not as concerned about the number as a number, but as a reference for setting my zones and knowing how to train. It is good for that.
That being said, if you can get an actual powermeter for the same price, I think that the powertap may be the way to go. The only reason not to go with the wired powertap, is...well, it is wired. Harder to switch if you have more than one bike.
Happy to answer any questions.
Garmin is going to be getting in the power game after their acquisition of Metrigear. Look for prices to fall for power over the next few years. Cyclops is scrambling to remain at the top. But it won't be easy with Polar/Look getting in the game.