Since I am one of Gear Diary’s cooking and kitchen gadget reviewers and also write about food for a few other publications, it’s all I can do to keep myself anywhere near fighting weight. One of my favorite exercise regimens as part of the battle of the bulge is cycling, both on the road and in the gym.
So that’s why I was excited to see the latest announcement from Velocomp that they have developed an iOS-based cycling computer that interfaces with iPhones and iPods. I usually ride with my iPhone anyway, for safety on the road and for entertainment indoors, so this integration is welcomed. Combined with a wireless speed/cadence sensor on your bicycle, the iBike Powerhouse system tracks your progress and creates goal-oriented cycling plans for your individual fitness level.
Here’s the rest of the information from their product release announcement today at CES in Las Vegas:
Choose Your Goal-Based Plan – iBike POWERHOUSE Guides You Step-by-Step
Working out with iBike POWERHOUSE is easy. Select a goal-based plan, from “iSlim,” “Express Fitness,” “Brazilian Butt,” “Kid Fit,” “Weekend Warrior,” “Zero to 50 miles in 3 weeks,” and “Healthy Heart” — just some of the plans available through in-app purchases. Then, over a period of 4-6 weeks, iBike POWERHOUSE guides you through a series of 45-90 minute bike rides. During each ride, you are directed to pedal at specific levels of effort (power), customized to the plan’s goals and your measured fitness level. So, a “couch potato” will start out at a challenging but lower level of effort, whereas a fitter cyclist will start the same plan at a significantly higher level of effort.
Fitness Plans Designed by Power-Cycling Coach Hunter Allen
iBike POWERHOUSE’s fitness plans are designed by Hunter Allen, the world’s foremost power-cycling coach. Allen’s plans have been proven over nearly 20 years of coaching cyclists at all levels — from beginner to world class. And, in addition to the structured ride information for each plan, videos are included with tips from Allen for getting the most out of your cycling.
iBike POWERHOUSE is a complete system, including:
· A water/shock resistant case for the iPhone/iPod touch.
· Patented electronics that perform all cycling measurements, including power.
· An app that interacts with iBike’s electronics.
· A wireless speed/cadence sensor.
· Universal mounting system.
· The ability to listen to music or take phone calls while cycling“The iBike POWERHOUSE is the only product that creates cycling plans customized to your fitness level and goals, and that automatically adjusts as you improve”, said John Hamann, CEO, Velocomp. “iBike POWERHOUSE is a must for anyone who owns a bike and who wants to achieve measurable improvement towards health and fitness goals.”
Priced at $269 MSRP, iBike POWERHOUSE includes the case, electronics, POWERHOUSE app, speed/cadence sensor, iSlim Plan, and mounting system. Additional fitness plans are available in-app, priced at $9.99 each. iBike POWERHOUSE is fully compatible with all bicycle ANT+ HR sensors. For more information, see www.ibikesports.com.
If Velocomp sees fit to provide us with a review unit, I’ve already promised Judie that I’m going for the “Brazilian Butt.” The horror…