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Chinese gear that measure the power output of both legs in watts?
genealogyxie:
Are there any Chinese cycle computers (similar to the Garmin Edge 1040 Solar) that measure the rider's total power output (in watts) for each leg? So I assume this would also require at least two strain gauges or other type of force sensor on a special crankset. Do riders actually use the cycling computers during races as well, or would that just add in unnecessary weight to the bike?
PLA:
The power meter (single side or dual side) measures the power, the computer just displays the results. Racers usually use the smaller computer like the 840 or Bolt V2. Igpsport 630 is a popular Chinese computer. Crank or portal meters come in single or dual versions. A popular Chinese power meter is the spider type Magene P505, which measures both sides.
TribesMan:
Spider based power meters are really not good at estimating left/right balance.
They can't differentiate between power the left side pulling and right side pushing, and vice versa.
I tested this several times, for instance you can unclip your left leg and cycle only with your right leg.
The L/R balance should be 0% / 100% (and my Favero Assioma pedals confirm that)... but the spider based power meter will estimate the L/R power based on how much pulling up you do with the right leg, and assign that to left side power, and pushing down with the right leg will be assigned to right side power. So it is basically useless.
Only crank based or pedal based power meter can accurately measure L/R balance.
kbernstein:
Technically yes, spiders can't tell left pulling from right pushing, but it really shouldn't matter in the real world. Most people don't pull at ALL, so it's safe to assume all the power comes from pushing the other side. So unless you only have one leg, then spiders should have a pretty good L/R accuracy.
Unless of course you still believe in the "round pedaling" efficiency bullshit and make a conscious effort to pull
TribesMan:
It matters quite a lot.
In my case my left leg was always "a bit lazy".
When I try to do single leg drills, right leg is very smooth, but left one feels like pedaling squares.
On my Assiomas measured L/R balance is 45/55 (also confirmed on friends Garmin Vectors).
But spider based power meter reports L/R balance at 53/47.
I assume that because my left leg does almost no pulling, and right one does some, the interpretation is completely wrong in the end.
So yeah, L/R estimation on anything that is not pedal or crank based, is completely useless.
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