Cadence Sensors: What Are They and How Do They Work? (2024)

FAQs

Cadence Sensors: What Are They and How Do They Work? ›

A cadence sensor on an e-bike is a device that measures the number of pedal rotations per minute (RPM) while the rider is pedaling. It is usually a small sensor that attaches to the bike's frame and connects to the e-bike's motor controller system.

The basic cadence sensor uses a magnet on the crank, it turns the motor ON when you start pedaling and turns it OFF when you stop pedaling. It works more or less like a switch. Using the cadence sensor, you have to control the boost level and speed by adjusting the assist mode manually up and down.

By maintaining a consistent cadence during your workout sessions, you can improve your endurance, speed, overall cycling efficiency, and even help prevent injuries. With a cadence sensor, you can easily track and analyze your cadence to make data-driven improvements to your cycling workouts.

Cadence calculations are made with a simple count of those RPM. Speed is calculated using the RPM with wheel circumference data you input. For information on how to set your wheel circumference, see How to set wheel circumference for a Speed or Speed/Cadence Sensor in the Wahoo or ELEMNT App.

Cadence monitors track cadence or 'revolutions per minute' (RPM) which is interchangeable in the cycling world. Cadence is basically how fast you are pedaling, measured in RPM.

The RPM Cadence sensor is designed to mount on the inside of the non-drive side crank arm. Placing it on the outside of your crank arm can cause interference by scraping against your shoe. Likewise, installing the RPM on your drive side crank arm may rub and cause interference with your drivetrain.

Cadence sensors are all about pedal speed. They check how fast your pedals are turning and then turn the motor on to help you. This type of sensor is great if you want consistent help from your bike without having to pedal super hard.

It's purpose is to measure your cadence and your power meter sends this data, along with your power, to your bike comptuer. Therefore, there is no need to have a separate cadence sensor on your bike. Your power meter will take care of power and cadence.

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Pedal hard and you'll get maximum assist. Back off your intensity, and the assistance system will do likewise. Torque sensors can also be more efficient than cadence sensors, as the power delivered is based on the actual effort you put into the pedals and updates in real time.

How do you calculate cadence without a sensor? ›

There are some bike computers that will tell you your cadence, but you can also simply count. To count your cadence, use a stopwatch to count the number of times your leg pushes down on the pedal for 30 seconds and multiply by 2.

(1) Tilt the sensor so that the gap between the cadence magnet and the cadence sensor zone is approximately 3 mm, then fasten the sensor securely with nylon ties. (2) Rotate the sensor arm so that the gap between the wheel magnet and the speed sensor zone is approximately 3 mm, then tighten the sensor screw securely.

You do not need a cadence sensor, your power meter has one built in. However, a speed sensor is useful, especially if you go offroading or ride in areas with poor GPS signal. Or if you ride through a longer tunnel.

If your device will not connect to the speed and cadence sensors, you can try these tips. Rotate the crank arm or wheel two revolutions to wake up the sensor. The LED flashes green for five seconds to indicate activity. The LED flashes red to indicate a low battery level.

while it would be possible to extrapolate distance from a cadence sensor knowing things like crank length and gear ratios, I don't think that's a standard calculation for actual cycling computers to do.

Measuring the rpm of pedaling is only feasible through the use of a cadence sensor.

Generally speaking, torque sensors will be easier on the battery than a cadence sensor, simply because they're more efficient and only use power when you demand it. Cadence sensors are much simpler, and deploy power to set levels whenever they engage the motor.

The cadence sensor sends the RPM information to your bike computer in real time. A power meter is the more advanced way to measure the effects of your pedaling. In cycling, your power output is measured in watts, and the formula is torque X cadence = power. Pushing harder and/or pedaling faster generates more power.