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Power transmission

Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2019 12:38 pm
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

Re: Power transmission

Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2019 2:04 pm
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.

Re: Power transmission

Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2019 7:36 am
by cpoulsen2
Thx, how about the friction between the tires and road surface? Guess the numbers varies if the surface is wet?

Re: Power transmission

Posted: Sat Nov 16, 2019 9:24 am
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.