There are a total of 6 loads that can be applied to the pedal end of the crank:
- Tangential load – This force generates power as the crank rotates. The InfoCrank accurately measures this force only.
- Axial load – This force produces tension or compression in the crank arm. It is highest when the rider’s weight acts downward on the pedal when the pedal is at its lowest point. This force produces no power. The InfoCrank should have no output to this force.
- Side load – This load can be present when the rider leans the bike during hard acceleration. This force produces no power. The InfoCrank should have no output to this force.
- Pedal axis torque – It is not possible to apply this load to the crank through the pedal unless the pedal bearings are faulty.
- Crank axis torque (twisting of the crank) – This load is always present since the pedal centreline is necessarily offset from the crank. This torque produces no power. The InfoCrank should have no output to this torque.
- Side torque – This torque bends the crank towards or away from the frame. This load is highest when the rider’s weight acts downward on the pedal when the pedal is at its lowest point. This torque produces no power. The InfoCrank should have no output to this torque.
Many power measuring devices read all the loads above and then compute out the non-tangential loads. InfoCrank only reads the force that moves the bike forward - the tangential load.
