A pedal-based power meter measures a cyclist's power output by measuring the force applied to the pedals. These power meters are installed in the pedal spindle or the crank arm, and they use strain gauges to measure the torque applied to the pedals. The information is then transmitted to a head unit, such as a cycling computer or a smartphone, which displays the power output in watts. They’re a convenient and effective way to measure power output and improve cycling performance. They are easy to install and use and provide valuable information for training and racing.
Benefits of Pedal-Based Power Meters
One of the main benefits of pedal-based power meters is that they are easy to install and can be used with any bike. Unlike other types of power meters, such as crank-based or rear hub-based power meters, pedal-based power meters do not require any special installation or modifications to the bike.
Another benefit of pedal-based power meters is that they allow for independent measurement of each leg. This can be useful for identifying and correcting any imbalances in a rider's pedal stroke.
Pedal-based power meters can also be easily swapped between bikes, making it convenient for cyclists who own multiple bikes and want to train with power on all of them.
When choosing a pedal-based power meter, it's important to consider the accuracy and reliability of the device, as well as its compatibility with your cycling computer or smartphone. Some of the pedal-based power meters are also compatible with popular training platforms such as Strava and TrainingPeaks, which allows you to analyze your data and track your progress over time.
