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Rotor’s newly announced crank axle-based INpower power meter is the first for a new power meter category, according to the brand.
Inconspicuously integrating its tech inside the bottom bracket, INpower is protected from shock,
crashes and outside contaminants, as well as maintaining the bike’s original aesthetics. The firm said it believes that in future all high-end cranks will feature a power meter inside.
Due to the its position inside the frame, INpower can convert any ROTOR crank into a crank axle-based power meter, for mountain bikers, cross racers, and triathletes as well as road cyclists. With a nod toward ROTOR’s flagship QRings, INpower features TORQUE 360 and Optimum Chainring Angle (OCA) pedal analysis, which help cyclists accurately assess force variations in their pedal stroke. TORQUE 360 and OCA values enable cyclists to orient their QRings around their distinct pedaling characteristics in order to take advantage of their most productive zone.
"We wanted to create a power meter that overcame current trends in power meter technology and could be transferred to other disciplines," said Pablo Carrasco, head of research and development at ROTOR and INpower’s inventor. "At the same time we wanted to leverage the benefits of QRings and build a sophisticated power meter that’s fairly simple to use compared with other power meters out there."
INpower uses a standard AA battery and is equipped with the UBB30 axle system, a 30 mm diameter axle compatible with almost all standard frames in the market. Because INpower measures data in the left leg, cyclists who already own a current set of ROTOR cranks have the option to purchase only the left crank arm and install it themselves with the help of a downloadable multilingual user’s manual.
Rotor said that because it’s centered in the crank axle, INpower achieves cleaner data transfer and greater accuracy via ANT+™ protocol without interruptions and temperature fluctuations. Sophisticated metrics like Torque Effectiveness and Pedal Smoothness determine total torque versus positive torque and average power versus maximum power respectively.
Velotech Services brings Rotor to the UK cycle trade: www.velotechservices.co.uk
