The Journey of Inventing the Cycling Power Meter: A Story of Innovation with Uli Schoberer
A conversation with the co-founder, Uli Schoberer.
When Uli Schoberer, an avid cyclist, realized that measuring power was crucial for gauging strength and performance on a bike, he was inspired to create the first cycling power meter. His goal was to improve not only his performance but also to revolutionize the way cyclists trained and monitored their progress. Uli discusses his journey in creating the first power meter with Kyriakos Eleftheriou, CEO and co-founder of Terra.
Schoberer faced several challenges in the development of his power meter, particularly in the area of data transmission. He placed a strain gauge on the spider to measure forces on the chain and developed a protocol for transmitting this data. Despite these challenges, his power meter was adopted by both the German and US national cycling teams and even utilized in research for space fitness.
Initially, Schoberer's power meter was designed for professional use, with athletes like Rod Serdensen using it for years. Priced around 5,000 or 6,000 German marks, Schoberer built approximately 200 systems annually, delivering them to athletes worldwide.
As the technology evolved, so too did the landscape of cycling. Garmin introduced a bike computer focusing on navigation and GPS, while Schoberer's power meter remained focused on essential training data. The modern era brought a deluge of data, emphasizing the need to focus on the critical training parameters that truly impact performance.
One such key parameter is the heart rate's reaction to changes in power, an indicator of fatigue and the need for recovery. Schoberer's power meter was designed to measure both power and heart rate, providing cyclists with an efficient way to monitor their training. Schoberer himself advocated maintaining a heart rate of 200 BPM for extended periods to maximize power output, underscoring the correlation between cadence and power production.
As the power meter evolved, new features were added, such as Bluetooth compatibility, memory storage, high-resolution data collection, and a modular design to accommodate various bike types. However, these advancements were not without their challenges. The introduction of electric shifting added complexity to battery charging, while the debate raged on about the use of disc brakes for safety and control.
Despite the challenges, there were also significant benefits. Larger diameter tires and improved wheels enhanced performance and aerodynamics, changing the way cyclists approached their rides. There was even speculation about the future integration of electric bikes in professional races, a testament to the continuous evolution of cycling technology.
Over time, the power meter was refined with new features like Bluetooth connectivity, on-board data storage, high-resolution measurements, and modular designs for different bike types. All the while, the core purpose remained the same: to empower riders with the objective data they need to reach their cycling potential through informed training.
Today power meters are ubiquitous in professional cycling and are rapidly trickling down to enthusiast riders as costs come down. When paired with heart rate data, power numbers can reveal how fresh or fatigued a rider is to fine-tune recovery and avoid overtraining. Modern cycling computers now display a dizzying array of data, but none is more valuable than the power output pioneered by Uli Schoberer’s passion project over 30 years ago. His invention revolutionized cycling by introducing objective measurement into a previously subjective training process to push the boundaries of human performance on two wheels.