Power transmission

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cpoulsen2
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Nov 12, 2019 3:46 am

Power transmission

Post by cpoulsen2 »

Hello, I just recently bought a powerpod v3, haven't had the opportunity to try it yet. One thing I've wondered for some time is how much energy gets lost in the frame, pulleys etc? I guess i can be putting 500 watt into the pedals but powerpod would only record 450 since it doesn't take into consideration friction and a soft frame?

Best regards Christian
Velocomp
Velocomp CEO
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Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 8:43 am

Re: Power transmission

Post by Velocomp »

Tests conducted by bike manufacturers through the years suggest a loss of about 2%. So, if you're pushing 500W at the pedals, the drivetrain/frame loss would be about 10W.

PP uses the 2% loss in its calculations.
John Hamann
cpoulsen2
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Nov 12, 2019 3:46 am

Re: Power transmission

Post by cpoulsen2 »

Thx, how about the friction between the tires and road surface? Guess the numbers varies if the surface is wet?
Velocomp
Velocomp CEO
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Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 8:43 am

Re: Power transmission

Post by Velocomp »

cpoulsen2 wrote: Sat Nov 16, 2019 7:36 am Thx, how about the friction between the tires and road surface? Guess the numbers varies if the surface is wet?
This difference is even smaller. You'll get only about a 1% change going from normal to super-slick tires.
John Hamann
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