4iiii Update, May 1, 2015

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Some new PRECISION riders are using bike power for the first time and have sent us great questions that we’ll do our best to answer in these blogs. This week, we will address the ever-confused issue of calibration/zeroing/re-zeroing. The whole concept is really much easier for you, the user, than it first seems. Here’s the simple summary:

PRECISION power meters use proprietary strain sensors that provide you with accurate power measurements. Initially, PRECISION needs to be “taught” how to translate a certain force to a specific power value. We do this initial set up for you in our factory with certified weights and we refer to it as Factory Calibration. This calibration procedure generates a linear function (also known as a calibration curve) which is unique to your PRECISION and crank combination. The calibration values on the 4iiii calibration card you receive with your pod denote the two values associated with the curve obtained at the factory. They will not change over the course of PRECISION’s life.

Once outside of our factory, your PRECISION sensor – just as all power meters – will have its own signature response to environmental and temperature changes. This is normal and very similar to how you need to reset your weigh scale to ‘zero’ before each use. The changes can shift slightly upwards or downwards which “offsets” the calibration curve established in factory and causes you to obtain higher or lower values than you actually want. So, in order to get the best and most accurate power reading, your power meter needs to be zeroed before a ride and after any large temperature fluctuations. Note: Most (if not all) head units refer to this step as ‘calibrate’ although some will name the action ‘zero’ or ‘re-zero.’ All head units that support power will have this easy-to-use utility that is activated with only a push of a button

When you successfully zero PRECISION, you should see two numbers alternating on the screen of your head unit or bike computer. Normal ranges for these numbers are between 8000 to 11000 and 18000 and 21000.

If you get numbers of 999 or -999, that means the unit isn’t settled or the crank arms are in the wrong position. To correct this, eliminate any wind or movement factors and try again.

For more information on this and specific zeroing step, please read the PRECISION User Manual at 4iiii.com/PRECISION

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4iiii Update, April 24, 2015

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Having spent four sun baked days amidst thousands of cyclists in Monterey last week, our team had yet another opportunity to connect with excited riders.  Here are some fun facts from Sea Otter:

61% at this show are Mountain Bikers; 39% are Road Bikers.  Men make up 62% of visitors while 38% are female BUT more women raced at this year’s event than ever before.

Our resident Mountain Biker Janelle had this to say about the Cross Country Course:

“This was the perfect example of where riding with power data is highly beneficial.  The course was really fast and long (24 miles) with a 3500’ elevation gain, so the leaders would have been grinding through it at their optimal power level.”

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Some of your recent questions have also led us to recap PRECISION fun facts.

  • PRECISION is lightweight (10 grams / .36 ounces) and small (< 38mm x 27mm x 7.5mm)Precision on left crank
  • Yes, it transmits via both ANT+ and Bluetooth Low Energy.  This means that PRECISION is compatible with over 80 existing ANT+ bike computers, apps and displays
  • When you send us your crank for Factory installation, your time without your crank should only be 7 – 12 business days (2-3 shipping in, 3-5 days install, 2 -3 days shipping out).  We won’t ask you to send in your crank until we are ready for it, so you won’t be without your crank any longer than necessary and, we will happily adjust your install dates to suit your race, cycling trip, etc. if you let us know your timing.
  • Just a reminder that if you send us your pre-owned cranks from North America and Mexico, you are covered under the NA Free Trade Agreement and will not be charged duty or taxes.  If you live elsewhere, you will be subject to varying amounts of tax depending on your country’s regulations.  We are actively working with our international partners to get you more specific information and will keep you posted.
  • PRECISION is super easy to use and gives you practical, straight-forward power and cadence (i.e. pedaling rate) data.  Data can be automatically transmitted to your display (watch, bike computer, and/or phone) in real time and also uploads to your favorite app (eg. Strava or Training Peaks) for post ride analysis.  Your Viiiiva Heart Rate Monitor can be used alongside your PRECISION as well.

4iiii Update, April 17, 2015

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Now that our Factory Install has ramped, and more and more of you are riding with PRECISION, we’re keen to bring you some perspectives from the power world.

The North American cycling season is clearly underway if the excitement at the Subaru Sea Otter Classic is any indication.  Sea Otter is known as the celebration of cycling and is pretty much the North American season opening.  Our crew is there in Monterey, CA this week meeting with road cyclists and mountain bikers alike who are giving the thumbs up for the $399US PRECISION price point.  Just as exciting, is the overall enthusiasm for power as a key metric for riders of every level, not to mention their coaches.

We recently spoke with Junior Performance Triathlon Coach Bart Ujack who has an enviable track record with junior draft legal racing and was the 2013 ATA Elite Coach of the Year.  Bart summed up power this way:  “There’s no question that understanding your power has become a game changer.  Plain and simple, it keeps you from wasting energy and burning matches.  Get the power profiles from winning races and you’ll also know the minimum requirements for staying in the lead pack.  With the data in front of you, you can analyze the information, train to that standard, and then meet or exceed your goals.  Ideally, I’d get all riders to train with power!”

Tis spring in the foothills – ie no snow on the ground! Where will your personal power take you this weekend? _NIE9295

 

PRECISION update April 10 2015

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Our letters with projected factory installation dates have now been sent to individual customers and we hope that this gives you the planning information you need!  If you have ordered from 4iiii or Clever Training and have not yet received our notice, please double check your filter for an email from cranks@4iiii.com or write us at the same address and we will happily resend.

Many of you have commented on the delays on specific cranks. We originally planned a ‘self install’ PRECISION that physically fit those models first listed in our posted crank compatibility chart.

Since that time, to keep our commitment to our customers to provide $400 power, we introduced a PRECISION “factory install” program which has a wider form factor and fits onto wider left cranks.  To take care of as many riders as possible we are fulfilling those orders first that fit the current plastics and we have new housings, that will be moving to production in June, to conform to narrower cranks and right side cranks. We apologize to those that are affected by this delay.

Thanks to one of our customers, we have a new clearance measurement trick for those of you who have ordered through our beta Crank Purchase Program.  Obviously you don’t have your new cranks to measure so use a AAA battery to check the clearance between your existing cranks and your bike frame.  As you identify your flat install surface, simply move the battery (which is 10mm thick vs the 7.5mm of PRECISION) and slide it along the crank.  Note the place at which the battery hits either side and mark that on the measurement chart we provide to you.  This will give our Manufacturing team all the information they need for ideal placement of your PRECISION.

We’ll be at Sea Otter next week, riding with PRECISION.  Come visit us at booth #414!

 

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PRECISION update April 3, 2015

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You have been asking, waiting and trusting that your 4iiii PRECISION would reach you in time to ride with power this summer…..and it will!  Production has ramped up well and we can now share projected dates with everyone.  You have taken the plunge to be the first to ride with a highly accurate and affordable power meter and we appreciate your continued enthusiasm.

By May 21 we project that your current orders for PRECISION on the following crank types will be either on your bike or in transit to you from our factory:

  • Shimano 105 5800, 5700; Ultegra 6800, 6700; Dura-Ace 9000
  • SRAM Rival OCT
  • Cannondale SI, SL, SISL, SISL2

New orders on these models will hit production mid May.

For those of you riding with Shimano 7900, 9800, 7800, FSA Energy, and SRAM x1, we anticipate that you will be on the road with PRECISION by June 21, ahead of the Fathers’ Day Weekend.  (That will make a lot of 4iiii fathers happy too!) Drive side orders will hit production mid June! Order now to hold your place in the queue.

Watch for your email early next week from cranks@4iiii.com.  (PLEASE check your spam filters to ensure you don’t miss it.)  It will tell you which week to expect your PRECISION to be installed.    If you know that you can’t be without your crank during that designated time, we will happily adjust the schedule to suit you and add another rider to the queue.

It’s a sunny Easter long weekend here in Cochrane.  We wish you all good riding, safe travels, and lots of mini eggs… if Sam hasn’t eaten them all!

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PRECISION Update Friday File March 27, 2015

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We’re pleased to announce that the first PRECISION cranks went out this week and we continue to sync with customers re incoming shipping.  This phase of the process has ramped up as anticipated with a keen focus on quality assurance steps.   We are moving forward as planned, putting extra people and equipment in place so that we can maximize our output of PRECISION.

 

We now have a view of manufacturing dates so we will be reaching out directly to all current customers giving realistic delivery dates by April 9.  If you have not heard from us as of April 10, it means that we have an incorrect email address for you and will need you to contact us at support@4iiii.com.   (Remember to also check your spam folder.)

 

As part of servicing the exceptional interest in PRECISION, we are also adding to our Customer Service team.  If you happen to know an avid biker and/or runner in the Cochrane area who wants to work with passionate customers (like you!), check out this position at 4iiii.com/.  We’re really proud of our dynamic team and look forward to welcoming more active enthusiasts to our group.

 

And finally, we’re pumped to congratulate our PRECISION Product Manager, Emma, who won her age category at the 2015 Banamex Ironman 70.3 in Monterrey, Mexico.  Yes, she was riding with PRECISION!

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Precision update March 20 2015

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As mentioned last week, our Factory Install program is now underway and we are currently processing pre-orders placed in September.  Please watch your emails from our team (cranks@4iiii.com) to confirm your mailing address and keep the shipping process flowing.  A few of you in the front of the queue have yet to respond to our initial email so please be sure to double check your spam/junk folders and get back to us asap.

We are managing installs chronologically, based on your order date. To see which order month we are processing at any given time, check out our Factory Install Tracker.

Now that we have launched our Factory Install program, we have also implemented our regular Precision price of $399.00 US.  This will replace our pre-order offer of $349.00 effective at 12am March 22 and will apply to orders placed online as well as those ordered through Clever Training.

Many of you are still very interested in our beta Crank Purchase program so please continue to check the online list for available Shimano models.tracker

 

Precision update March 13th 2015

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Our Precision Factory Install has begun! We’re thrilled to announce that Precision Shipping Packs are now on their way to you on a first-ordered, first-served basis! You’ll see one happy product manager below!

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We will begin with pre-orders that came in September 2014 and ramp up quickly to deal with everyone as fast as possible. While we can’t disclose positioning of actual order numbers, we are setting up a Factory Install Tracker to give you a window into the weekly progress. With all the excitement for Precision, our Customer Service team is swamped so please refer to this tracker next week for your timing information.

Here’s how it will work.

  • When you’re next in the Factory Install queue, you will receive an email from cranks@4iiii.com asking to confirm your mailing address. This is when you will know that your install is imminent!
  • Once we receive your address confirmation, your Shipping Pack will be mailed to you.
  • When you get the Pack, please follow the step-by-step instructions and send your crank back to us asap via the pre-paid FedEx arrangement. The Shipping Pack has everything you need to get your crank to us simply and quickly. All you’ll have to do is include your crank, add your serial number, the date and your signature, and drop off the pre-paid shipping package to your nearest FedEx location.
  • FedEx has quoted us the following shipping times: Inbound from US to Canada: 3-4 business days. Inbound from the UK, Australia and Canada: 4-5 business days.
  • Factory Install turnaround is 2 days.
  • Once the Factory Install is complete, your Precision crank will be FedEx’d back to you and you start riding with Precision. Outbound shipping timing is quoted as: To US: 2-3 business days; to UK, Australia and Canada – 3-4 business days.

As for the drive side Precision, we’ve had to refine our right side solution and anticipate that we will start to install the right side cranks in 6 – 8 weeks. Many of you who have already ordered Left+Right have asked if you can get the left installed first and then the right side when it is available. Absolutely! If this option suits you, we will happily install your left only crank and then process the right as soon as it is available. And yes, we will pay the shipping both times. Please know that you retain your place in the factory install queue regardless of whether you have ordered the left only or left+right.

We’re pleased that so many of you are taking advantage of our beta Crank Purchase Program.

On a separate note, check out the latest post re 4iiii on dcrainmaker.com. Ray brings a thorough and informed voice to our industry which benefits us all.

We’ve also been informed that 4iiii is part of the ‘exciting wearables companies to follow’ list: https://ekneewalker.com/blog/fitness-tracker-wearables/ It’s always great to be recognized alongside so many top companies.

Thank you!

 

Precision update March 6th 2015

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Two key updates for you today!

The Precision Factory Install program is very much on track and shipping packages will start going out next week.  We will ramp up in an orderly manner (first-ordered, first-served) to maintain quality and ensure your utmost satisfaction. As always, it is our firm commitment to get our high quality product out to you as soon as possible.

Your excitement for Precision has been huge (thank you!) and we have a large number of orders to fill.  To expedite installation, we will deal with compatible left cranks first based on your order date.

As part of our factory install program, we have now opened our beta Crank Purchase option.  For those of you who want a new crank, you can now order a Shimano left-only crank at 4iiii.com.

Here’s the process:
–      Order Precision at 4iiii.com or clevertraining.com.  If you’ve already ordered Precision, access your order number on your receipt.
–     Go to 4iiii.com and place your crank order.
–     Shimano will ship crank orders directly to our factory for Precision Install. Please note:  Shipping of the crank to us and shipping of the finished crank to you is included.
–     Precision is installed at the 4iiii Factory (as per your original Precision order date)
–     Your new Shimano crank with Precision installed is shipped directly to you.
–     You ride with Precision Power!

We will let you know of offers from other brands as they are available.

Also…..

Are you going to Sea Otter?  We’ll be in Monterey, CA April 16 – 19 and would love to connect with fellow riders. Come visit us at booth #414 and check out Precision first-hand.

Precision update February 27th 2015

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For those of you who have asked to buy a new left-only crank with Precision installed, our Crank Purchase program is in motion! This limited-time offer will allow you to order a new crank that will come directly to us for Factory Install and then ship straight to you. The good people at Shimano are on board and we are also connecting with SRAM and other brands to meet your varied needs. Expect more details re pricing and how to order, very shortly.

We’ve also got some good news about shipping timelines for those sending in your cranks for Factory Install. The shipping experts tell us that ‘one way’ shipping to Canada from the US only requires 2-3 business days. The UK, Australia and Canada will take 3-4 days (go figure – eh?). This means that your time without your crank can be as little as 7 – 10 business days.

We’re getting close to being able to send out your Precision Shipping Kit (complete with ID tag and dummy pod for clearance testing). To optimize efficiency and minimize down time as much as humanly possible, our installers will process left-only orders first and follow with left+right. We will also stagger the arrival of your cranks so that nothing waits in a queue. You will receive a personal email outlining your designated shipping date and yes, you may adjust this date to suit your schedule.

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