Is it time to switch to power meter pedals? For many years, crank spider style power meters have been the gold standard for accuracy and reliability - but power meter pedals have continued to improve on the technology side, while declining in price.
With the release of the new Garmin Rally XC110 & XC220 editions, it's a convenient time to take a look at the state of things in the power meter pedal market, with a focus on the cyclocross/gravel space.
Pros of power meter pedals
Power meter pedals come with some key benefits:
- The easiest type of power meter to install, with no special tools needed.
- Both single-sided (economical) and dual-sided (measures both legs, but more expensive) options are available, and some systems are upgradeable if you start with a single-sided pedal and later want to upgrade to dual-sided.
- For Shimano GRX-equipped bikes, it's worth noting that there isn't an easy upgrade path to crankarm spider-style power meters, which makes power meter pedals an easy choice for riders with Shimano GRX bikes. Power meter pedals eliminate all crankarm, bottom bracket, chainring compatibility concerns.
Cons of power meter pedals
These are the downsides of power meter pedals:
- Power meter pedals are more vulnerable to damage, since they're closer to the ground and less well protected compared to crankarm or spider power meters.
- Some models have a higher Q-factor compared with their non-power brethren, which is something to consider from a bike fit perspective.
- Similarly, power models sometimes have a higher stack height compared with standard pedals, which may require a saddle height adjustment.
- Although prices have declined, power meter pedals are still more expensive compared with the least-expensive power options, like replacing a left-side-only crankarm from Stages or 4iiii.
Which brands make power meter pedals for cyclocross/gravel bikes?
99.9% of cyclocross and gravel riders use shoes and pedals based on Shimano's SPD 2-bolt cleat pattern. This includes Shimano's own shoes and pedals, as well as others that share the same cleat mounting pattern, such as the Crank Bros. Eggbeater system.
If you're considering power meter pedals, you have 3 primary choices in this style:
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SRM - can claim to have invented and manufactured the first bicycle power meters. Their X-Power line sells for $1199 for a single sided model and $1499 for dual leg monitoring, so they represent a serious investment. For that price you get a stack height of 10.5mm and Q-factor of 54mm.
They also come in a variety of colors. It's worth noting they use LOOK cleats, which fit the common 2-bolt SPD pattern. These are way too rich for my blood, but DC Rainmaker, who has a reputation for accuracy and thoroughness, appears to think highly of them.
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Garmin - Garmin's Rally line, which was recently updated from the XC100/200 (single sided, double sided) to the new 110 and 210 series. They single-sided 110 will set you back $799.99 and the dual-sided 210, $1299.99 - so they hit the midpoint of the market, less than the premium SRM option and more than the Favero MX series.
Stack height is 11.5mm (the most of the 3 options presented here) and Q-factor is 53mm. Previous-gen Garmin power pedals used disposable, replaceable batteries, the new XC110/210 have adopted a rechargeable type, like the SRM and Favero.
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Favero Assioma - Favero has developed a reputation for delivering high-value, lower-cost power pedals, first with road models and later with a "MTB" model based on the same technology. Theirs is called the "Pro MX", and you guessed it, the MX-1 is single-sided, while the MX-2 is dual sided.
They're a little taller - 11.2mm stack height, with a Q-factor of 53mm. They work with Shimano's own cleats, which is convenient when replacements are needed down the line.
The MX-1 (about $500) and MX-2 (about $800) are the least-expensive SPD-style power pedals available for cyclocross or gravel use.
Features that these power meter pedals have in common
The systems mentioned share some common features, such as ANT+ / Bluetooth compatibility, built-in rechargeable batteries, and it's worth noting that none rely on "pods" placed between the pedal and the crankarm, as earlier-generation power pedals did.
The elimination of the pod seems to have enabled this generation of power pedals to get closer to the Q-factor of standard pedals. The XPEDO M-Force, for example, has a 56mm Q-factor. The various XPEDO power pedals also rely on disposable CR2032 batteries, which is a valid design design, however, they have less in common with the SRM, Garmin, and Favero models discussed on this page.
What about bike washing in cyclocross?
Cyclocross bikes have some unique demands placed upon them, one of which is repeated pressure washing. This may not be a concern if you race cyclocross in mostly dry conditions, but riders who pressure wash repeatedly due to mud may wish to exercise caution with power meters (not just pedals) to avoid water ingress.
Each of the 3 SPD-style power meter pedals discussed here carries an IP water and dust resistance rating. Higher numbers are better, indicating electronics that are more likely to resist damage from dust or water ingress.
- Garmin XC110 / XC210 carries an IPX7 rating
- Favero's MX1/2 carries an IP67 rating
- SRM X-Power carries an IP67
Note: the first digit describes dust resistance, while the second digit describes water resistance. Each of these three pedal systems carries a rating of "7" against water ingress, which means "protected against the effects of temporary immersion in water."
That means riding through a stream crossing shouldn't kill your pedals... I'd still be careful with the pressure washer, however. Very few bicycle components, including power meters, are designed to stand up to water being forced inside under pressure.
"X" is not necessarily a negative, it simply means "not rated" or "unknown". I would be surprised if the Garmin XC110/210 were any more or less resistant to dust than the competitors.