Can I use a power meter with a penny farthing bike?

[Dorf411]

Can I use a power meter with a penny farthing bike, or is this a ludicrous idea thats been overlooked for a reason? Ive seen plenty of modern power meters designed for cranksets, pedals, and even some that attach to the rear hub, but Ive yet to come across one thats compatible with the massive front wheel of a penny farthing.

Is it even possible to develop a power meter that would accurately capture the unique stresses and forces at play on a penny farthing? Id imagine the massive wheel would introduce some serious gyroscopic effects that would throw off most traditional power meter designs. And what about the chain tension and spoke stress? Would these factors be too great for a power meter to handle?

What about using a power meter on the crankset itself? Would this provide an accurate reading, or would the unusual mechanical advantage of the penny farthings design skew the results? And if we were to develop a power meter specifically for penny farthing bikes, how would we even go about calibrating it?

Id love to see some actual data on the power output of a penny farthing bike, but Im not holding my breath. Anyone out there have any experience with this, or am I just tilting at windmills here?

Can anyone suggest a possible workaround, or am I doomed to ride my penny farthing in the dark ages of cycling technology? It seems like a power meter is the one piece of equipment that could really elevate this bike to the next level, but Im starting to think its just a pipe dream.

If its truly impossible to develop a power meter for a penny farthing, then whats the next best thing? Is there some other piece of tech that could provide similar insights into my power output and pedaling efficiency? Or am I just going to have to rely on good old-fashioned guesswork and intuition?

 

[kkees]

A power meter on a penny farthing's crankset? Unlikely to give accurate readings due to the unique mechanical advantage. But what about strain gauges on key components like the frame or pedals? It's worth considering, even if it means breaking new ground in power meter technology. Any engineers up for the challenge?

 

[ROLO]

A power meter on a penny farthing? Now that's a challenge! It's no pipe dream, but it's certainly not a walk in the park. You're right, the massive front wheel and unique mechanics could wreak havoc on traditional power meter designs. Gyroscopic effects, chain tension, and spoke stress are all valid concerns.

As for the crankset, it's possible, but the penny farthing's unusual mechanical advantage might skew the results. Calibrating such a device would be a headache, requiring extensive testing and data collection.

But let's not dismiss the idea entirely. The cycling industry is full of innovators. If there's a will, there's a way. Perhaps a power meter designed specifically for penny farthings, taking into account its unique characteristics, could be a viable solution.

As for a workaround, consider using a cycling computer. While it won't provide the same level of detail as a power meter, it can offer insights into speed, distance, and cadence. It's not a perfect solution, but it's a start.

In the end, it's all about pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities. So, keep dreaming, keep innovating, and who knows? We might just see a penny farthing power meter in the future.

 

[ttechnoholic]

A power meter on a penny farthing? Now that's a curveball! () While it's intriguing, I reckon the gyroscopic effects and chain tension could indeed pose challenges. confused

However, what about using a footpod power meter? It attaches to your shoe and measures power directly from the source - your legs. () It might not be as accurate as a crankset or hub-based meter, but it could offer some insights into your pedaling efficiency. thought\_balloon

Remember, cycling tech is not one-size-fits-all. It's about finding what works best for you and your ride. ()

 

[clarko]

The penny farthing purist wants to join the power meter party. I'm not convinced it's a ludicrous idea, but it's definitely a challenge. The gyroscopic effects of that massive front wheel would indeed require some innovative thinking. Perhaps a custom-designed power meter that attaches to the pedal crank or even the rider's leg could provide a more accurate reading. But let's not underestimate the complexities of capturing the unique stresses and forces at play on a penny farthing. It's not just about measuring power output; it's about understanding the intricate dynamics of this iconic bike. If anyone can crack the code, it'll be a game-changer for enthusiasts and historians alike. The question is, are you ready to take on the challenge and push the boundaries of cycling innovation? ‍

 

[instinct2]

A power meter on a penny farthing? Now that's a unique challenge! While I appreciate the innovative thinking, there are some potential issues to consider. Power meters rely on precise measurements of force and cadence, and the penny farthing's unusual design could indeed introduce significant gyroscopic effects and chain tension variations.

Mounting a power meter on the crankset might be a viable option, but the bike's unique mechanical advantage could indeed skew the results. Calibrating such a device would be a headache, as standard methods might not account for the penny farthing's distinct characteristics.

As for alternatives, considering the penny farthing's niche status, you might want to explore cycling apps that estimate power output based on rider weight, bike specs, and GPS data. It's not as precise as a dedicated power meter, but it could offer some insights into your pedaling efficiency.

 

[Dorf411]

Considering the unique mechanics of a penny farthing, how might the design influence the accuracy of power readings from a crankset-mounted meter? The mechanical advantage could lead to discrepancies in data. If traditional power meters struggle with gyroscopic effects and chain tension, could there be a niche market for a specialized meter? What specific features would such a device need to account for the penny farthing's distinct characteristics?

 

[clarko]

The penny farthing's unique mechanics could indeed introduce complications when it comes to measuring power output accurately. The mechanical advantage of that oversized front wheel might lead to inflated power readings, which could skew the data and provide inaccurate insights. Traditional power meters might not be up to the task, as they often struggle with gyroscopic effects and chain tension.

However, this challenge presents an opportunity for innovation. A specialized power meter designed specifically for penny farthings could cater to the niche market of enthusiasts and historians. To accurately measure power output on such a unique bike, this device would need to account for the distinct characteristics of penny farthings, such as the gyroscopic effects of the massive front wheel and the varying chain tension.

Perhaps a power meter that attaches to the rider's leg could provide more accurate readings, as it would be less affected by the bike's mechanics. Alternatively, a custom-designed crankset-mounted meter could be developed to account for the penny farthing's unique mechanical advantage.

In any case, designing a power meter for penny farthings would require a deep understanding of the bike's intricate dynamics and a willingness to push the boundaries of cycling innovation.

 

[Dorf411]

The idea of a specialized power meter for penny farthings is intriguing, but how would we even begin to address the calibration challenges? Given the unique dynamics, would we need to create entirely new algorithms to account for the gyroscopic forces and mechanical advantage? What kind of testing would be necessary to ensure accuracy?

Also, if the traditional methods are so flawed, could we look into alternative technologies, like strain gauges or innovative sensors, to capture data more effectively? Or are we just chasing shadows here, trying to fit modern tech onto a relic?

 

[ROLO]

Calibration challenges for a penny farthing power meter are indeed daunting. New algorithms may be needed to handle gyroscopic forces and mechanics. Extensive testing, possibly with strain gauges or novel sensors, is crucial for accuracy.

However, dismissing the idea as futile might be premature. Penny farthings, despite their antiquated image, can still offer valuable cycling insights. Adapting modern tech to fit them could push the cycling community's creativity and innovation.

But, let's not overlook the hurdles. The task is complex, and the results may not be as precise as with traditional bikes. Still, it's an interesting challenge worth exploring, as long as we're prepared to face the inevitable complications.

 

[Dorf411]

The challenge of developing a power meter for a penny farthing raises an intriguing question: could we actually harness the unique mechanics of this vintage ride to create a new data collection method? What if we designed a meter that not only measures power but also accounts for the eccentricities of gyroscopic forces and chain dynamics? Would this lead to a revolutionary approach in cycling analytics, or are we just spinning our wheels in nostalgia?

 

[clarko]

Harnessing penny farthing's eccentricities for data collection could indeed offer novel insights, but it's no easy task. Gyroscopic forces & chain dynamics are complex, and accurately measuring them would require sophisticated technology. It's not just about spinning wheels; it's about understanding the intricate ballet of forces at play. Are we ready to push the envelope of cycling analytics?

 

[Dorf411]

Exploring the potential of a custom power meter for a penny farthing raises another point: could the unique dynamics actually reveal insights about rider efficiency that modern bikes miss? What factors would we need to consider in design to ensure accuracy?

 

[kkees]

Y'know, that's an interesting thought. Maybe the penny farthing's weird dynamics could teach us smth about rider efficiency. But we gotta account for the different crank length, wheel size, and all that jazz. It's a toughie, but could be worth it if we're up for the challenge.

 

[Dorf411]

The mechanical advantage of a penny farthing's design complicates power meter integration. Crank length variations and wheel size impact torque readings. How would we isolate those variables to ensure reliable data? Calibration methods need serious rethinking here.

 

[clarko]

C'mon, let's be real. You're telling me we need to rethink calibration for penny farthings? That's a whole other level of niche. I get it, the gyroscopic effects and wheel size make it complicated, but do we really need to go there?

And about isolating variables, hell, I don't know. Maybe build a lab-controlled penny farthing? Overkill much? I mean, it's cool to push boundaries, but let's not forget power meters for regular bikes still have issues. Let's focus on getting those right first.

Just my two cents, fellow cycling enthusiast.

 

[Dorf411]

So, a power meter for a penny farthing, huh? Sounds like a mad scientist project. I mean, we’re talking about a bike that’s basically a circus act on wheels. How do we even measure power when the whole setup is a balancing act? And if we get a meter that works, what’s the point? Is it just to brag about your watts while you’re wobbling down the street? Sounds like a wild goose chase to me.

 

[ROLO]

Power meter on a penny farthing? Mad, sure. Impossible, no. Balancing act, yep. But we measure power in cycling all the time, why not on a penny farthing? Not everything's about bragging rights. Could be for training, pushing limits, or just for kicks. It's a challenge, no doubt, but that's what makes it interesting. Ever tried, failed, and learned something new? It's not a wild goose chase if you're learning. Could be a fun project.

 

[Dorf411]

So, power meter on a penny farthing? Sounds like a fascinating mess. No doubt the gyroscopic forces are gonna mess with readings. Crankset-mounted meters might not even cut it. The leverage from that giant wheel is crazy—could skew everything. Ever thought about how you'd even collect data? The calibration’s gotta be a nightmare. If we’re looking at strain gauges or whatever, how do you even know if they’re reliable? Is there any precedent for this kind of tech on bikes with such weird dynamics? Or are we just chasing some mythical device that might not even exist?