The Best Power Meter Pedals | Group Test | Cycling Weelky

[@AdrianCartwright]

This video is now out of date. I’ve got the Favero Assioma duo, and they DO give the extras in pedal data like Garmin ( pedal balance / stroke data), and their accuracy error is now 1% and not 2% as stated. Plus the battery will last about 50 hours a charge, and typically about 50 years before the battery will start to degrade. Another thing to consider is because the charging is magnetic, there’s no cap or door to open / break / lose. The whole unit is encased in a solid resin that makes it totally water-proof and protects from impact damage. The sensor is quite sheltered once on the bike, as the pedal arm is the same radius. The set up is really straight forward using the App, unless like the presenters and you make very simple mistakes. Then you’ll have to contact support, to help you, because you’re a Doughnut! Prices are a lot lower now too. I paid £575 for Favero Assioma duo. Btw, the flashing LED’s flash every 3 secs. I can’t remember if the presenters mention the zero offset procedure.. using your head unit takes about 10 seconds and all you need to do is place pedal horizontally and keep the bike upright and still. Simple, even a presenter can do that. ; )

[@apit_zixxer]

"Plus the battery will last about 50 hours a charge, and typically about 50 years before the battery will start to degrade." - any sources to support your statement? cuz that does sounds very impressive

[@shaunbassett5093]

@Wooly Chewbakker Check out the Lama Lab testing in a controlled environment of these pedals (kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYaZe4CvjLCAfqc). Shane busts all the claims and proves the pedals far exceed the manufacturers statements. Certainly, based on the longterm review by Shane, I think these pedals will outlast (battery life at least) nearly every other component on the bike. This particular Cycling Weekly video was 35 minutes of my life I'll never get back.....

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

I don't know jack about power meter pedals, but if everything in life worked like those Favero Assioma Duos, there'd be no wars in the world.

[@quarkonium3795]

@Wooly Chewbakker I would say that 20 hours a week is a very optimistic estimate. If a rider did 20 hours a week on average at an average speed of 15 mph, they would be riding further than Phil Gaimon does in a year. Doesn't seem realistic to anyone but the top riders. Divide that number by three and I would say you have a more realistic estimate

[@chaosengine3772]

What really sold me on the Assiomas other than it's accuracy an features, is the serviceability of the pedals. The bearings are DIY serviceable and you can get replacement parts.

[@andrew8992]

What about the bearings? It’s a key aspect relating to the potential longevity of a pedal and how easy it is to service.

[@fbaqueda]

FYI Garmin has released BLE firmware update and you can now zwift with them

[@cyclingweekly]

Unfortunately we filmed this a week before Garmin released their new firmware!

[@donalmahon]

Its unfortunate the elephant in the room wasn't mentioned in relation to the Garmin V3. That is the critical flaw of power drop outs and spikes, flimsy and delicate o ring and battery compartment.

[@landcruiser801]

And weight and price but other than that....

[@stevezodiac491]

I have bought favero assioma duos for £680, the cheapest and i have had zero problems mated with waho elemnt, the cleat entry is aok also. Seems to me like user error the way they describe them. Mind you i am used to look and they are swapping over from shimano. Recommend.

[@tommoores1138]

The deal breaker for me was that with the Favero you can buy the single sided version then add the other pedal to make it up to double sided at a later date. None of the others allow that, you have to decide at the first point of purchase if you want single or double sided. Another vote for the Favero!

[@migferreira]

The Vector 3 has a single sided option too. It's called the 3S and they spoke about it it in the video (499 pounds). You can buy the second power pedal later if you wanted to get dual sided monitoring.

[@georgmtb9671]

One thing I like about the Assioma pedals is that you can adjust the readings. I did my ftp test on my quarq. I found that the favero pedals read lower ( maybe 10 - 12 watts ), however through the app I could increase the readings from the favero just enough so that they are bang on with the readings from my quarq powermeter.

[@SeeYouUpTheRoad]

I am curious what you think of the Garmin V3 and the Favero now May 2019. I have found the Favero super reliable in the year I have had them over 10,000 miles and over 1,000,000 feet of climbing

[@michwoz]

By observing the market, reading and seeing large user base opinions on reliability and accuracy I always come to same clear conclusion: Favero Assioma is simply vastly superior. The only thing Vectors 3 has on Assiomas is being pretty...

[@whatscreenname]

Oh boy you guys dragged this shit out

[@DaveIsTheBestMan]

Dont need to use BlueTooth Smart with Zwift - I use an ANT+ dongle on my laptop, so no isues with the Vector 3's (Prior to the recent 3.0 update)

[@mmowolf4658]

It's an obvious choice. The Favera Assoma is the same price for both pedals than one pedal for the other one and they still have properties that are better than the Garmin and Powertap.

[@MikeMPharmaCyclist]

They're still reporting battery and dropout issues with the Vector 3s and they're at least 350 more dollars than the assiomas. The assiomas design is much better simply because the electronics and pedal body and axle are modular and user replaceable; Favero sells parts and has a great warranty anyway. The rechargeable batteries are also a huge advantage, especially given all of the battery issues with the Vector 3.

[@1989srjones]

THAT'S NUMBER WANG!

[@cyclingweekly]

the main reason we cut after that shot is because Rupert has a tendency to be hilarious and send everyone into fits of laughter

[@standriessen5478]

You are missing an very competative option, the Look/Polar KEO Power pedal, these are also available as the power essential for the single sided version. I've been using them for a year now and I really love them!

[@jamesd5241]

You rode through a puddle ? well fuck me they are tried and tested!

[@cyclingweekly]

All the products are extensively tested by all three reviewers over long periods, the reference to riding through puddles and wet weather is in relation to the weatherproofing of the product.

[@jamesd5241]

*humour

[@davidhunt5225]

To be fair, they did say it had ducks in it.

[@tavern77]

Surprising by the time you were making this video the planet knew that one of those three brands had very serious connectivity problems. As a result the importer for New Zealand and Australia had stopped selling them.

[@nootnoot1463]

Favero’s seem like the best option to me followed by the Garmins, the power taps are just too big and ugly. I’ll probably be getting them in the next few weeks

[@steve-bs3qp]

Power to the people right now

[@kidsafe]

"Never use them separately..." I mean the failover state for the Vector 3 is basically left-only Vector 3S doubled power...

[@andrewb6541]

Favero comments are comical and functionally irrelevant. If you read the manual(3 pages?) = no pairing issues , if you have foot coordination = no spinning issues. Functionally this product has been rock solid since installation. (no I'm not sponsored).

[@cyclingweekly]

Yeah, we did poke fun at the fact Rupert didn't read the manual properly.. We'll tell him to read harder next time!

[@rsmenton]

I'm no expert, but my Favero Assioma Duo pedals have been flawless. It should be interesting to see how they decide to "improve" them.

[@teriemer]

Indeed the same here - absolutely flawless. So solid and consistent every time. Love em :-)

[@Youtubefana]

Can you folks advise on tight they are to cleat and uncleat? Coming from a smooth spd Ultegra pedals that’s the only thing I am scared about.

[@briantreadwell2206]

This popped up for me in Feb ‘21 - so, what should I be looking at now? Great review, if these products still valid - I think I like the Garmin as I use Garmin products generally - correct approach? . . . . review to long, needs to be more concise

[@bikecommutingmadeeasy8048]

I saw that PowerTap adjusted their prices yesterday. At $799 USD for the P1 pedals, it may be the best option for durability and consistancy?

[@dan110024]

I've had pretty bad experiences with the P1's over the last few years. The sleep thing is super frustrating. Sometimes it won't turn back on until you stop pedaling and wait for a bit. This is after riding for a good few minutes. Not to mention the bad clearance for pedaling through corners in races - I've almost ground it down to the battery chamber and have reached the thread for the battery cap. They finally stopped working (left is reading low) so I can finally justify some Assioma's

[@manilafixedgear2312]

like others have said, at what point is the R and D cost covered to the point that Powermeters can be priced for the average non competitive rider to justify the cost, I was fully expecting to see the main manufacturers retailing options for around £200-250, even if production moves to China. Something like Stages for example is way over priced in 2018.. But hey if people are happy to spend the monies who am I to complain. Honestly I am just waiting for someone like Xcadey/Ronde to get their act together and start bringing units to Europe with full support for £200, at that point it will simply be another accessory rather than a luxury..

[@rkan2]

Please keep in mind that while a rechargeable batteries can work good for the long term.. If the battery isn't replaceable, once the battery dies.. so do your pedals. With replaceable coin cells you can keep changing the batteries. :P

[@Mine96craft]

Take a look at DCRainmakers article about the Assioma. It that the battery can be charged 500 times before it slowly degrades so you have to charge it more often between rides. Till that point you will have to ride 20 hours per weeks for 24 years. Before that happens you'll have probably switched to a newer powermeter.

[@AndrewL]

you can charge 500 times !! It can last 50 hours per charge. 500*50 = do the maths.

[@kawesipastorholland]

Thanks guys this was a wonderful details reviewed. This helped me make up my mind. I've ordered the garmin vector 3 can't wait to hit the road with them. I wasn't into PM until I got my Wahoo kicker (latest one just to mansion lol) I realise how important PM is it help me improving my training. I'm a much better rider now plus I can regulate my power out put which is really really good. There are so much benefit to a power meter. If you want improve are if you are a serious rider wheather you race are just love riding it's a good investment

[@RITC44]

Curious if you have an updated opinion on the garmin?

[@MstrRo1]

Not all batteries have the same rate of self discharge. The non-rechargeable AAA P1 Lithium batteries will self discharge at a lower rate than many other battery types and are not as vulnerable to self discharge in colder temperatures. They are also less likely to corrode over time. What is the heavy use life cycle of the Favero Assioma rechargeable batteries and are they user replaceable vs. factory replaceable? The downside the Garmin is the monthly replacement of 4 button cell batteries.

[@Shouldbeeasier]

You dont look very hard for good prices online. I've just installed some Assiomas today and not a problem at all with Wahoo Elemnt. Your issues are non issues.

[@mikeknetzger8703]

Would love an update to this video! Everything still hold?

[@justinnorrie3594]

This is definitely one of the weirder bike product review videos. It runs about as long as the average feature length film (only a slight exaggeration), and for most of that time the comments are largely in favour of the Faveros. Then suddenly it's: "So there you have it, the Garmins win." Huh?

[@usmcmsgt5487]

I would love a power meter and might get one since I have the Edge 1030.... maybe the vector 3.... I’m not fast or even a killer on hills but I’d like to be able to look down once in awhile and see what I am doing. Figured the exercise would be good a month out after having open heart surgery....

[@IanPayne]

I am looking to buy a power meter and should be really interested in this video....but I could only last 7 mins. Snoozefest 18

[@ComicalFlask]

No, recharging every few rides sucks. The P1 batteries last like 200 hours and keeping a couple of AAAs in the saddle bag is not difficult. What happens if your rechargeable pedals run out mid-ride?

[@panzerveps]

You keep on riding, without power data. We've done that since before the dinosaurs, so I think we'll be fine.

[@ComicalFlask]

I don’t see how that’s a benefit versus a power meter with longer-lasting and easily changeable batteries (which is how it’s described in this video).

[@antonpeterson1245]

Was wondering when this was filmed because according to DC Rainmaker the Powertap pedals have gone down in price again and I am sure I heard that Garmin have released the firmware for the vector 3 to use Bluetooth connectivity on head units and other software.

[@cyclingweekly]

The bluetooth update has now been released for the Vector 3, as is confirmed on other comments, however it was released after we shot this.

[@christophecarriere5895]

Hi it was very interesting, thanks! Could you please tell me which of these units are compatible with Strava application as installed on an Android tablet or mobile phone?

[@zalvador55]

Christophe Carriere vector 3 its compatible with strava, android or iOS

[@christiansmyth1466]

Why on Earth do none of these have an internal rechargeable cell and a means of recharging it using a half-watt or so of power that the rider is putting out? There's rotary motion RIGHT THERE; add some brushes et voilà! Am I underestimating the difficulty in doing such a thing? I know there would be r&d and all that but it seems a very obvious and straightforward improvement to make. Or something that should have been included in v1.0?

[@christiansmyth1466]

Understood, but methinks the additional weight of the pedals vs carbon robs them of some wattage anyway...

[@alexiaragon9386]

Christian Smyth interesting point/question

[@georgehugh3455]

Christian: I agree with R k, but there would also be increased weight and size to that capability, at least in the first iteration or two

[@brunospasta]

Great idea, but I guess that would be very hard to sell to cyclists. Marginal (imaginary) gains, you know ;)

[@Timtimzi]

I find that pedaling through corners with the power taps have been harder during crits. I have to take a wider angle of attack.

[@leeshirley14]

I have now had 2 pairs of Vector 3 pedals, both sent back due to defects! Garmin have now admitted there is a software issue and that is probably why they are not on the shelves. Now have moved to stages!!

[@Mindblower008]

I really like the Garmin’s !

[@carlosroy7984]

What about Oval rings?? Which pedals works better on power measurament?

[@icer7243]

Did you tried Assioma with Lezyne head unite? I have Assioma Uno and Lezyne Macro GPS and it shows just half of the power.

[@road-racing.plofficialchan393]

Time tuns fast this video is only about the history. Garmin pedals cause lots of problems for their users Assioma seems to be the best pedal based sollution...

[@vernefits1953]

Michelle is cute

[@dakshayshah6564]

very usefull informetion.....thanking you.

[@rick6b712]

Is the middle guy scared of the girl? He is only talking to the other guy. why

[@antusboy]

i would not recommend powertap after my shitty experience :/

[@tanidaocphoenix9179]

the female presenter is way more adept/confident on the camera bringing a clearer delivery

[@justplanefred]

Do the Garmin peddles need to be torqued to s certain speck as I've not seen anything to torque a wrench style item where it seems it wouldn't be bad if they needed to be torqued and had the allen in the spindle .

[@rayekhoury]

Frederick J Gomeringer Jr not for the Vector 3

[@jspaceman71]

Favero claims an accuracy of +/-1%.

[@thelbp]

This is a great review style, really interesting and informative with opinions but without being biased.

[@davelloyd8454]

That's what every review should be. Also there is a bit of personal preference being shown... Rechargable battery is not a good thing in my opinion. When the battery degrades the product is useless Vs just changing a common battery.

[@CoreProject05]

Well done...bought Duracell :) :) LOL. Read Garmin​ forums first. This review is just a 35 minutes boring video, without a single meaningful fact about the power meters.

[@旭-o9i]

p1 is my favorate!

[@Eliseo4786]

Are the Assiomo's compatible with Garmin computer, such as cycling Dynamics

[@SkiBumMSP]

Yes, they are compatible with Garmin computers. They work perfectly with my Edge 1030.

[@Iskazi3285]

Why do they cost so much.

[@theylivewesee1674]

what only 30 watts?! hold my espresso

[@richardrobinson1364]

Garmin RRPs have come down now

[@jonburnell532]

Still don't understand power meters, the cost for the point of them is obscene. If they came for a couple of hundred quid, fair enough. But £900 to tell me how hard I'm pushing? I think I'll use my internal poin-o-meter.

[@tombachmann5784]

Thought so too before I bought Vector 2 on ebay. Since then, my opinion as well as my training has changed dramatically. And so has my form. Can't imagine now to train without power meters now. Try to get a bargain on ebay (Vector 2 should become cheaper as Vector 3 hits the shelfs) and give it a go.

[@stevendeckert6373]

Get a single sided 4iii for 330 dollars.

[@karlstrugnell1001]

Its not to tell you how hard your going... if you went to the gym you wouldnt train without knowing the weight your going to lift...they teach you how to train..tell you anonolies between legs/feet angle and stroke etc

[@jonburnell532]

Karl Strugnell That's a good point about the gym. Having spent the winter using a Wattbike I can see the advantage for some people (mainly competitors) of using power meters. But for most of us mere mortals I think we can use our own feelings just as well and still see advantages. Although not so much on L/R comparisons granted. As a long distance Sportive rider I can't see the advantages for me.

[@1mom69]

Jon Burnell Yep, before power meters became the go-to training tools, training based off HR was very popular, & netted similar results. Everyone likes to rag on HR for not giving true data like a Power Meter does, in the sense that HR varies by many different factors, but as long as you are aware of those factors, it's perfectly fine to use HR for things like interval training. I don't even think a PM is necessary until you reach a certain level racing bikes. Of course, it's a great tool, but it's a tool, it doesn't determine how far or fast the rider goes. Bike industry loves selling the most expensive things they can to the average consumer...

[@danbarton9374]

If you put one slight mark on the Assioma pedal pod your warranty is void. Which is almost entirely unavoidable, even with enough clearance between your shoe and the pod.

[@PatriotoftheUSA]

That pod looks like it is in the way of my shoes. Are your feet pushed out away from the crank arms because of the pods?

[@eecak1973]

Cycling Weelky? More Michelle content please.

[@jhobbz45]

Guys, be quiet and let Michelle get to the point.

[@robindz8502]

You spoke for more than 30 minutes and did not dedicate not even a minute to cleat compatibility, for the three platforms.

[@RossTheNinja]

Try the clever training site for some good prices on power meters. (not affiliated with them, just trying to help)

[@PeterPutz82]

Everyone unto their own. IMO sport is a process. As you improve, you can justify more expense in training aids etc. Quite often in cycling, it's the opposite. There are too many middle aged fat men with plenty of cash, no time to train and no fitness but have a desire to beat their mates. They think if they buy the $14k bike with a power meter it will make them fast.... well, certainly the power meter will tell them they are crap in no uncertain terms... maybe that may make them work harder? Personally, I'm a B grade racer, until I reach A grade, $1000 dollars for a power meter is out of the question. Also, it's another thing to charge, lose, get stolen, break and be a distraction from the enjoyment of the sport. The flipside is perhaps with a power meter I will train effectively and get to A grade faster? Meh, i'll keep my $1000 thanks. Life is about the journey to A grade, not the destination.

[@davidvas8144]

Really bad review, the Garmin are rubbish. I bought these and had to return them 3 times in 3 weeks. I have the EXAKT. Which are excellent

[@paradox963]

I'll take none of the above, give me a good crank-based power meter where I can use whatever peddles I want and whatever head unit I want.

[@hasellnutt]

Dry run would have helped... delivery and presentation is horrible

[@JogBird]

no thanks, ill tick to my flats on my emonda

[@tigerpjm]

Thanks for letting us know. I know I'll definitely sleep better, and I'm sure everyone in the market for power pedals will now realise that they're just not quite as nonchalantly hip as you.

[@grigorbrowning]

The Bluetooth firmware update for the Garmin Vector 3 is already available - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqmUpHWdf9t2h5I

[@palmer3977]

The Garmin are the only viable option here but the price, come on Garmin stop taking the piss.

[@nootnoot1463]

Why are the others not viable?

[@palmer3977]

Because they all have their issues, i wouldn't even buy the Garmin purely because of the price & they don't accept shimano cleats, i would go for a crank based PM.

[@georgehugh3455]

palmer & Caffeine: Which is to say they're ALL "viable," just not to him.. They are, however, not worth it to me at this time.

[@PatrickBateman191]

Way to long....

[@fastermouse]

35 minutes to say nothing.

[@PhillRS]

29:40 LOL... if you don't know how to use the product... why review it? LOL

[@georgehugh3455]

In regards to prices, just speak keep to round numbers (e.g. $500) - with your outrageous accents it's hard enough to keep up without quibbling about pennies.

[@vukgrujic2957]

Yes you can use only left...lol get a girl to be gender equal and other crap nowdays reasons...and she smiles and gices innacurate info