Watts
The key difference between the Wattbike and every other indoor bike is that the Wattbike accurately measures power output in Watts.
The amount of power produced is measured 100 times per second by a load cell, located on the chain, and is a measurement of the sum of all forces applied to the chain through the cranks. The Wattbike’s Performance Computer then displays the power output every 3 seconds, if you are connected to the Wattbike Expert Software every pedal revolution can be seen in real time with data sampling 100 times per second.
This high rate of data sampling means that the force exerted on the cranks can be recorded every 10microseconds (1/100th of a second), allowing the Wattbike’s unique Polar View to display how force is being applied at all points in every pedal revolution. This allows the Wattbike to show your pedalling efficiency as well as your power output (more on that in The Difference #2 – Efficiency).
Accurately measuring power output is the basis for all of the other parameters recorded on the Wattbike, and means that for the first time it is possible to race between indoor bikes and produce accurate and repeatable results. This is true of every session completed on the Wattbike, no matter when or where the session is done; the results will be comparable with all other Wattbike results. This is made possible by the fact that the Wattbike is factory calibrated, and is then accurate throughout it’s life.
The accuracy of the data from the Wattbike means that you can monitor your training progress with a higher level of efficacy than ever before. Every session can be monitored for Power, Average Power, Heart Rate, Average Heart Rate (using either a Suunto ANT+ or Garmin ANT+ chest belt), you can also compare your speed, pace or even the force exerted. The full list of parameters measured can be seen on the Parameters Measured Page
Whether you’re a competitive cyclist, triathlete, cross trainer or just keen to be fit, you can monitor the effectiveness of your training and your power per kilo output (how much power you can produce for every kilo of body weight) using the Wattbike. So, you will now know when you get out to compete that you are fitter and more powerful than ever before, and that will produce better performances.
