MetriGear/Vector info update

[Zorro]

Helaas wordt het geen Q1 2010 dus. Maar beter goed getest dan een halfbakken product op de markt brengen.



MetriGear Friends:

Welcome to the first MetriGear Newsletter. You have received this email because you either signed up for our mailing list on our web site, or because we took it upon ourselves to add you as a friend of MetriGear. Our goal is to use the mailing list for quick communications on a somewhat regular basis. Simple, to the point. If you'd like to be removed from the list, please follow the link at the bottom of the email to unsubscribe.

So, How Are Things Going with Vector?
Since Interbike we have been 100% focused on development and testing, and Vector is progressing at a good clip right now. We're currently in a Beta 1.0 test phase, doing in-the-lab and on-the-road data collection and analysis. During this phase, our tests are very specific and controlled.

If you've been following our blog, you've seen that our custom test rigs, FrankenRider (FR) and Son of FrankenRider (SoFR), routinely punish and test the system. Vector Beta 1.0 and the test fixtures have been busy. Here's a few stats based upon activity over the past few weeks:
• Continuous SoFR testing hours: 200+
• Springs broken by SoFR: 6
• Power continuously exerted by FrankenRider (on ONE pedal): 450 watts
• Low-Key Hill Climb racing tests: 6
• Guitar Hero "DJ Hero" decks used for accelerometer testing: 3
• Rolls of Blue Tape for installing Beta 1.0 on bikes: actually, we lost track
Right now, we're currently doing various tests on trainers, closely matching power levels of the direct measurement systems available today.


What's Next for Vector?
We're moving into a Beta 2.0 setup in the next few weeks that starts to take on a more production-oriented look and feel. Still beta, though. We'll expand the testing program with these units, with the objectives of collecting more data in more conditions and comparing results to existing power measurement systems.

Thanks to many of you for your offers to be beta testers. It's highly appreciated. We think we're in good shape at the moment. Beta 2.0 testing will include cycling enthusiasts, pros, and a small group of researchers that plan to explore some of Vector's features beyond total power (watts), such as pedaling efficiency, fit, and left/right dynamics.

We're grateful for all of the offers to help. We keep all of your offers on file, and we'll contact you if we need additional testers. Feel free to drop us a line at info@metrigear.com if you'd like to be added to the list.


When Can I Get a Vector?
Despite our best efforts, a Q1 release is looking unrealistic right now. As mentioned earlier, we're doing a lot of testing. Different temperatures, cadences, wattages, pedaling styles, road surfaces, etc. We're doing things differently with Vector, with a lot of sensors taking a lot of measurements. Test results reveal answers, but often new questions as well. Sometimes a new test fixture is required. Sometimes we need to design a specific test to isolate an issue. To be clear, we haven't hit any killer obstacles -- it is simply taking time to chase these new questions to closure. We want Vector to be rock-solid, and we won't release it until it meets our high expectations.

We're obviously big proponents of riding, training, and racing with power, and we want to avoid any impact to your training and early season power plans by giving you a heads up now. Kills us to communicate this, but we must. Based upon the amount of test time we want to accumulate on Vector, a late Q2 release is our best estimate at this time.


How Do I Follow Vector's Progess?
If you've had a chance to check out our blog (www.metrigear.com/blog), you'll notice that we're quite open about communicating where we are in development, sharing what we're testing, providing a peak into the analyses, etc. You have our commitment to continue to openly share our progress. Our blog is going to give you the best sense for how we're progressing and closing in on the release of Vector, and we encourage you to periodically check in to see how things are going. MetriGear is comprised of a dedicated, full-time team. This is all that we do, and we're thrilled and motivated by your response.


Where Will I Be Able to Get a Vector?
We have not yet finalized our distribution strategy. The breadth of interest and the variety of applications for Vector has given us a lot to think about with regard to how we distribute and support Vector. Many thanks for the inquiries. We keep every email inquiry regarding your interest in Vector, and we will keep you updated on our site and through this mailing list as the plan takes form in the coming months.


Thank you for your interest and support. Once again, follow our blog (www.metrigear.com/blog) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/metrigear) to track our developments or post a question.

[foosho]

Giga bump

Garmin heeft Metrigear overgenomen, dus nu zal er wel schot in de zaak komen..

[skimons]

fooshoo, je bent me net voor zag het ook en hoop dat ze nu ook eindelijk die software van garmin connect en garmin training center gaan aanpakken, want hele leuke plaatjes hoor, maar het analyseren van je trainingsgegevens lukt er niet mee

[Zorro]

Hoi,

Iemand nog wat gehoord over Vector (nu Garmin)? Tssss.....allereerst zou het Q1 2010 op de markt komen.......we leven nu 1 jaar verder.

Je zou denken dat het na de overname door Garmin wat sneller zou komen.

Ik zie ook zo snel niets op de Garmin site. Wellicht dat Garmin-Cervelo er proef mee rijdt?

[tomkolkman]

Garmin heeft nu officieel de Vector aangekondigd: Maart 2012 zal hij leverbaar worden!

http://garmin.blogs.com/my_weblog/2011/ ... tor-1.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[53x11]

1000E dus met de huidige koers. Hoop dat 'ie ook wilt praten met een edge 705 (gezien de ANT+ standaard zou je denken van wel). Hebben!

[Zorro]

Tja, ik had laatst nog gekeken maar nakka. Nu eindelijk in Maart 2012. Zou eigenlijk al in beging 2010 komen. Maar goed beter gedegen getest etc. dan een halfbakken product.
Zou idd vanwege Ant+ gewoon met 705 moeten werken ook al is die niet expliciet vermeld. Waarschijnlijk vanwege het feit dat de 705 obsoleted is. Je krijgt op de 705 waarschijnlijk niet alles te zien zoals op genoemde 500/800.

'For users already using a Garmin Edge® 800 or Edge 500 cycling computer, adding a Vector power meter will take their training to the next level. Not only will the Edge display total power, left and right leg power, and cadence, it will now also display in real-time the widely adopted power metrics from TrainingPeaks™: Normalized Power (NP ™), Intensity Factor (IF ™) and Training Stress Score (TSS ™). The Edge 800 adds a new interval summary page to enhance the power-based training experience.'

[aristos]

Valt toch een beetje tegen. Laatste geluiden waren 2de helft 2011 en onder de 1000 euro. Ik weet niet of de 1499 dollar omgezet gaat worden naar 1000 euro... Ik vrees eerder 1200 euro. En dat vind ik toch aan de hoge kant...

[gaisdergerman]

1000E dus met de huidige koers. Hoop dat 'ie ook wilt praten met een edge 705 (gezien de ANT+ standaard zou je denken van wel). Hebben!

Meestal werkt dat zo niet.

Best relaxt systeem alleen niet echt geschikt om te koersen. Het systeem zit lager dan je pedaal en kan dus wel eens goed de grond raken.

[aristos]

@gaisdergerman: volgens mij zit hij achter je crank wanneer deze naar beneden is gericht. Lijkt me dus geen probleem.

[foosho]

1500 dollar?? Pfff.... Da's ex. BTW en meestal wordt niet de meest gunstige koers aangehouden... dus zeker 1200++ euro....

Ik had gehoopt op wat (veel) goedkopers..

[gaisdergerman]

@aristos: je hebt gelijk, hade noet goed gekeken. Toch lijkt het me een vrij kwetsbaar systeem. De prijs is behoorlijk maar i.v.m. De concurrentie nog wel redelijk. Zou het ook i.c.m. een ander pedaalsysteem werken?