Originally Posted by
fa63
I think the wired PT from CC is a great deal if you have a dedicated training bike (or just one bike for everything) but it is a hassle if you constantly move things around between different bikes. Plus, you know the OCD in all of us will require a matching front wheel, so add that to the cost
On top of that is the weight factor (the rear PT wheel alone is listed as 1,240g).
So in short, I think iBike can be a great training tool with less hassle and more flexibility than a wired PT.
Moving a wired PT is very easy with a second wiring harness. And unless you want to go wireless at a cost of an additional $269, you'll need second wiring harness for the Ibike, as well as another$99 cadence pickup.
As for weight, it's only a few hundred grams more than a typical mid range rear wheel. And the trianing beneifts if you use it well, will give you more speed than those grams could ever cost you.
As for the OCD thing, you can be a poser, or train to get faster.
Originally Posted by
fa63
You have a good point. But consider the fact that even the cheapest unit allows you to do FTP tests and display the data. At the very least, you could see if you are improving or not by keeping track of your progress that way. Then you can upgrade to the full version if you think you need to store and analyze the data.
You do need to store and analyze the data, if you're really going to get the benefit of a power meter. Otherwise you just have an expensive toy.
And when you start adding it up the Ibike gets expensive $199 for the Sport, $99 for a cadence sensor. $269 if you want to go wireless, and $249 if you want to be able to download data.
That's over $700 for a unit that has calibration hassles and inaccuracies.
There is simply no value proposition to support the Ibike. (other than as a head unit for a real power meter if you're willing to spend that money.)