Abstract: A power meter has a strain-gauge attached to a crank of a pedaled vehicle to measure a bend force applied to the crank. The power meter also includes an accelerometer positioned on the crank to sense a Y-axis acceleration. The power meter also includes a controller having a processor and memory storing machine-readable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the controller to: read a bend force value from the strain-gauge, read an accelerometer value from the Y-axis accelerometer, calculate a correction factor based on the accelerometer value and a maximum error force value, and subtract the correction factor from the bend force value to determine an auto-zero bend force value that is corrected for an effect of gravity on the crank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and varying indoor bicycle trainer pedaling resistance in varying manner to replicate the effects of increased system inertia. The method uses a high-resolution position detection method to correlate crank acceleration and deceleration to resistance level. The effects of inertia are replicated by limiting acceleration of the crank by application of increased resistance unit resistance and deceleration via reduction of the resistance applied to pedaling. Thus, the decreased magnitude of acceleration events imitates the effects an increased system mass (inertia) perceived by the rider, enhancing “road feel”, which is synonymous with the feeling of accelerating one's own inertia while cycling outdoors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and varying indoor bicycle trainer pedaling resistance in varying manner to replicate the effects of increased system inertia. The method uses a high-resolution position detection method to correlate crank acceleration and deceleration to resistance level. The effects of inertia are replicated by limiting acceleration of the crank by application of increased resistance unit resistance and deceleration via reduction of the resistance applied to pedaling. Thus, the decreased magnitude of acceleration events imitates the effects an increased system mass (inertia) perceived by the rider, enhancing “road feel”, which is synonymous with the feeling of accelerating one's own inertia while cycling outdoors.

Abstract: A frame used for mounting a bicycle eliminates bending loads typically observed in U-shaped frames, where an axial load is forced on the rear axle of a bicycle wheel. The frame uses the rear axle of the bicycle as a structural member to change the loading such that bending is eliminated. This reduces the requirements for the material strength of the frame. An axle interconnect system facilitates quick adjustment and mounting of the rear axle to the frame, and may use an existing skewer of the bicycle wheel. A resistance unit may be attached to the frame, or affixed to a joint in the frame, to facilitate use with a stationary trainer. Flexible frame members may be used to permit a rocking motion of the wheel when used for stationary training, or to allow for use on unlevel ground when training outdoors or for warmup before a race.

Abstract: A cycling resistance apparatus includes an adjustment mechanism configured to be attached to a frame, such as a stationary frame or the frame of a bicycle, and a magnet assembly attached to the adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is configured to position magnets of the magnet assembly at an active position so that a face of each magnet is positioned within a diameter of a bicycle tire and within a width of the bicycle tire, so as to be adjacent an electrically conductive rim of the bicycle wheel. When in the active position, the one or more magnets of the magnet assembly induce eddy currents in the electrically conductive rim of the wheel to provide resistance against rotation of the wheel in the frame.