Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets, is gearing up for its debut into the bicycle/cycle industry with breakthrough technology for training cycling professionals and enthusiasts. The new technology, consisting of the SGX-CA900 high-performance cyclocomputer and the SGY-PM900 wireless water resistant pedaling monitor sensor, is expected to break new ground in the way cyclists’ riding techniques are monitored, providing essential information and data to help increase power output, pedaling performance and total efficiency. Samples of each product are being demonstrated in Pioneer’s booth at this year’s Interbike show.

“For years we’ve produced innovative, breakthrough products for the home, the car and the club environment and now we’re looking into bringing similar advancements into the growing health and sports industry,” said Chris Ono, vice president of product planning for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “Pioneer’s new SGX-CA900 cyclocomputer and SGY-PM900 pedaling monitor are our first step to entering these industries.”

The primary focus of the system is the conversion of power and how it can be applied most effectively by the user throughout the entire cycling motion. Designed to work with Shimano DURA-ACE crank sets, the most popular aftermarket cranks on the market, the SGY-PM900 pedaling monitor can measure the user’s left and right pedaling forces and provide detailed statistics of power, cadence and efficiency.

The SGY-PM900 broadcasts standard ANT+™ data, making it compatible with other ANT+ bicycle computers. Unique to Pioneer’s pedaling monitor, the unit also sends additional data streams to illustrate power and efficiency vectors (every 30 degrees) throughout the complete pedaling rotation via the SGX-CA900 computer. Users can then use the data to evaluate and adjust their riding and pedaling techniques for each leg independently during their next outing, training session or competition.

The pedaling monitor includes strain sensors for a left and right crank application, a wireless transmitter, and approximately 200 hours of operation from a single battery (per sensor).

A perfect match to the pedaling monitor is Pioneer’s SGX-CA900 cyclocomputer for displaying a variety of essential information, including left/right fields, lap/total averages, GPS position, barometric pressure, ambient temperature, speed and more. At only 3.3” x 2.67” x .86”, the SGX-CA900 can be installed directly on a handlebar and provides instantaneous feedback to the rider through the advanced high resolution (320 X 240) 2.2-inch QVGA color LCD touchscreen.

With the added data stream from the SGY-PM900, the cyclocomputer detects the information and offers a special gauge that graphically depicts direction of the pedaling force, power efficiency in the pedaling rotation, and where power is lacking within the pedaling motion, and offers the data through different numerical and graphical displays. The user can also fully customize the layout of the numerical and graphic display to the user’s preference.

In addition, the data collected by the computer can be easily transferred and shared through Pioneer’s online service. Here riders can further analyze their performance, and with Pioneer’s expertise in global positioning technology, users can visualize all points of their sessions on a single screen. Users can also log their sessions and track their histories.

The SGY PM900 pedaling monitor’s target features¹ include:

• Strain sensors for attachment on each crank arm
• Wireless transmitter
• Operating time: approximately 200 hours (two CR2032 batteries included)
• Water resistance rating: IPX6
• Resistant to oil and environmental conditions
• Weight: 70g (including L & R sensors)
• Accuracy: +/- 2%

The SGX-CA900 cyclocomputer’s target features include:

• Built-in GPS for tracking and positioning
• Barometer and thermometer
• High-resolution 2.2” color LCD touchscreen
• Rechargeable built-in Li-ion battery (12 hours operating time)
• ANT+ module to pair it with industry standard ANT+ sensors
• Cadence/speed sensor (optional)
• Mounting Cradle
• Mini USB cable for power charging and data transfer

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets.

¹ Specifications subject to change