Garmin

Vector S Power Meter Pedals

Garmin's Vector pedals, developed in partnership with Garmin's pro cycling team, introduced us to a new way to measure watts by eliminating the power meter middleman. The new Vector S Power Meter Pedals go one step further by placing the power measuring function in one of the pedals and knocking more than a third off of the price. By simply measuring one side of power production and multiplying it by two, the Vector S makes for a simplified, more affordable version of the celebrated Vector Pedals.

A normal power meter comprises a system of sensors that detect resistance and applied force, which measurements are then transmitted to your computer. These sensors are typically housed in a bike's hub or crankset. The Garmin Vector Pedals, however, operate at the immediate source where the engine (you) inputs power into the bicycle's mechanism (the pedals).

Garmin calls the Vector's active ingredient a pedal pod, and it houses a sensor, ANT+ transmitter, and battery. The pod sits between the pedal and the crank arm, sort of like a really high-tech washer, and the sensor unit wraps around the crank arm to sit on the inside of the spindle. The sensor then measures pedal deflection when force is applied, calculates the applied force vectors (direction and magnitude) in terms of power, and transmits the corresponding reading to your computer via ANT+ wireless technology.

With this in mind, you'll be happy to learn that this technology of measuring deflection vectors allows the Vector to measure power over the entire path of the pedal stroke in either rolling three-second averages or the Vector S's real time measurement of several hundred times per second. Other metrics of the Vector include power average (at intervals), Training Stress Score, Normalized Power, Intensity Factor, total power (in watts), overall kilojoules, and power zones.

These metrics are all transmitted within an expressed accuracy of +/- 2%, which is comparable to the current industry standard for accuracy. However, unlike the industry standard of sending your power meter back to the manufacturer for a new battery, the Vector is able to be self-serviced. The system is powered for just over 170 hours with 2032 coin cell batteries, which, the last time we checked, are only around two dollars apiece.

As for the pedals themselves, you'll find them to be quite similar in look and feel to LOOK Keos — enough so that the pedals are only LOOK Keo-compatible. The included cleats provide six-degrees of float, and they're constructed from durable thermoplastic with an anti-slip rubber surface pad. Meanwhile, the pedal bodies are constructed from a carbon composite, and the spindles are made from CNC-machined stainless steel. They also feature adjustable tension bindings, LCL bushings, and sealed cartridge bearings. Altogether, the entire system (hardware and cleats included) weighs in around 412 grams, about 14 grams lighter than the regular Vectors.

Of course, once you're done with your ride or race, you're able to view your metrics with Garmin Connect, and the included wireless ANT+ USB stick allows you to update your firmware with ease. Look Keo-style cleats are included.

Please note that in order for the pedal pods to be compatible with your setup, the width of the crank must be 44mm or less and between 12-15mm or 15-18mm thick. The Garmin Vector S Power Meter Pedals are compatible with Garmin Edge 500, 510, 800, and 810, and the Garmin Forerunner 910XT.