March 23/21 12:29 pm - Canadian Company Announces Cycling Aerodynamic Sensor Technology

Posted by Editoress on 03/23/21
 

A new Canadian company named GiBLI Tech, based Halifax, Nova Scotia, has announced the development of a bike-mounted aerodynamic sensor that can provide real-time information on coefficient of aerodynamic drag (CdA), which provides a measure of aerodynamic efficiency - how much energy a rider must exert to overcome wind resistance. The company has also announced a partnership with Cycling Canada to provide their technology to the national team and high performance program.

Until now, the most accurate way to test CdA was in a wind tunnel - a costly undertaking. However, according to GiBLI Tech, their patent-pending G10 sensor will provide real-time CdA measurements, allowing any rider to identify optimal positioning or the effects of equipment changes while riding.

In a statement, GiBLI Tech explains, The G10 sensor will allow not only professional athletes, but also age group athletes to find more speed without having to train harder, or longer. This is the first time that athletes can shave seconds and even minutes off of their cycling efforts. For example, a 12% savings can save over 2 minutes in a 40 kilometre time trial, or over 10 minutes in a 180 kilometre long course triathlon leg.

The unit requires the use of a power meter and attaches to the front of the handlebars. The suggested retail is $850 (U.S.), and GiBLI Tech will begin taking orders in April, with expected deliveries to begin in June.

Among the details, it measures wind direction, has an on-board GPS, has an iOS and Android compatible app and is water resistant.

The company co-founders are Ben Bschaden (CEO) and Mark Ernsting. Ernsting is well-known in Canadian cycling circles as the founder of M1 Sports Management, an athlete agent and Series Director for BC Superweek.

Mark Ernsting says, "It brings me immense pleasure knowing that our sensor will help Cycling Canada’s current and future generation of athletes have access to our technology."

"We were very impressed with the potential of the GiBLI technology to help us explore aero gains in real world conditions," said Kris Westwood, High Performance Director at Cycling Canada. "Having instantaneous feedback on the effect of even tiny changes of position will be a huge advantage to both our road and track programs."