Tucked away in Interbike’s lower hall were some of the show’s neater new products: PowerWheel and SlowWheel. Inspired by a triathlete’s desire to be able to train with slower riders, the PowerWheel and SlowWheel incorporate centrifugal clutches into dedicated front hubs, which have the effect of adding user-selectable levels of drag between 10 and 45kph (~6-30mph). The idea is analogous to a runner’s resistance parachute or swimmer’s drag suit. Click through for pricing and more mechanism details…
With built-up front wheels weighing in at about the same mark as a rear wheel with cassette, the $1,200 PowerWheel has 7 user-selectable levels of resistance (plus one free setting), high-end bearings, and is built up using a DT Swiss clincher. The $700 (projected) SlowWheel gives up a bit of bearing and rim quality as well as four resistance levels- but the concept remains the same.
A neat idea that passes the mental would that really work? test, we could see the PowerWheel and SlowWheel being big benefits for riders looking to make the most of limited riding time, either with friends or family or on their daily commute. The wheels are available for pre-order now and should ship later this year…
marc
1-855-GET-SLOW
