iBike Pro w/oversize cadence vs. 3rd Generation

[wxman]

I was in Texas at the BP 150 MS ride from Houston to Austin on the 17-18th of April. At the registration there were various bike vendors, including a Texas bike store called "bikebarn.com" and I purchased an "iBike Pro with oversize cadence". The sales person said the next version came in "black" and had newer firmware/software and that was the only difference. I returned home and found the handlebar mount was too large and the instructions said to contact iBike for a retrofit. Jo Anne at iBike was very prompt and sent a gasket out to me.

Tonight, after returning from a work trip, I worked on installing the unit and the more I look into this it seems like I purchased a 1st Generation unit based on the instructions that came with it, and the cadence sensor. The cadence sensor on my unit does NOT look anything like the top picture at the following link:

http://www.ibikesports.com/detail.aspx?ID=10

I can't figure out how to mount the sensor, its more of a horizontal sensor, where the zip tie slot/slip in the sensor is parallel to the chain stay and not perpendicular. The instructions that came with the unit do not provide any pictures, I've searched iBike and googled with no success.

If anyone can tell me how to mount the sensor I'd appreciate it.

While googling around I found a post by Mr. Boyd, on:

https://www.beginnertriathlete.com/disc ... 99&posts=8

and now I'm wondering if I should return this unit or consider upgrading it. The following quote from his post on 1-11-2009 concerns me regarding my purchase:


"I also want to point out that all the reviews and "stuff people have heard" about the iBike is from the older generations. It would be like reading a review of a computer with Windows 95 to decide which one you wanted to buy at Best Buy. For the new Generation we listened to tons of customer requests, and went through thousands of miles of beta testing in all situations. What we came up with it an imporved product that is much easier to set up, and gives you the numbers on the computer that you are actually putting out."

Are these changes all firmware, hardware or both? I thought I was purchasing a unit one generation old, not two generations old (this is not iBikes fault, but a combination of mine and perhaps the salesmen not knowing or not being totally forthright). Or should I not be concerned at all?

I've been looking forward to using the unit, the technology, etc., its just when I see comments like the above I wonder if I should have the 3rd generation unit.

Gregg

[bex]

I cannot help with the cadence sensor problem but:
Easiest way to figure out what unit you have is to install the Ibike 3 software (it would be on your installation CD, or download from Ibikesports.com), connect and check the serial number. Copy/paste it into an email to Ibikesports. Also, if the display is below the red push pad then you have a gen 1 or 2, if its above you have a gen 3. They will also tell you if the unit is brand new or whether its already been used for an upgrade to a gen 3. Sadly, thats a possibility. I believe all versions are available in black or white. Firmware is upgradable and free for each generation, you just download and install but you must ensure you know what unit generation you have before doing so!
You might have a few teething troubles getting set up but once you do, like all of us here (I think) you will love it! So addictive.
Best training tool I have ever used.
Cheers!

Bex

[racerfern]

Looking at the bikebarn website shows that they have the pictures of the Gen 1/2 with the description of a Gen3 iBike (at least based on pricing) and vice versa.

Do as Bex says and check your serial #. Look for the 4th set of numbers, xx-xx-xx-04 means Gen 1, 05 means Gen2, 06 means Gen 3. Assuming you have a Gen 1 or 2 I recommend you contact Velocomp directly and arrange for an upgrade. The Gen 3 is vastly superior to the Gen 1 and 2.

Based on the pricing on the bikebarn website you probably still got a good deal so it might no be the end of the world.