Indoor Cycling Goes High Tech

Editors Note:

The LeMond Pilot™ Monitoring System

According to a press release in 2004, LeMond Fitness introduced the next generation of group cycling products with their Pilot™ monitoring system. The Pilot was designed exclusively for the LeMond RevMaster, an indoor cycling bike. The Pilot is a battery operated wireless data meter which gives users feedback on their cadence (RPM/MPH), time, distance, heart rate (if they have a strap), and calories as they cycle. The Pilot meter installs in minutes and is compatible with all RevMaster bikes, with a retrofit kit available. New Pilot cadence instructor classes are also offered through the LeMond Academy. Chairman Greg LeMond said, "In my years of professional cycling, I found that advances in technology are what takes a sport to the next level. The LeMond RevMaster Pilot will transform spinning the same way my original aero bar changed the cycling world."

The Pilot (above) is a wireless data meter which gives users feedback on their cadence (RPM/MPH), time, distance, heart rate, and calories as they cycle.

Some of the club members' feedback has been:

• "I now can see the measurement of my efforts"
• "Cycling training has become more fun"
• "Teach me more about heart rate monitoring; I never used a chest strap before"
• "Wow, when I add resistance, I can see how my caloric expenditure really increases!"

With this innovative device, training becomes personalized:

• You can follow your training while you ride
• You can see precisely where your intensity level is working at what RPM
• You can practice holding a specific cadence and know immediately when any deviation occurs.
• You have options for more feedback-target heart rate, caloric expenditure, distance trained in every class.

And the technology it up keeps the ride unified:

• The instructor can name the terrain according to cadence and resistance
• Use music as motivation to drive the beat and allow the Pilot to determine the RPM
• Keep the feedback simple with the quick start option
• Encourage the ride to use heart rate straps for more feedback on monitoring intensity
• Easy tool to educate and unify a class
• Great for using timed efforts and intervals with the easy access time clock

With the Spinning Computer (above) users can observe their cadence, workout duration, heart rate and distance traveled. Upon completion of the workout, it displays average heart rate and an estimate of calories expended.

Star Trac and Mad Dogg Athletics Announced a New Spinning Computer In September of 2006, Star Trac and Mad Dogg Athletics announced their new Spinning™ Computer. Star Trac, and Mad Dogg Athletics co-launched the Spinning Computer and the supporting "Cadence, Heart Rate and Class Design" workshop. The Spinning computer enables participants to quantitatively measure their progress and success. The exceptionally user-friendly interface features one-touch start-up and does not require users to enter personal information prior to their workout. At a glance, users can observe their cadence, workout duration, heart rate and distance traveled. Upon completion of each ride, the Spinning Computer displays average heart rate and an estimate of calories expended. John Baudhuin, President of Mad Dogg Athletics states that "understanding the relationship between cadence, resistance and heart rate is critical to helping riders of all ages and abilities reach their fitness goals. The Spinning Computer and supporting education enables instructors to craft inspirational, member-centered class formats-giving facilities an invaluable tool for member satisfaction and retention."