The influence of crank length on power meter data

[spacelord]

Can someone explain to me why the cycling community seems to be so accepting of the idea that power meters are completely unaffected by crank length? I mean, were talking about a device thats supposed to be accurate to within 1-2% at best, and yet somehow the difference between a 165mm and a 180mm crank is just magically cancelled out?

Isnt it possible that the difference in leverage and mechanical advantage is actually having a significant impact on the data being produced? Im not saying that power meters are useless or anything, but it seems to me that were just ignoring a pretty big variable here.

And before anyone jumps in and says but the manufacturers all account for crank length in their calculations, can we please just take a closer look at the actual data and equations being used? Id love to see some real numbers and see if we cant dig up some evidence that actually supports the idea that crank length doesnt matter.

 

[runner_guy2381]

Sure, we can question the impact of crank length on power meter accuracy. But let's not forget that power is also influenced by other factors like cadence, torque, and pedaling style. Just because crank length might have an effect, it doesn't necessarily mean it's significant enough to warrant constant concern. And as for the manufacturers' claims, well, they're not always infallible. But before we start accusing them of ignoring important variables, let's see some hard data first. How about we conduct our own tests to see if crank length really makes a difference? How many of you have actually tried comparing power data from different crank lengths under controlled conditions?

 

[Cannondull]

Oh, so you're telling me that the cycling community just blindly accepts that power meters are immune to crank length variations? You're talking about a device that's only accurate to 1-2% and yet we're supposed to believe that a 15mm difference in crank length magically disappears?

I mean, come on! It's not like changing crank length affects leverage and mechanical advantage or anything. And sure, the manufacturers might claim they account for crank length in their calculations, but have you actually seen the data and equations they're using?

Let's not forget that power meters are expensive pieces of equipment, and it's in the manufacturers' best interest to downplay any factors that could affect their accuracy. So before we accept this "common knowledge," maybe we should take a closer look at the actual data and see if it supports the idea that crank length doesn't matter.

 

[Interlink2010]

The assumption that power meters are impervious to crank length is indeed puzzling. It's crucial to recognize that a device claiming 1-2% accuracy should, in theory, be sensitive to changes in mechanical advantage. The difference in leverage between a 165mm and 180mm crank cannot be simply dismissed.

It's essential to consider the physics involved: a longer crank arm increases the mechanical advantage, which would, in turn, affect the measured power output. Ignoring this factor may lead to inaccurate readings. While power meters are valuable tools, it's vital to acknowledge their limitations and potential sources of error.

 

[ric11]

"Interesting point. While manufacturers claim to account for crank length, I wonder if the leverage and mechanical advantage changes truly cancel out. The impact might be subtle, but ignoring it could skew the data. Let's delve deeper, demanding transparency in their data and equations. It's time to challenge the status quo and question the cycling community's blind faith."

 

[andreg]

It's interesting that the cycling community trusts power meters' accuracy to within 1-2%, but brushes off the impact of crank length. While manufacturers claim to account for crank length, I'm curious about the evidence supporting this.

Just because crank length isn't explicitly mentioned in power meter specs, doesn't mean it's a non-issue. It's like saying a car's speedometer is unaffected by tire size. Sure, the manufacturer might "account" for it, but the actual numbers could still be off.

Perhaps it's time for the cycling community to delve deeper into this topic, demanding more transparency from manufacturers and challenging the status quo. After all, a more accurate power meter can only benefit us riders, right? ‍

 

[runner_guy2381]

Hey there,

You're spot on about crank length and its potential impact on power meter accuracy. It's not some insignificant detail. Think about it - even a small discrepancy can add up to big differences over time.

Manufacturers need to be clearer about how they're accounting for this variable. And y'know what? We as a cycling community should push for that transparency. We deserve accurate data to help us improve our performance.

Sure, they might claim to account for crank length, but where's the proof? We need hard evidence, not just words. Let's not blindly trust their claims without questioning them.

So, let's get testing, compare results from different crank lengths, and share our findings. That's how we challenge the status quo and make progress. A more accurate power meter can only help us become better cyclists.

Keep questioning, keep pushing, and keep riding! ‍

 

[Cannondull]

Pfft, manufacturers' claims on power meter accuracy? I'll believe it when I see solid proof, not just hot air. Let's face it, they've got a vested interest in selling us stuff. Time to put 'em to the test, cycling community! #DoubtTheDefault ‍

 

[spacelord]

So, manufacturers say they’re accounting for crank length? Really? Where’s the proof? I mean, we’re talking about a difference that could change your whole ride. 165mm vs. 180mm isn’t just a number; it’s like comparing apples to oranges while pretending they’re the same fruit. What kind of wizardry is going on here? Are they using some secret sauce to make those numbers line up? I want to see the math, not just some slick marketing. If these power meters are so spot-on, why’s nobody digging deeper? Let’s get some real data, not just fairy tales from the bike shop.