Every cyclist wants to be fitter, faster, and stronger. Whether you are a professional or weekend warrior there is a drive to do better, post a faster time at every race or increase your average speed. Now we get to compare another figure, another number in the world of cycling. That number is your power. We can fit power meters to our bikes but the reality is, is that not everyone can ride their bike every day. Most of us have to resort to getting on the indoor trainer either at home or at the gym. This can present a problem as these trainers don’t have power meters.

Enter the gold standard of indoor power trainers, the ICG IC8 Power Trainer, tested and reviewed by Professional Trainer, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Matt Fah.

“There is so much to say about this bike but not enough words available in my quota so I will highlight my favourite bits of the bike.”

Wattrate TFT Computer

I am a data guy. Every rep my clients have ever performed, every km they have cycled and everything relating to their sleep has been recorded. If it is going to affect their training outcomes, I want to know about it. The Wattrate TFT Computer that you find on the IC8 gives me all the data my heart desires. Over 5 screens, I am offered up to 40 different data values about my workout, including my favourite, the Wattrate polar view. The polar view shows detailed data on how I have applied force through each pedal stroke and the balance between my left and right leg. This improves pedalling efficiency, which in turn reserves energy and increases power. End result – going faster for longer. Adding more to this awesome computer, Bluetooth connectivity to my phone (we will chat about the app later) and the colour display.

Wattrate Direct Power Meter and Free Wheel Drivetrain

In the world of sport science, accuracy is everything. In the world of the fitness fanatic, accuracy is also ranked high up there. The Wattrate direct power meter is the most accurate power meter and offers a direct measuring tolerance of +/- 1%. You are not going to have to worry about a true zero or temperature affecting your power reading. Another feature about this bike that stands out to me, is the freewheel drivetrain. It replicates a real bike quite nicely. It gives you the control of accelerations and coasting to recover.

The App

As with other models, the IC8 connects to the ICG Training App. The app is a pretty awesome training tool. You have the option to do any type of workout available on the app (some are free and you can buy others). With the world of technology, sharing has is only a click away. You can build up your own workout and share it with friends or your coach can build workouts and send them directly to you on the app.  Every workout you have done is saved, including all the data. If you really want to analyse your training, the data is at your fingertips.

The Set Up

The first thing I noticed about the IC8 is that it has a pretty aggressive look to it and the pro performance bars. Don’t let the aggressive look of the bike intimidate you. It has a 155mm q-factor and has 4-way step less adjustment, this allows you to set up as relaxed or as aggressive as your training requires. The pro performance bars are pretty awesome. ICG have designed the bars with the road cyclist or triathlete in mind. You have the aero bars and pad, drops and hoods to add to your cycling position.

My Conclusion

If you are serious about your training or just getting into cycling, the IC8 is a great tool to take you to the next level. The feel of the bike is nothing like you have experienced on an indoor cycle and the connectivity aspect, blows my mind. To be able to see my training broken down into so many different data points sends me straight to number heaven.  ICG also have a range of other models available to embrace the athlete in all of us. Have a look here: https://expressfitness.co.za/collections/icg-cycles

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