Velocomp intros iBike Powerhouse iOS case and app at CES
updated 09:00 pm EST, Thu January 5, 2012
Measures and instructs on bike-based fitness
Sports technology company Velocomp, already known for its iBike Dash housing-and-app combo, has expanded its lineup with the iBike Powerhouse [website not yet updated], a motivational and user-directed fitness program incorporated into a water- and shock-resistant casing for the iPhone or iPod Touch that includes wireless speed/cadence sensors and other detectors to measure the cyclists' "power" (level of effort in pedalling) for maximum impact according to user goals.
The app and electronics also retain the ability of the iPhone to listen to music or take calls, but works with user-chosen 4-6 week goal-based plan such as "healthy heart" or "0 to 50 miles in three weeks" and other targets that are available as in-app purchases. The iBike Powerhouse guides the rider through a series of 45-90 minutes bike rides, directing the user to increase or decrease pedalling power to achieve the maximum efficiency for the intended goal and their existing fitness level (thus someone just starting out would be asked to pedal at lower levels of effort and build up as opposed to the levels that would be requested of an experience cyclist).
The app includes videos from the designer of the fitness plans, power-cycling coach Hunter Allen, as motivation aids. Combined with the case's sensors and electronics, it can record numerous factors in a given ride, including speed, incline, route tracking, elevation, pulse and calories among other measurements and automatically adjusts the plan being used accordingly. The app (free with the purchase of the hardware) includes the "iSlim" plan for weight loss and general fitness, with other plans ranging from "Kid Fit" to "Weekend Warrior" available for $10 each via in-app purchasing.
The iBike Powerhouse includes the case, the electronics and sensors, the app and a universal mounting system and will sell for $269. The hardware is fully compatible with all bicycle ANT+ HR sensors as well. A video that demonstrates the app in the iBike Dash system is below.
