How does a potentiometer work?
What if we remember the operation and purpose of a potentiometer or power meter? A potentiometer is an electronic device installed in key areas of the bike that allows the cyclist pedaling data to be captured: cranks, pedalier axis or pedals. The potentiometer has an electronic circuit whose fundamental part is an extension. It is a sensor composed of sheets or gauges that are deformed depending on the force exerted by the pedaling. This deformation vary its electrical resistance. In this way, the circuit is capable of translating power expressed power values.The potentiometer sends and shows the data via Bluetooth or ant+ to a cyclocomputer installed in the handlebar.The device is able to measure, with hardly any margin of error (2-3%), the watts generated in the pedaling. A control screen installed in the handlebar (a cyclocomputer, usually) shows the cyclist real -time data: medium power, relative power, maximum power, threshold power, etc. [Captation Id = "Attachment_7715" Align = "Alignnone" Width = "744"]
Image: Luckylife11 (Pixabay).[/caption]
It is very useful information that allows you to control your form of form, improvement with training or even plan both your preparation and the careers in which you can participate.
Types of bicycle potentiometers
We can distinguish five types of cycling potentiometers, with prices ranging between 200 and 600 euros. Many of them are included in connecting rod games and plates. which increases the price above 1,000 euros, in some cases.Connecting rod potentiometer
It is one of the most widespread and economic models in the market. The meter is compact, light (only 20 grams in the high -end models) and is easily installed on the posterior face of the left connecting arm. There are also models that mount an extra sensor in the right connecting rod, resulting even more precise in measurement. Brands like Stages either 4iii They are current reference in the market. The symmetry of force between the left and right leg is not perfect. Therefore, there are connecting rod potentiometers with a sensor in each of the arms; To offer more exact data.Potentiometer spider
The power meter is integrated into the spider (central structure of the connecting rod) and has a circular shape. Thus it is more protected from the blows and also offers a very precise measurement. It has some inconveniences: it is more expensive than that of connecting rod, the assembly is more complicated and can have compatibility problems with certain dishes and connecting rods. Brands like Quarq (of SRAM) and SRM They are the best known of this type of enhancement.📺 In this video you have the Dzero Dub model, the quarq range top potentiometer. [embed] https://youtu.be/thcq3Swlx00[/embed]
Pedalier axis potentiometer
Rotor, with its inpower, is the clearest example of a potentiometer sensor installed inside the pedalier axis. It is light (add only 40 grams to the pedalier as a whole) and its location protects you from blows or weather. That same location protects the interference potentiometer in the measurement, which makes it an especially precise device. It also eliminates the dead points of the pedaling that entail the connecting rod enhancers, which contributes to the reliability of the system. However, like spider enhancers, their assembly and compatibility can be a problem.📺 Here you have an analysis of the rotor inpower potentiometer. [embed] https://youtu.be/y6vlwahj3ee[/embed]
Pedal potentiometer
Compatibility problems between bicycles are solved with a pedal potentiometer. The meter is integrated into one or both pedals and is installed with the same ease that a conventional pedal is mounted. Its price is higher, from € 400, although it includes the pedal torque. You must take into account its exposure to blows, both external and of the coves and shoes, the scrubs, etc. Garmin is the reference brand of this kind of meters, with its models RS200 (road) and rally XC200 (MTB and Serla), and also Favero.📺 In this video you have a test of the Garmin Rally XC200 model, focused on the MTB and Grave Cyclist. [embed] https://youtu.be/xx3bligt3-0[/embed]
Bushing potentiometer
Finally, we will refer to a potentiometer that has been displaced by the rise of pedal or connecting rod. We refer to the power meter on the rear bushing of the bike. The device measures the values of the complete pedalada, without interference or dead points. In addition, its assembly in a second bike is quite easy and will be enough to exchange the wheel with the potentiometer for the conventional. Its greatest inconvenience is weight. Powertap was the brand that popularized these types of meters, although it no longer manufactures them.What kind of potentiometer choose?
Seen the most demanded types of potentiometers, it is time to choose the most appropriate to your needs. It will depend on several factors: on your experience and technical level on the bike, or the modality you practice. If you want to start in watt training, the best option is one of connecting rod, or even pedal, for its most competitive prices and easy installation. Especially, if you practice road cycling.Rod and pedal potentiometers are the most appropriate to start in the world of watt training.If yours is the Mountain Bike, maybe the safest, even if it supposes a greater expense, is the pedalier axis potentiometer or the bushing. For an advanced level, spider empowerment would be the ideal choice. In fact, they are the most used by professional corridors, due to their enormous precision and integration with the connecting rod set.
