Shocking! That’s my first impression of the new iBike Newton PowerStroke+ power meter with pedaling efficiency measurement.
(This is a follow up blog from the previous iBikeBlog entry about the iBike Newton PowerStroke)
I’ve been riding and racing bikes for a while and assumed that my pedal stroke was pretty solid. Man, was I surprised when I saw my PowerStroke plot (PSp)! What’s even funnier is that I did my best to tidy up the circles, in order to present a beautiful display of cycling artistry! LOL!
I have to admit that it was a bit of a slap to my fragile pride. Something must be wrong with this thing, I thought. There’s no way I’m pedaling like that. The pedals and chain rings can’t even allow me to create such horrific shapes- they’re circular for goodness sake! So I did it again for a 3 mile loop and got the same result. At least I know the PowerStroke is consistent. Ouch! really? REALLY?? Ugh.
In life, I believe it’s important to be an optimist and always look on the bright side of a situation. With that perspective, I realized that if I’m able to stick in packs with this type of disfigured PSp, then things can only get better as I improve my efficiency! And I’ve got lots of room for improvement.
If we are focused and efficient with the time that we have for cycling training, in conjunction with improving our form and pedaling efficiency, we’ll be virtually unstoppable! With a sound power based training plan and a real road-condition pedaling efficiency tool, I can definitely see huge gains happening this year. Things are looking up after all.
My thoughts at this point, regarding the PowerStroke tool on the iBike Newton power meter, are very positive. I’m amazed at the incredible advances in technology that iBike has made and how sensitive and consistent the tool is. Sure, reality can be frightening. I’d rather know the truth and have the ability to improve, than to be ignorant and continue down a dead end road. The PowerStroke tool tells it as it is and isn’t afraid of hurting feelings – isn’t that what we need in a good cycling coach?
Something else I discovered in my maiden voyage is how my pedaling efficiency changes over a ride. Fatigue plays a role in form and that’s very evident in my PSp’s. The images below show my PSp’s at the beginning and end of my 70 mile ride. The beginning image displays where I tried to turn perfect circles to boast about my awesome pedaling stroke (yeah, right). The end image depicts my longing for a cold beer and LazyBoy recliner.
Beginning:
End:
My final take from my initial ride on the iBike Newton PowerStroke power meter is that it’s completely addictive. It just kind of sucks you in and sticks in your head. For the perfectionists and Strava junkies out there, this has the potential to consume your mind, as It has mine.
Would you like to know more about technology, cycling training, power meters, or nutrition? I’d love to help! Please e-mail iBikeBlog with your questions and suggestions. Thank you.
