Here is my solution to one of my biggest frustrations: watching someone ride with little or no resistance. Bikes like the Keiser M3, Cycleops Pro 300PT and the new Schwinn A.C. Performance indoor cycle offer "Power" measurements that show how much actual work your are creating, but typical Indoor Cycling Bikes offer nothing.
So what do you do when you are stuck with a room full of Spinner NXTs? Watch the video for a simple method that anyone can use to measure the relative amount of work done in class.
Here is a link to a $45.00 similar Digital Laser Thermometer over at Amazon KINTREX IRT0421 Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer with Laser Targeting
Find a sheet of mailing labels, paint it with a flat spray paint.
IMPORTANT! Check to see where the resistance pad makes contact with the flywheel so it doesn't remove the lable. New Spinners and LeMonds come down from the top so the label needs to be placed like on the video. Newer Schwinn bikes & Johnny G bikes the pads grip from each side so the label goes on the outer face.
Let me know what you think about this by leaving a comment below.
[https://www.indoorcycleinstructor.com/Video/Spinning_Bike_Power_Meter.wmv]
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John is a member on the AFS (Association of Fitness Studios) Advisory Council.
Holding certifications from; Schwinn, Heart Zones, Team ICG and Life Time Fitness, John's held regularly scheduled cycling classes between 1998 and 2015 when he moved to Florida.
When the weather permits, you'll find him riding and leading outdoor groups by himself or with his Tandem partner (wife) Amy.
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Wondering if the temp of the flywheel decreses over the cool down period….so would you do intermittent temp readings ..for example:.. after increasing to 80% vs earlier intervals at 70 or 75%…would the temp then be increased more??/thus requiring multiple readings?
That’s a great idea. I have to wonder, though, could a person who was using lighter ressitance, but higher cadence produce as much heat on the flywheel as a person using higher ressistance, but turning out a lower cadence. I suppose that both of them could be doing the same amount of work, but not necessarily generating the same of “power”.
I probably skipped the day (or week) in physics class that would allow me to figure it out for myself.
“My” gym has the new eddy current Keiser Cycles (without the electronics), so I can’t test this .
BT
Good points Jody & Barry,
Jody – The heat buildup is gradual so at the end of class is best. I find it works to go quickly through the room while the class is cooling down. The mass of the flywheel cools slowly so there is time to get accurate readings.
Barry – you are correct on the physics. I’m trying to encourage people to carry more load while maintaining realistic cadences – 70 – 100 RPM – like a real road cyclist. My experience is as soon as you go to either extreme you have poor efficiency / pedal technique.
Bikes are forever… never have a change of heart for the sake of your heart. Cycling is one of the most complete exercises you may ever do. It takes a lot from you but it will give you a lot in return. A lot of years in your life being in the best physical shape you will ever be!
John,
Good idea, I like the concept…once explained to the students, it gives them true quantifiable results…hard facts. The other message from the reading of the instrument to the student tells them without a single discouraging word.
I also support the latter comment about resistance, to little will start developing poor technique (bouncing in the saddle) that can lead to knee injuries.
Great vid:-)
Harold~