SPORTS POWER METERS

Frequently asked questions

Last updated: 28th November 2012.

These are answers to some questions we get asked, and even to some we don’t get asked but we think you might want the answers anyway. We’ll add to this as we go. Some of the answers here are deliberately vague, but I hope you’ll forgive us. We don’t want to give away information that might damage our ability to make the most of our innovative approach, and we don’t want to make promises about performance before we’re absolutely certain we will be able to fulfill them.

Don’t forget to read our news pages for more information about what we’re doing.

Who are Brim Brothers?
Brim Brothers Ltd is a private company founded in Ireland in 2008 to develop a new type of power meter for competitive cyclists. Check out the short corporate video.
How does this new power meter work?
It measures the forces between your shoe and the pedal, and calculates power based on that. The force sensors are in the cleat under your shoe, so the system will work on any bike you get onto, without anything special fitted to the bike.
Does the new power meter need special pedals?
No. It works with normal unmodified pedals. All the sensors are in the cleats, attached to your shoe.
What makes of pedal and cleat will the power meter work with?
We will launch with a version for Speedplay Zero cleats and pedals.
When can you give us more details?
We’re releasing information about technology and plans as we can.
Have you patented the new power meter design?
Of course.
When can I get one of these new power meters?
It’s going to be a while, probably late 2012 mid 2013.
How much will it cost?
We aren’t announcing a price yet, but it will be competitive with existing systems.
Will it work with my road/TT/triathlon/track/mountain bike?
Yes, works with any bike, any wheels, any groupset. It measures the forces applied to the pedals so the type of bike doesn’t matter.
Will it work on my turbo trainer?
Yes. It works with any bike, static or moving, that you use your pedals and cleats on.
How accurate will the power figure be?
We aren’t announcing accuracy figures yet, but they will be comparable with existing systems.
Will the system measure power individually for each leg?
Yes. Sensors are fitted in both cleats, so the power for each leg is measured separately.
Will the system measure torque?
Yes. It measures forces and calculates torque continuously all the way round the crank revolution.
Will it measure forces all the way around a pedal rotation? Will it measure down force on the up stroke? Will it measure pull-up force?
The answer is yes to all these, although for simplicity our initial product may not include measurement of pull-up forces. The system also continuously measures other details of how the cyclist is applying force to the pedal.
Will the system be compatible with displays and sensors from other companies?
The power meter uses ANT+Sport for wireless communications, so it is compatible with any other ANT+Sport devices that can display power. That includes devices from Garmin, Timex, Bontrager, O-Synce and Wahoo (for iPhone) as well as displays from other power meter companies that use ANT+. Use the ANT+ device directory to check compatibility.
Can I volunteer to help test the power meter?
We’re not looking for more public testers at the moment.
Are you interested in possible new applications for your technology?
Yes. We’ve already had some interesting suggestions, so please contact us if you think you may have another use for our technology.
Do you need encouragement?
Yes! Developing this is a long hard uphill climb, and encouragement from the roadside helps us keep going. Send us an email!
Are you interested in talking to potential investors or partners?
Yes.

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