Knowledge assortment is a incredible approach to get extra out of your train. For those who’re lifting weights, then counting reps is important for monitoring progress and gaining the motivation to push just a bit bit additional. You are able to do that simply by taking notes, however different types of train are harder to quantify. Biking on an train bike is an efficient instance. For those who solely monitor time spent biking, that doesn’t provide the full image — the pace and resistance additionally matter. To get probably the most out of his biking time, Andrew Klaus developed the BikeCU information assortment gadget for Schwinn train bikes.
Like most trendy train bikes, Klaus’s Schwinn IC4 offers some utilization information. It shows RPM, elapsed time, estimate energy burned, pace, distance, degree (resistance), and the rider’s pulse. However that basically isn’t sufficient for a complete overview of the efficacy of a biking session. The “energy” metric is perhaps, if it had been correct — however it’s only a tough estimate.
Klaus wanted extra information. Crucial metric is whole energy exerted (in watts). That takes under consideration time, pace, and resistance. It lets Klaus make goal comparisons between classes. Klaus additionally needed another info, comparable to the utmost coronary heart charge reached throughout a session.
BikeCU collects all of that info and shows it on a 1.77” TFT LCD simply above the Schwinn’s built-in display, mounted in a 3D-printed enclosure. It gathers that info by connecting to the ESP32 to the Schwinn’s BLE (Bluetooth Low Power) interface, which offers uncooked information. Klaus designed this for the Schwinn IC4, however it could work with different train bikes which have related BLE options.
The very best half is that BikeCU can export its information within the TCX format. Customers can import that into their very own databases, or into companies or apps. It would, for example, work in each Runalyze and Strava. That’s a really helpful function, as a result of it makes it simple to trace long-term progress and enchancment. Cyclists may even evaluate their indoor train to what they do out in the actual world on the street.
If you wish to make the most of BikeCU, all the information and code can be found on the GitHub web page.
