I had an eye on it for some time. Now they launched.
Sweat rate and sodium loss sounds interesting to measure, but not sure I really need it. Also live data streaming to a head unit hasn‘t been developed yet (they say it‘s coming). Also looks like a first product and small company.
Do you think the sensor is worth it?
I’m intrigued by it, I’ll say that. Whether it’s worth it… is a question.
I’ve been using an HDrop and it’s been so so. doesn’t have some switches I’d like to see. For example I don’t care about potassium intake during a ride/race, as well as the drink prompt field via Garmin IQ hasn’t worked, so I’ve just been using Saturday AM and Garmin Smart drink to get things dialed in.
Sounds interesting, and I have the same question as others about its value over time.
While researching my sweat rate and required sodium intake, I found an interview with Matteo Jorgenson, who previously had issues with high sweat rates and/or high sodium loss. From what I recall, this was something that he had tested through the Movistar team doctors, and they adjusted his sodium intake accordingly. He made it sound like it was not something that required constant monitoring and adjusting but something one can test for and know going forward. Within a range of training and racing conditions, I imagine.
Didn‘t know about that one. It is cheaper and looks more developed!
I’ve always been interested in my sodium loss and also have researched it but couldn’t come up with anything solid I could use. As I remember it, it seems the saltiness and amount of perspiration varies quite a bit between individuals so without testing there was no easy way to know. I do know I’m heavy sweater and have always craved salt but try to limit my intake to a reachable amount so I always end up guessing.
Save your money. Patches are not the way to go, as 1) sweat rate and composition varies on different points on the body, and 2) patches alter the local response.
Here are my unscientific results from doing 4 tests.
Workout: Threshhold
Time: 2 hours
Temperature: 52-55(F)
Fluid intake: 1420 ml total
Same bike, same garage, same rider, different TR workouts but all the same type.
Test method:
Test Results (average loss /hour):
Based upon 4 tests (where I could get all the tech to work at the same time {specifically issues with the Nix sensor}) the Garmin calculated sweat rate loss was the closest to actual loss with the weight scale. Nix and H-Drop were way over and would be too much fluid for me to intake while riding. Other issues is that while the Nix app does have a Garmin data field it rarely (if ever) works for me. H-Drop same thing, have the data field but no information. Nix App and sensor connection is finicky and i’ve wasted a lot of patches due to connection issues. My process now (with 90% success rate) is:
Again this is just my results from 4 tests where I could get all the tech to actually work and recorded. All said and done do a weight scale test and compare it to your Garmin head unit calculation to get you closer to the pin than what is calculated by H-drop or Nix.
I think knowing your Sodium Loss / L is extremely valuable, regardless of how you get there, but it also doesn’t need to be exact. I used an HDrop in Hot / Representative conditions, and took an average. Then, Did a whole heck of a lot of rides where I hydrate at that sodium concentration per L of fluid. Haven’t had an issue that I could pin on sodium yet. I’m going to re-verify when it gets warm out again using the Gatorade patches.
I don’t use or trust them for Sweat Rate / Sweat Volume though. Much more reliable to use a scale and take notes for different temps and humidity. (Start stark naked, weigh yourself holding your bottles. Go bike for an hour or more. Come back and weigh yourself stark naked with your bottles and whatever’s left in them for fluid. No peeing or weight doesn’t count)
Then, sodium intake is always per L (not per hour) and liters of fluid per hour is based on bodyweight testing under different conditions.
From the Flowbios website:
“90% accurate in lab based conditions…83% for sodium, 73% for fluid loss in the field.”
I missed this thread earlier. Just read a review. This is interesting to me because it provides actionable feedback.
Has anyone actually used the S1 sensor by now and can share some impressions / buying advice?
Keen to help out here - I’m part of the FLOWBIO team.
We’re offering the AHi Experience to anyone who wants to try the device out for free. A New Era of Sweat Analysis: The AHi® Experience – FLOWBIO
I’m Hattie, send an email if you’d like to chat [hattie@flowbio.com]
Hey keen to help out here if I can - I’m part of the FLOWBIO team.
We’re offering the AHi Experience to anyone who wants to try the device out for free. A New Era of Sweat Analysis: The AHi® Experience – FLOWBIO
I’m Hattie, send an email if you’d like to chat [hattie@flowbio.com]