PedalBrain is a new iPhone / iPod app and hardware that provides a complete training partner. The carbon fiber base houses an ANT+ receiver to pull data from compatible speed, cadence, heart rate and power meters, then displays it on screen.
You can upload workouts before the ride and have the complete timing and information for each part of your training exercise instantly. Then, once you’re done, your workout and route info is automatically uploaded for friends, training partners and coaches to see (if you let them).
The real piece de resistance? You can set up Team Integration and the program will use the iPhone’s GPS and GeoLocation to see where your fellow riders are and show you where your teammates are on the map!
All of the information is uploaded in realtime, too, so your coach or friends can watch online as you ride and see where you are at any given point. Post ride, the info uploads and you can view it on PedalBrain’s website or share it via Facebook. You can also download it in SRM and WKO+ formats for integration into other workout programs. Pedal Brain is a member of the ANT+ alliance and is fully compatible with ANT+ cycling sensors such as SRM, PowerTap, Quarq, MetriGear & Garmin.
More pics, info and pricing after the break…
PedalBrain is still finalizing the costs and details, but here are the basics. The mount will be available in both Plastic ($130 to $200, actual price TBD) and Carbon Fiber versions (shown, $TBD). The mount is designed to fit over the steerer tube above the stem, and a spacer adapter will be available for those who need extra room either because they’ve topped the tube off or their stem has too much rise. It’s designed to work with iPod Touch, iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS. Availability is pegged for early Spring 2010.
Various screen options will provide access to all the data you need during and after the ride. The same workout data is available for viewing on your phone as online. Thankfully, it uses Google Maps and not a proprietary or MSN / Mapquest map. Bleh.
The app software is free, and there are free trial versions that will store your data for up to 7 days. More advanced options with unlimited ride data storage and better access to information (including coaching) are available for a monthly subscription fee. Prices are TBD, and the full online portion will be live about a month after the hardware hits store shelves.
Coaches will be able to upload their workouts and sell them online through PedalBrain, and riders will pay a flat $4 / month fee to access the coaching plans plus whatever the actual coach charges for his/her plan.
The real world fandom applications for this are immense. Can you imagine Lance Armstrong and the rest of Team RadioShack having these on board during their races? How freakin’ cool would it be to watch your favorite pros on the course in real time on the ‘puter while watching VS or NBC on the big screen?
Thanks to Gary for the tip!
