Velocomp, the manufacturer of PowerPod power meters and Newton Power Cycling Computers, has announced that the new PowerPod BLE/ANT+ power meter is now available for pre-order and will begin shipping as of the end of September.
PowerPod BLE/ANT+ measures and transmits power in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) wireless format and ANT+ wireless format simultaneously, enabling cyclists who own a BLE smartphone to add the benefits of ‘affordable and accurate’ power measurement to their cycling, without the need to purchase an ANT+ cycling computer.
For those who already own an ANT+ head unit, PowerPod BLE/ANT+ will work with these head units and a smartphone at the same time.
John Hamann, CEO of Velocomp, says “PowerPod BLE/ANT+ maintains the accuracy, simplicity, portability and affordability of the original PowerPod power meter. And now, if you have a BLE-enabled iOS or Android smartphone, or BLE fitness wearable, you’ll be able to use power data on your device, using apps such as Powerhouse, Strava and Wahoo Fitness, making power training even more affordable.”
In addition to the launch of the new PowerPod BLE/ANT+, Velocomp has announced a firmware update that improves the performance of the PowerPod power meter on rough, gravel and less travelled roads. This upgrade is available to all PowerPod owners without cost, no matter when their units were purchased, and is available for immediate download.
Also this week, Velocomp has announced the launch of its Powerhouse power training app.
Designed for use with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) power meters, Powerhouse app for iOS and Android features power-based interval training and workouts from world-renowned coach Hunter Allen, customized to each cyclist’s ability and fitness goals.
Powerhouse from Velocomp is billed as ‘the only Android/iPhone app to combine live power measurements, top quality training plans, social media and the fun of the open road.’ It receives power data from BLE power meters (PowerPod BLE, PowerTap, Stages, etc.) to guide power based training workouts customized to the cyclist’s measured fitness level (FTP) and cycling goals.
Designed to offer all the information a cyclist needs to safely train on the road, a swift glance at Powerhouse’s screen will suffice to keep athletes in the right power zone, with optional out-loud audio cues to alert users of a change in effort levels. Beyond being safe, the app aims to make this performance progression fun, combining the display, video, audio, graphical, and computational abilities of the iOS or Android smartphone with the joy of riding real roads. Once finished, rides can be published to Strava.
Powerhouse offers six goal-based plans for performance improvement and maximizes the training benefit of each bike ride, keeping effort levels in check through changes in incline, wind, rolling resistance and more. According to the company, it shortens the time needed to achieve meaningful performance improvements, ‘with increases of 15% or more in wattage common’.
On the aims and design of the training plans, Hunter Allen said “Training with power is the single best way to quickly and significantly improve your cycling performance. The training plans I’ve created for Powerhouse use the same principles and methods I’ve perfected over the past 25 years of coaching amateur, Pro and even Olympic cyclists.
“Select from one of six plans, covering basic cycling fitness to advanced high intensity power training, then, over the next four to six weeks, Powerhouse and I guide you to achieving your cycling and fitness goals. I provide audio feedback during each ride and video information before and after.”
The Powerhouse app, including all six plans, is available for purchase at the App Store or Google Play Store, for US$19.95.
For a limited time, PowerPod BLE/ANT+ buyers who submit proof-of-purchase receipts to Velocomp via info[at]velocomp.com for their PowerPod BLE/ANT+ and Powerhouse app purchases will receive a complete PayPal refund of their Powerhouse purchase price.
The Powerhouse app will not function with the original ANT+ only PowerPod or any other power meter that broadcasts data only in ANT+ format.
Velocomp products are currently being exhibited at Eurobike stand FG-AK/5.
