BRIM BROTHERS:COMPETITIVE CYCLING is a tough business and measuring a cyclist's power output has become a key element in training programmes. The power meters currently in use cost upwards of $2,500 (€1,900) and are attached to the bicycle. Irish company Brim Brothers is in the final stages of prototype development of a new high-tech meter that costs a lot less and slots into the cyclist's shoe.
The meter is the brainchild of Barry Redmond and Ian Mellor who have spent the last two years developing it. Both are competitive cyclists and engineers with experience in manufacturing electronic and software systems.
“In competitive cycling, training is becoming more and more sophisticated,” said Redmond. “The global potential for a product like ours is enormous and we are in talks with a number of companies with a view to full commercialisation.
“Measuring heart rate is a common way of assessing an athlete’s training performance but power is a much more objective measure of load performance. Every professional cyclist now uses a power meter during training and its use is already spreading to the amateur cycling community.”
The Brim Brothers’ meter uses a series of sensors to monitor key measurements such as the movement of the pedals and the speed of rotation.
“What will be particularly appealing to people about our meter is its size, its cost and the fact that, because it is fitted to the cycling shoe, it goes with the rider from bike to bike. Our meter is robust and will work in heat, cold and in the wet. We expect the product to be on the market by the end of 2011,” said Redmond.
