Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Powermeter

Hey guys,
What do you guys think about this powermeter from http://www.microsporttech.com/product.php . Would this be a good investment when it comes out? I'm considering it because it is transferable, allows you to use different wheels, less expensive than others. I would be kind of concerned with having electrics in my shoe though. Any thoughts?

How does it measure power when you're pulling up on the pedal?

Would this be a good investment when it comes out?

No. It is unlikely that you will be able to sell it for more than you payed.

How does it measure power when you're pulling up on the pedal?

Oh, nevermind, it doesn't. Their marketing folks explain to us that nobody really pulls up on the pedal anyway, so there's no need to measure it.

Its vaporware anyway.. I put myself on the preorder list and havent heard a peep from them. Original shipping ETA was like April.

So, just when you get your insoles and shoes right you're supposed to stick something under your feet?

interesting stuff . . . although I am skeptical as are others. The proof will be in the pudding and very quickly known. Bottom line is that they will get some of these out there, either to demo or via early adaptors. You know there will be more than a few that will have one in addition to their hub based power meter . . . it will not take long to see if this works well. I would wait and see, unless you are confident in their return policy.

dumbest thing ever.

Does anyone know what the pricing will be?

dumbest thing ever.


might be a slight overstatement. :)

Does anyone know what the pricing will be?

it is on one of the pages. $500 pre-order, $550 later

dumbest thing ever.

Actually, that would be your post.

If this works as advertised it will be the greatest invention since canned beer.

Their FAQ says: "In other words, and despite what your training buddies might tell you, you don't pull-up on the pedals. But that never made much sense anyways, did it, and we at Micro Sport are glad to clear up this common misconception."

HORSE HOCKEY! I know I pull up HARD on sprints and sprinter's hills. On extended climbs I'll often apply power only on the upstroke so I can rest the muscles used on the down/bottom stroke.

When polar and nike came out with the footpod technology a few years ago that measured pace and distance on a running shoe everyone figured it was vaporware, a scam, etc. Turned out it was really great working device (though a bit large at first). This is what is now in the Nike+.
Not saying one way or the other on this, but if it works (and like I said, it will be easy to know in short order) it will be a great device. And will sell like you cannot believe.

From the site:


Accurate:

* ± 5% Seated compares with torque based devices!

That's a 10% spread. For a guy like me that means it could be as much as 35 watts at LT...
Plus note that it says "seated". Looks like as soon as you get out of the saddle all bets are off.

well a 1000 dollar insole isn't going to get me.. because there are knows accurate tested available powermeters out there for that much...
now if they could get it down to say $500 or $300 then they'd be in a market that is currently empty and probably make a buck. The first one of these "cheap" powermeters to come out that actually works is going to be a hit.

~Steve

"Hell, I can take a crap in a box and slap a guarrantee on it for you, if that's what you want."

"Hell, I can take a crap in a box and slap a guarrantee on it for you, if that's what you want."
"...trust me, I have the time."

Their FAQ says: "In other words, and despite what your training buddies might tell you, you don't pull-up on the pedals. But that never made much sense anyways, did it, and we at Micro Sport are glad to clear up this common misconception."

HORSE HOCKEY! I know I pull up HARD on sprints and sprinter's hills. On extended climbs I'll often apply power only on the upstroke so I can rest the muscles used on the down/bottom stroke.

Do they really say that? Wow. I've actually been working on my form to make sure I DO pull up.

How does it measure power when you're pulling up on the pedal?

I would think that pulling up could be inferred from an increase in pushing down w/ the other foot (barring isometrics or whatever of pulling up w/ both feet to ensure your legs are making no downstroke whatsoever).

Their FAQ says: "In other words, and despite what your training buddies might tell you, you don't pull-up on the pedals. But that never made much sense anyways, did it, and we at Micro Sport are glad to clear up this common misconception."

HORSE HOCKEY! I know I pull up HARD on sprints and sprinter's hills. On extended climbs I'll often apply power only on the upstroke so I can rest the muscles used on the down/bottom stroke.

I know it seems counter-intuitive, but I've read that many times before. I sure feel like I'm pulling up. Maybe I'm just decreasing the downward force on that pedal, but even that should be worth something.

I am sure someone will do a comparison against the SRM and others eventually. I agree with the pulling up being an issue... but how much of one is the question. Then again, I wonder, does pulling up just give leverage to push down on the other side? Thus would it read your pulling up as increased pressure on the other side and essentially count it anyway? Just a wild theory I suppose.

I would love for cheaper power meters to appear. Seems like people are trying to figure other ways of doing it, and the non-built in nature of this solutions is definitely appealing.