Performance monitoring & display system for exercise bike

Abstract

An apparatus and method for determining the power of a user of an exercise cycle by measuring an RPM and resistance level achieved by the user in combination with a predetermined relationship. The RPM may be measured by sensing the rotation of, for example, a driving wheel or flywheel of the exercise cycle. The resistance level experienced by the user may be varied by an eddy current braking system. The eddy current braking system may include a pair of magnets that sweep across the face of the flywheel to thereby vary the experienced resistance level.

1 . A method for determining a power level for an exercise cycle having a flywheel rotating against a variable resistance braking system by a user and having a monitoring system that measures an RPM of the flywheel and a resistance level of the braking system, the method comprising:
 adjusting the variable resistance braking system to the resistance level;   monitoring the rotation of the flywheel against the resistance level;   providing a pre-determined relationship between the rotation, torque and power for the exercise cycle; and   using the resistance level, the rotation of the flywheel, and the pre-determined relationship to determine a power level of the user.   
     
     
         2 . The method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein adjusting the variable resistance braking system to the resistance level comprises positioning magnets on opposite sides of the flywheel. 
     
     
         3 . The method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein monitoring the rotation of the flywheel against the resistance level comprises sensing when a fixed point on the driving wheel passes a fixed point on the exercise cycle. 
     
     
         4 . The method as defined in  claim 1  further comprising displaying a number representing the power generated by the user. 
     
     
         5 . A cycle apparatus for determining a power level of a user, comprising:
 a controllable resistance;   a flywheel rotatable relative to the controllable resistance by a user;   a monitoring system that measures a speed of movement of the flywheel when the controllable resistance is set to a resistance level; and   a display device that determines a power based on the controllable resistance, the speed of movement of the flywheel, and a predetermined relationship.   
     
     
         6 . The cycle as defined in  claim 5 , wherein the predetermined relationship is between RPMs, positions of the controllable resistance, and power. 
     
     
         7 . The cycle as defined in  claim 5 , wherein the display device displays a number representing a power generated by the user. 
     
     
         8 . The cycle as defined in  claim 5  further comprising an eddy current braking system for a user to vary the resistance level. 
     
     
         9 . The cycle as defined in  claim 8  further comprising pair of movable magnets disposed on opposite side of the flywheel. 
     
     
         10 . The cycle as defined in  claim 5  further comprising a gear shift and a handlebar assembly, the gear shift and handlebar assembly being simultaneously adjustable for height by a user. 
     
     
         11 . The cycle as defined in  claim 10  further comprising a cable extending between the gear shift and the controllable resistance, the cable being coiled at a location between the gear shift and the controllable resistance so as to allow the gear shift and handlebar assembly to adjust for height. 
     
     
         12 . The cycle as defined in  claim 5 , wherein the display device display has a normal mode and a start-up mode, the display device displaying an odometer reading during the start-up mode and not during the normal mode.