Does anyone have any insight as to how accurate the power readings are from the Creo? My Garmin detects power, but won't allow me to calibrate the power meter. The numbers I see for my power output while riding seem pleasantly high - but I am not sure they are accurate compared to what I am used to seeing on my regular bike (with a Quark power meter). I would love to pat myself on the back and congratulate myself for my increased fitness, but...really? I went out on my regular and did a climb I have been riding often on the Creo, my HR was higher but avg watts lower. Has anyone been able to calibrate the Creo on their Garmin? Garmin tech support had no useful info, and Specialized hasn't responded.
Power calibration on Creo
- Thread starter NBS
- Start date
Nxkharra
Well-Known Member
I find my power indicator of my Vado 5 fluctuate and to me not very accurate. I rode with a friend who had a very expensive power meter installed on his road bike and we compared our numbers. Generally close but mine was off.
I don’t rely on that so not an issue for me but am sure you will get good answer from someone here soon.
I don’t rely on that so not an issue for me but am sure you will get good answer from someone here soon.
Malcontent
New Member
I think you'd need pedal power meters to really know.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
The torque sensor in the mid-drive e-bike is the power meter. The only issue is how accurate.
Captain Slow
Well-Known Member
fwiw the numbers I'm seeing are in the ballpark for what I'd expect.
veganveloist
New Member
I had the same query with my Creo and contacted Specialized - this is the response:
The power readings from the motor don't work in the same way as a conventional power meter. There also isn't a calibration that needs to be carried out on the motor.
The readings come from a different system type than a traditional power meter and the values given are just an estimate, rather than an accurate reading - The motor translates the torque you are putting into the motor as an estimate of your power output. Because of this, readings will general differ from a traditional power meters readings if you are using one at the moment.
Because of the different system type, I assume that your Garmin is maybe picking up on a possible "issue" with the power meter it is connected to, taking the unit that it is being linked to as a power meter rather than a motor. To try and address this, it is then prompting you to perform a re-calibration. The zero value you are getting also relates to this, as the motor won't be calibrated via a power meter system.
The motor's are calibrated at the factory during production and won't need adjusting again to confirm.
We haven't come across a head unit prompting a calibration requirement once connected, but this shouldn't be a need for concern as mentioned above.
The power readings from the motor don't work in the same way as a conventional power meter. There also isn't a calibration that needs to be carried out on the motor.
The readings come from a different system type than a traditional power meter and the values given are just an estimate, rather than an accurate reading - The motor translates the torque you are putting into the motor as an estimate of your power output. Because of this, readings will general differ from a traditional power meters readings if you are using one at the moment.
Because of the different system type, I assume that your Garmin is maybe picking up on a possible "issue" with the power meter it is connected to, taking the unit that it is being linked to as a power meter rather than a motor. To try and address this, it is then prompting you to perform a re-calibration. The zero value you are getting also relates to this, as the motor won't be calibrated via a power meter system.
The motor's are calibrated at the factory during production and won't need adjusting again to confirm.
We haven't come across a head unit prompting a calibration requirement once connected, but this shouldn't be a need for concern as mentioned above.
Thanks for posting this. It has been nagging at me. I recently did a "test", riding the same stretch of road on the Creo, then riding it again on my Trek immediately after, trying to maintain the same effort level (based on HR and perceived exertion). There was a pretty big difference, with my Garmin showing avg 160 W for the Creo ride vs. 135 W on the Trek (with Quark power meter). It had me wondering whether the numbers I was seeing with the Creo were actually a function of my power + the motor.
If you’re using Mission Control, you can go to Let’s Ride > Stats and set two of the 6 display windows to Rider Power and Motor Power. I use these to see how much, if any, boost the motor is delivering. They display the current values so there is no historical data. You have to view them while riding.
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