Introduction to Verve – creators of the InfoCrank power meter

Who are we?

Bryan Taylor is CEO of #verve, joined by some key figures from the cycling industry who make up the team.  Dave Parsons has worked within elite cycling for many years, having spent 12 years at British Cycling in one of the key roles in the Great Britain Cycling Team. And with over 16 years in the professional peloton, Olympic gold medals on the track and many a sprint victory on the road, #graemebrown has had a long and illustrious career. Additionally we have #lizobrien, a highly skilled marketing and PR professional with many years’ experience of elite cycling.

History

The first #infocrank was available for sale in 2015, followed shortly by the 24mm #infocrank – same electronics but quite different crank #design – which built on the initial #infocrank.

For the next two years, the electronics were continually enhanced with firmware updates available for all iterations of the cranks. Over time we developed the software to eradicate the need to measure cadence mechanically, (with magnets). Instead, we found a way, via the torque profile of the rider, to calculate cadence to within 1/1000^th of a second. Magnets are retained as an option, but in practice almost everyone did away with them, including some of the world’s most successful national teams.

We then upgraded the firmware to enable data logging of the raw 256hz data from the cranks. This upgrade, available to every owner of every crank, is the most advanced recording system available for power data on a bike. It especially benefits our relationships with many of the world’s top cycling federations since we are the only power meter manufacturer out there offering true granular torque and cadence measurement. The #infocrank measures crank torque with an accuracy within 0.2nm of perfectly true and can transmit that data – and while that was not possible in 2014, it is now available for every owner of every #infocrank.

What makes it different?

The #infocrank measures torque and cadence instantaneously from directly within the crank arms to actually calculate rider power output. This is by no means a universal approach, with many of the other brands measuring a multiplicity of forces and using algorithms to provide an estimated power number.

The InfoCrank’s crank arm #design and strain gauge placement fully isolates and measures the force propelling you forward. By taking measurements from within the crank arms, #infocrank can provide accurate and comparable results in all conditions – regardless of the temperature, surface, gradient or any other variables known to affect other power meters. This also means, unlike other power meters, you do not have to continually remember to recalibrate and re-zero the #infocrank to assure its accuracy.

What’s next? The #infocrank IC2.

So, why are we now bringing the IC2 to market? The simple answer is that technology has moved on and it is also time to launch a totally new crankset. As always, our aim is to build the best crank and the superior measurement system and combine them. With IC2, we believe that we have achieved our goals and in 2023, we will be very proud to release the best power measurement device available for all forms of racing bikes.

The development process in a nutshell

How we started

Constant reviews of every aspect of the performance of the #infocrank have been undertaken. Even some of the things that were great features but were not appreciated by our customers were re-considered. Criticisms from reviewers and customers were all taken into account.

Some years ago, the first ideas from these reviews were outlined and the main issues decided. Which batteries to consider? What comms system to test and utilise? How important is weight compared to stiffness and strength? How would we handle aesthetics (perhaps something that had not been a strength back in 2014)?

We also had to consider the value of producing an aero shape on the crank – could we even measure with this shape? What chainrings would we support – which would then determine the spider shapes that we would produce?  Finally, do we support both M30 and 24mm platforms or not?

The testing process

Verve tests all #infocrank variants to the level required for road bikes but adds some special tests to take account that many of our riders are at the high end of the cyclist spectrum. For our track (super strong) cranks, significant further testing is added.

It is a delicate #design problem preparing cranks for measurement, strength, stiffness and trying at the same time to minimise the weight. It is easy to understand why most power meter manufacturers prefer to add the measurement device to the back side of a previously developed crank which isn’t designed to measure, or to add it onto the spider or pedal.  It’s easier and cheaper, the crank can be developed totally separately from the measurement system and optimised to the crank manufacturer’s intent with no reference made to the ability to measure the correct forces.  Unfortunately, data is compromised.

InfoCrank IC2 features and benefits

• Can be adapted to road, track and mountain bike disciplines.
• Measures left and right leg independently.
• Genuine data every 4 milli-seconds notes every part of the pedal stroke.
• Measures tangential force from directly within the crank arm.
• Dependable accuracy.
• Accurate regardless of pedal speed.
• Temperature steady and weatherproof.
• No data drift – regular re-zeroing and calibration is not required.
• Lightweight, aero #design.
• Simple mechanics and easy-to-use.
• Battery life of over 500 hours.
• Ant+ and Bluetooth compatible.

InfoCrank IC2 pre-sale

A presale for the #infocrank IC2 has launched, giving riders the chance to be one of the first to get their hands on the most advanced true torque-based power meter and access significant savings.