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Tech news for December 4, 2007

Edited by Paul Verkuylen

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Sydney world cup round one tech news

German engineering hits the track

By Paul Verkuylen

The front of the German team bikes
Photo ©: Paul Verkuylen
(Click for larger image)

The German national squad showed up to the first round of the UCI Track World Cup in Sydney, Australia with a stacked deck of innovative technology developed in house at FES (Research and Development of Sporting Equipment). The science institute has been tasked with developing tools that will help the Germans gain an advantage over their competition, and included in that toolbox for Sydney was a new frame, handlebar, and power measuring crankset.

The aerodynamic-looking carbon fiber frame and integrated handlebars look interesting enough, but the novel crankset was easily the most intriguing piece of kit. Unlike systems currently on the market that use a single group of sensors (located either in the rear hub, chainring spider, or bottom bracket) to measure left- and right leg power output, the FES unit houses sensors in each crankarm, just upstream of the pedals.

The power measuring hardware fits wholly inside each crank arm so as not to interfere with the aerodynamics of the bike. According to FES, the tidy package measures power, cadence, and speed, all from a unit that employs no other externally visible sensors. There is also no visible display; data is exclusively extracted by computer download through a cable located at the top of the seatpost.

"We develop the bikes, the handlebars, as well as the cranks. We also develop the software so that we can visually show what is going on," said FES engineer Kay Schubert while sitting in the stands. "We want to know everything: how much power they have at the start, as well as the difference between the power on the turns and the straights."

The FES power meter hardware
Photo ©: Paul Verkuylen
(Click for larger image)

Trainers can view individual rider data, as well as overlay the data from all four riders during a team pursuit. "That way we can see what sort of power the guy in front is generating at the same time we can see what the last guy is doing," said Schubert.

In theory, the discrete sensor configuration should yield a more accurate representation of individual left vs. right leg outputs. The FES system may also prove to be more accurate overall as power is measured at almost the precise location that power is applied.

Schubert wouldn't reveal the exact type of technology FES is using, but he did suggest that it was something that is not currently used by other power meters. "We are collecting different type of data than what we can get from [SRM]," he said.

In addition to the decidedly mysterious power meter, the German team mechanic also hinted about a new pursuit bike, saying that new bikes have been developed but are not to be used just yet in order to keep them secret from their competitors. "Maybe in Beijing next week, you will see one," he informed us. Stay tuned…

 

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