Pedal Based Power Meters

Garmin debuted their pedal based power/watt meter at Eurobike {the first week in September}.

Price: $1,499.99 Available March 2012

Pedal compatibility:  LOOK Keo

Gamin’s system measures the flex in the pedal axle to determine power [cadence is also tranmitted by the pedals].  The pedals talk to your Garmin device using embedded  ANT+ technology {standard wireless communication used in some Garmin and other devices}.  You can see the communication pod attached to the pedal in the picture on the left. Each pedal transmits data.

The pedals are compatible with any ANT+ based head unit such as the Garmin 500, 800 and 310XT wrist unit.  Both pedals deliver data to the device but not all devices are capable of handling dual feed measurements.  Apparently the Garmin  Edge 800 will get a firmware update to enable a new interval mode that will allow you to track power across a series of intervals.

Watt meters are common, however, pedal based technology means you’re not a slave to one wheel with the meter in the hub.

Polar announced earlier in the year they were going to release a pedal based power unit with an availability date of Spring 2011, however the date has been pulled and the release date is unknown.  Sources says Polar’s pedals {also compatible with LOOK Keo} will cost about $2000.00.

Reviews:
www.dcrainmaker.com
www.velonews.com
www.garmin.com

Power to the Animaux!