PowerForce
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User Manual
Radlabor GmbH | Heinrich-von-Stephan-Str. 5c | 79100 Freiburg | Germany
www.smartfit.bike | www.radlabor.de
1. Introduction
1.1 Pedal forces
In cycling the transfer of metabolic energy into physical power or velocity of the rider-bike-system is
not one-to-one. Environmental as well as mechanical and biomechanical factors affect cycling
performance. The propulsion of the bike is generated by pedal forces. Therefore, the determination
of pedal forces is a major prerequisite to analyze cycling performance capability from a
biomechanical point of view.
The question is not why to measure pedal forces but how to do it. Comparing other existing
instruments whose purpose is the determination of divers mechanical parameters concerning
cycling propulsion, there are some methodological or practical limitations regarding the
requirements of either a biomechanical lab or a sports related center.
The most important advantage of the PowerForce System is the fact that there is no restriction to a
certain pedal system. Cyclists do not have to change their pedal-shoe interface (cleats) if they want
to measure their pedal forces with the PowerForce.
