Fixed-Crank Torque Analysis and Force Distribution is Inaccurate.

Each leg’s function is impacted by its brother/sister, distorting where the power is gained and lost throughout the pedal-stroke —  masking inefficiencies.   What you say?  For the sake of argument, let’s pretend that your right hip ROM is more restricted than your left.  This imbalance increases pedaling resistance as the right foot approaches top-dead-center when compared to the left.  In turn, the left leg will look like it is stronger simply because it is working harder to overcome that resistance.  Pedal-force trajectories and torque angles are impacted, as peak values for the left leg occur earlier than the right.

Regardless of this fact, most of the world is still using this data to improve pedaling efficiency and modify the foot pedal interface.

ICranks are the only power based crank system that can be set in a detached configuration to evaluate Independent Leg Function.  And while this data is interesting, most modifications concerning symmetry are made to the overall position and in off-bike interventions.

My opinion?

Get the most reliable, inexpensive power meter available.

No idea why companies boast accuracy relative to benchmark power solutions like the Velotron.

What matters is that the device measures force identically from one training session to the next.

 

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