Power meters, used by competitive cyclists to monitor their power output, often cost anywhere between $1,000 and $2,000. However, 'The Limits' power meter, devised by a pair of Scottish engineers, costs less than $400. It sits between the pedal and crank of the bike, and doesn't have to be built into a crank arm as power meters often are.
The device measures cadence and torque, and uses the data to calculate power output in real time. It is powered by a coin cell battery that should last about a year.
The advantage of this power meter is that users can use the same device for multiple bicycles for added convenience and reduced cost. As a bonus, the device creates a slight gap between the pedals and cranks, which could help alleviate knee pain.
Low-Cost Cycling Meters
This Power Meter Alleviates Knee Pain and Wallet Pain
Trend Themes
1. Low-cost Power Meters - Affordable power meters open up the market to non-competitive cyclists, creating an opportunity for companies to develop and sell low-cost, user-friendly models.
2. Multiuse Bike Gadgets - Developing bike gadgets that can be easily moved from bike to bike reduces consumer costs and expands the user market.
3. Pain-reducing Devices - Creating devices that can help alleviate pain during common physical activities can target a wide range of consumers and potentially lead to a new product niche.
Industry Implications
1. Sports Equipment Manufacturing - The low-cost power meter has the potential to disrupt the power meter market, creating opportunities for companies that specialize in sports equipment manufacturing.
2. Fitness Technology - The multiuse capabilities of the new power meter trend could lead to the development of more versatile fitness technology as advancements in sensor and data processing continue.
3. Medical Device Manufacturing - The pain-reducing device trend could potentially branch into medical device manufacturing, specifically with a focus on non-invasive treatment options for chronic pain sufferers.