Garmin Rally XC200 SPD Power Meter Pedal In-Depth Review // MTB and Gravel Power!

Comprehensive review of the Rally XC SPD off-road power meter pedals. Pedal body design, engagement and release, power accuracy, and more!
#Garmin #GarminRallyXC #RallyXC
0:00 dat intro tho
1:35 Rally Pedal Overview
2:34 Pedal Design, Height, Weight
8:05 Power Accuracy
9:31 Wrap-Up
Thanks for watching!
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[@johnmichel1570]

Love the drone footage

[@DesFit]

Thanks Vineet!

[@rogerhartley4456]

Another great video. Thanks for all your work here!

[@DesFit]

Thanks Roger!

[@itstaco1]

Nice Des. Short and sweet summation of the pedals. Another helpful review! Thank you!

[@DesFit]

Sure thing! Thanks JT!

[@williamstevenson2649]

Thank you Des. I am thinking of the expensive introduction of power meter/ bike computer, having had neither before. This gives me the confidence to go for Garmin 840/ Rally XC200.

[@gunny6517]

Another great review! Finally, MTB version!!!

[@DesFit]

🙌🙌 thanks!!

[@JaredParsons]

Thanks for the depth you put into this review. Much appreciated. Really helped me on my purchase decision

[@DesFit]

You’re welcome! To add, they are still going strong after over a year of hard use.

[@CannabisTechLife]

THanks for this video! Basically convinced me to switch from flats to spd clips. Also I was unsure which shoes to get so I looked up your five tens and they had such great reviews that I got those too! My riding feels a lot better. Thanks for such an in depth review. Cheers!

[@jmvdigital]

Mmm that XX1 looks good. 😉 Great video. Dig the drone footie.

[@DesFit]

Right? Thanks J!! 🙌

[@GroomsJk]

The best analysis on Yt for the XC200 power pedals Thanks DES.

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@michaelcameron2553]

Thanks for the great review. I've had to sell my Stages left crank PM as new bike has different crank length (and manufacturer). This seems to be the way to go for me, good to see that the accuracy is pretty good to measure my, limited, power output.

[@DesFit]

I can highly recommend these pedals. Been running a couple sets on a couple different bikes and have really been enjoying them.

[@lensineer]

I ride MTB since forever and road bike since about 10 years now. I have never gotten around to using click pedals, I even had shoes and everything but for I just didn't like the feeling of being fixed to the bike... especially for MTB. But these got me a interested, so I am gravitating towards buying a gravel bike this year and may pick up power metering pedals for that. BTW, awesome trail you showed there! Thanks for the great video!

[@DesFit]

Sure thing BG! I think these would be a great option for your gravel bike 👍 Thanks!

[@83aceman]

Informative video thanks.

[@DesFit]

Sure thing. Thanks!

[@Abdullah-ou7bp]

Really like this channel, the video and footage are simply great while the review is very clear 👍🏻

[@DesFit]

Thanks so much!

[@laydsimba]

That TRAIL! 😮

[@DesFit]

Testing wasn’t all that bad 😉

[@robertculver3296]

+1 for these pedals. I have using the dual sided rx200 for about 9 months of 3-5 rides per week. I have not had any bad issues, if I am too lazy to calibrate the readings are reasonable, I only had to replace the batteries once. I do check the cover to ensure that it is still ok about once a month. I have had 3 or 4 really heavy pedal strikes - you know the ones that lift the frame up or nearly stop you and the pedals haven't missed a beat. I can recommend 👍

[@DesFit]

Checking the battery cover is a great tip 👍 I had them come loose just once over the course of over a year of hard use but it could have budged loose on a pedal strike - hasn't happened again. Great to hear they are working well for you!

[@jimhansen5395]

Thanks Des, glad to see more MTB PM options coming to market. More competition is better for the consumer....

[@DesFit]

Definitely. I would anticipate lots of options in this market in the future which will drive innovation and price points. Thanks Jim!!

[@cyberfunk3793]

@@DesFit I'm looking to possibly buy power meters for my bicycle, but I can't seem to find answer to 1 question: are the power meter measurements reliable accross different types of bicycles, namely road bicycles and full suspension mtb? I assume that they are, in that with maximal effort on a flat track one would receive about the same average watts on mtb and road cycle, and just the distance and speed travelled on the road cycle would obviously be higher. I haven't found anyone confirming this though and would like to know if the suspension bobbing could introduce some systematic error. I have an idea how to test it, if someone would like to make a video about it.

[@DesFit]

With pedals, it’s basically the amount of force between the cleat and the spindle, so anything else won’t affect the actual power measurement. However, dynamics such as feedback from suspension can have an affect on the power that an individual can exert on the pedals.

[@cyberfunk3793]

@@DesFit Yes, that is how I hoped it would be, but was thinking maybe there is something in the nature of suspension bobbing that could throw the meters off and cause systematic errors (some averaging algo for example, that assumes a certain type of pedal stroke that is modeled on a bicycle without suspension). I just haven't seen anyone test and confirm it, but I guess I have to trust it's accurate for full suspension also.

[@sbendaG]

Thanks for the great review. Where’s the opening filmed at looks beautiful

[@DisneyYH]

Quality content 10/10

[@DesFit]

Thank you!!

[@johnmichel1570]

2 videos in a day? Great!

[@DesFit]

3 videos! 😁 Thanks!

[@johnmichel1570]

@@DesFit incredible! Keep up the effort

[@DesFit]

Will do and thanks!

[@everywherelocal]

nice clip 🔥

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@stuff4meutube]

just the right review I was looking for. most likely going to get the single sided. but need to save up my pennies....a bit pricey.

[@DesFit]

Glad the information helped! Enjoy your pedals 👍

[@DesFit]

Funny enough I’m putting that together as we speak. Should be out in a week or two.

[@DesFit]

They’ve held up great! Go forth!

[@SaddlesAndBars]

Thanks for another quality review! Can you help shed some light on what would determine a choice to go for the one- vs the dual-sided power measurement (i.e. XC100 vs the XC200)?

[@DesFit]

Power can differ from one leg to another so having a dual sided option will be able to collect independent data on each leg, which is then added for your total power output. With single sided power meters, it will take the number from that one side (usually the left) and double it. So with me, I tend to have an imbalance where my left leg outputs more power than my right, so with a single-sided power meter the number is a little higher than my actual, total power output. Now, most people don't have a huge imbalance though but having a dual sided option can collect more accurate data. Hope that helps. Thanks!

[@yetisiedzinski1007]

The drone shots in your video made me want to go riding, I don’t care about pedals anymore...

[@DesFit]

That’s really the point, right? Enjoying the ride! 😀

[@mijatko]

Great video Des, if you should choose between these pedals and Sram+Quarq spider you have on the bike which one would you pick? Buying the powermeter but haven't decided yet.

[@DesFit]

Depends on the type of riding. For gravel and XC these would be great but if you prefer more aggressive riding and/or you tend to clip pedals while mountain biking I’d opt for the SRAM/Quarq. Thanks!

[@OttoDestruct]

Clicks play... why is the intro "dat intro doh"? * watches intro * HOLY COW. DAT INTRO DOH!

[@DesFit]

Haha, thanks! 🙌

[@KeepOnRollinFilms]

great review! I've been using my Android phone as a bike computer, will these pair with the wahoo app? garmin app? provide all the same metrics? I'm curious to hear how they hold up after rock strikes as well.

[@Jh72world888]

Great video. Seriously considering them for my gravel bike. With them being 8mm higher than the XT spd's would you suggest to adjust your seat hight accordingly - eg effectively 8mm up?

[@DesFit]

Thanks! Unless I am really tired (which I am - 3 videos in one day 😂), would it not be 4mm? I may have not made it clear in the video that those were total heights and not stack height. Apologies if so. With that, 4mm probably would not necessitate a seat height adjustment. Thanks!

[@Jh72world888]

@@DesFit Yes, if it is 8mm in total pedal difference you are right - it would be 4mm, which is probably within the tolerance of what one may actually feel. Thanks for clarifying. I am going to order a set for my Open Wi.De I think.

[@scottw4538]

Hey Des, great review. Something I'm still a little unclear about with these...if you are descending and standing up on your pedals but not pedalling, does it show the power output at the time as zero?

[@DesFit]

Yes, output should show as zero since it only registers power measurements with some cadence. This is how most pedals operate. Thanks!

[@mlegrand]

Watching the intro for this one reminded me that I need ideas for MTBing shoes. Suggestions?

[@DesFit]

May depend on the style of riding you do. My primary shoes are those 5.10 Kestrel Boas you saw but I also use some lighter and stiffer Specialized shoes for races. I like the grip from the stealth rubber on the 5.10s in situations when I have to hike but they are a bit hefty. Thanks Matt!

[@slapfan1]

I love my Fizik Terra shoes, I highly recommend them, i you have a narrow foot.

[@lechprotean]

@@slapfan1 I'm also on Fizik Terra and actually my foot is almost too narrow for them.

[@johndoug6219]

Hi Des, the trail in the beginning of the video, where is this? Looks like a good reason to fly over from Europe :- )

[@nurses2tech]

I have these power pedals and link them with my Garmin Edge 530 plus my Polar Vantage V2. II have issues with my Polar not finding the XC200 even when I've paired and also other issues with pairing to my iPhone 13. I've started considering just upgrading to a Garmin watch just to have everything under one ECO system. I truly love Polar and have had Polar watches and used Polar software ever since they started with the Training software that came with a CD with the S710 model. Does the Garmin watches have the Cycling Test and other Test like the Polar? Also, do the watches have Connect IQ APPs like the Edge does? BTW, I'm a long time supporter of your channel with my Ride4Life,Fit4Life. I've just started this channel to help support the Nurses that I have been training to use wearables and APPs for Fitness and Clinical programs

[@brian_simmons_]

If I wanted to use this for all my riding in the CO Front Range, do you think they would stand up to that, or would I be better off getting a different power meter solution?

[@eugenehuang3992]

I don't know anything about power meters, but maybe you could shed some light on why they wouldn't have a flat pedal option? Thanks, I appreciate your reviews. Started subscribing when researching (and buying) the Epix 2

[@veganpotterthevegan]

They'd barely sell any. SRM decided to produce one but they're $1500 so economies of scale don't matter as much at that price.

[@stephandelaat]

the quarq has lower measuring resolution or it applies some averaging.

[@hardmtnbiker]

I have the Edge 530 that I use on both my Mtn bikes and my gravel. Both are SPD. I want to get a power meter and just comparing these pedal based meters to the Spider type.

[@DesFit]

These would be good if you want to switch back and forth between bikes. The pedal height makes these less desirable for very rocky terrain where there's a greater chance of hitting pedals but I use these for XC MTB with no issues.

[@hardmtnbiker]

@@DesFit yep, I’ll probably just leave on my gravel bike since my mountain biking is very rocky and technical downhill. I’m not an XC rider and just earn my turns climbing up my local trails instead of shuttling. Take a look at my channel and you will understand. BTW, awesome drone footage in the intro. I’m going to have my son do that for my channel too

[@nateloman1553]

do you offer any advice on collaboration in another video - or are there instructions upon set up ?

[@DesFit]

You can do calibration from most devices that can pair to a power meter in the sensor settings.

[@GeneVilleneuve]

Did you increase your seat height to match the increased stack height? Great video too!!!

[@DesFit]

The height from the spindle to the bottom of the cleat plate is similar to other pedals, it’s just the top of the retention plate that sticks out more. Thanks!

[@GeneVilleneuve]

@@DesFit ah. Thanks. I currently have the Shimano XTR pedals and see the stack height is 8.4 mm vs the Garmin at 13.5. Was wondering if I need to increase my saddle height by 4-5mm. I picked up the XC200 pedals today. Have yet to install them.

[@DesFit]

I also run XT/XTRs and I don’t recall having to make adjustments for the Rally’s but my dropper was a little spongy that week so it was a little off anyways. However I’m now running them on my gravel bike and I did not make any adjustments from a pair of XTs. Enjoy your pedals!

[@GeneVilleneuve]

@@DesFit thanks. My plan is to use them on my gravel bike. 🙏🏼🚴🏼

[@briandarnell1809]

@@GeneVilleneuve I raised my gravel bike seat 4 mm with the XC200 to account for the differences in stack height/pedal thickness.

[@pedalandypedal]

Any update for the long term?

[@YourGroupRide]

Yo Des, how do you think these will do for cyclocross?

[@DesFit]

Their mud-shedding ability was pretty good so I think they would perform well there. Just like MTB, power accuracy could be interesting with all the surges and mounting dismounting.

[@jacquesmeyer41]

Hi, nice review. Do you know if these pedals are compatible with the Polar Grit X Pro? Both are bluetooth but I can't find that info anywhere. Thanks

[@DesFit]

Yup, these have bluetooth so should pair up just fine with Grit X Pro. Thanks!

[@jacquesmeyer41]

@@DesFit Thanks.

[@DesFit]

Sure thing 👍

[@MilanHanuska]

What about devices support... nothing about my Edge 820 in the manual.... any chance that it will be supported? Or has anyone tried it already?

[@briandarnell1809]

I just added a pair to my Edge 820. It will walk you through setting the crank length and so forth. Yes, they are supported.

[@thomassteibl1233]

Can this power meter be paired with a Wahoo Elemnt bike computer?

[@DesFit]

Yup!

[@williamkerr8836]

Is there any power meter pedals for those of us more on the trail / endro side?

[@DesFit]

Although I've used these for lots of different types of riding since this review came out with no issues, I'd still suggest a crank based power meter for rougher riding. Trail/Enduro riding has too much potential for damage on an axle where the power is collected.

[@kleycardona6435]

have they improved the flaky battery on/off nightmare issue they used to have?

[@DesFit]

Haven't had an issue with the 2 pairs of Rally XCs I have as well as a 3 year old set of Vector 3s. After they redesigned the battery cap (I think about 3 years ago) that issue shouldn't really be present anymore.

[@bonn1771]

thanks Des how do you like them now?

[@DesFit]

Still going strong!

[@bonn1771]

@@DesFit I am ordering a pair for my gravel bike. I don't want to use my powertap p1 for mud. Thank you

[@DesFit]

I’ve been planning on doing a long-term revisit video on them but they have been fantastic. Enjoy!

[@bonn1771]

@@DesFit glad i sub to be able to know when the video gets out

[@czerwonadupa9547]

Des no prices? Today I received an email from Garmin inviting me to spend £1070, that's UK pounds, with a 3 to 5 week shipping wait for a pair. I was thinking of buying them for my son but he told me not to bother as the pedals were half the price of his bike a Trek at £2.5K

[@DesFit]

They are indeed not cheap. The only other SPD power meter pedal option is similarly priced so I think these are the kind of prices we’ll see until more competition enters the SPD power meter pedal market. You may want to look into a crank based power meter which are less expensive but also aren’t as flexible in terms of transferring from bike to bike.

[@garonlove]

I im 57" and 280

[@benjaminblack9555]

Are they compatible with a wahoo computer?

[@DesFit]

Yup!

[@luxpaparazzi]

On the garmin website they state: "is easy to swap from bike to bike", but they do not state how exactly this will be easy. Have you any idea on this?

[@DesFit]

Transferring the pedals from bike to bike should be as easy as just using a pedal wrench to transfer them. If you want to swap pedal bodies there are a few videos on Garmin’s site on how to do that. It takes about 5-10 minutes to swap bodies. Super easy 👍

[@luxpaparazzi]

@@DesFit ok, but not easy enough for switching it on multiple bikes on a daily basis ;)

[@aethylwulfeiii6502]

Will it still work if it gets hit by rocks?

[@DesFit]

I’ve hit them a countless amount of times in two years and they are good to go

[@jacobhines9513]

If I bought the XC200 could I put one pedal on two different bikes?

[@DesFit]

As in just transferring them from bike to bike?

[@jacobhines9513]

@@DesFit no so I have a set of normal shimano xt pedals and I would buy the XC 200s. Then I would put a left power meter pedal on my MTB with a right normal xt pedal and then put a right power pedal on my gravel bike then a left xt pedal on that bike.

[@DesFit]

Gotcha. That would not work. The right pedal communicates with the left pedal and the left pedal communicates with the device you’re using to collect the data. This is the way most dual sided pedal power meters work.

[@jacobhines9513]

@@DesFit ok thanks!

[@DesFit]

Sure thing!

[@bootstraps1]

Have you had any of the squeaking issue I’ve been hearing about?

[@DesFit]

None, I have two pairs and both have been good to go.

[@marieperalta00]

You did not have calibrated issues, I can not calibrates mines error 1024 and battery low, there are new brand, Im really disappointed ☹️

[@johndef5075]

If you're not a pro what do you do with this data?

[@DesFit]

To see how you can improve.

[@DaveBrillhart]

I just got a pair of RK200s. My L/R balance, like yours, was 46/54. That seems WAY wrong for me. If these are essentially 2 independent power meters with 1% accuracy, my 225W avg means my left leg was 104W and my right leg was 121W. The L/R balance is simply a calculated metric from the relative contribution of two accurate power meters. Any thoughts on our BIG difference between legs? BTW, that 225W in total exactly matched my 4iiii and my KICKR Gen 1 in a 3-way compare.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

That's not remotely unheard of. Do single leg leg curls and leg extensions for a weight you can do roughly 10 reps with but see how the last reps feel with each leg.

[@ivanteo1973]

Can the bearings be service

[@DesFit]

The bearings aren't replaceable but you can purchase a replacement pedal body for either side if they ever wear out.

[@ivanteo1973]

I mean can I re-grease the bearings or something? not to replace them. Even the best bearings in the world can wear out fast without any servicing.

[@DesFit]

The bearings aren’t removable so I don’t think there would be a way to service them.

[@ivanteo1973]

@@DesFit I am just thinking if there is a way to assemble them there must be a way to disassemble them. i am seeing 4 torx screws, what do you get when you unscrew them. Any thoughts?

[@DesFit]

The bearings are pressed into the body and unless you can pry them out I don’t think there is a way to service them. That could invalidate your warranty although by the time your bearings wear out, the warranty period would likely be over.

[@janplexy]

For €1,200 they can't beat Favero Assioma.

[@mrcstb7479]

Totally overpriced.

[@IvanMalechko]

Not too much, considering s-works, trek, cannondale etc. top carbon frames with the same crappy design, build cost no more then couple of hundreds $, and retail price over $4000.

[@JackFou]

Really? I mean a Stages LR sets cost a similar amount. SRM X-Power is several hundred euros more expensive than Garmin XC. Really, the only one who's competing for a lower price, as far as I can tell is the Assioma Duo - but then you gotta deal with Look cleats or hack together a solution with their spindles and your pedals.