Pioneer’s Single-Leg Power Meter Brings Metrics to the Masses
When it comes to high-precision training, nothing beats measuring your wattage with a power meter: You can quantify any given effort, then use the data to plan your training and make measurable gains. Problem is, it’s a pretty steep investment—many power meter units run between $1,000 and $2,000. Consumer electronics giant Pioneer, however, wants to make power training affordable to more riders by dropping the price point in its own line to help. While by no means cheap, the new Single Leg Power Meter the company launched at Interbike is considerably less expensive than its existing dual-leg systems.
Designed for road and cyclocross bikes, the Single Leg Power Meter comes pre-installed on a Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 or an Ultegra 6800 crank; is available in lengths ranging from 165 to 180mm; and retails for $900 and $800 respectively (two-leg systems come in at $1,850 and $1,550). Like the two-leg system, the left-only single-leg crank calculates power by measuring the deflection caused by pedaling force through a strain gauge on the crank. Data is measured every 30 degrees, or 12 times per crank rotation. It’s also equipped with dual accelerometers that provide cadence data.
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The unit is compatible with ANT+ devices, including Pioneer’s own SGX-CA500 cycling computer, which has built-in WiFi that enables automatic uploads to Strava, TrainingPeaks, and Cyclo-Sphere (Pioneer’s proprietary cloud-based software). Adding the SGX-CA500 also gives you access to a real-time display of your pedaling force, efficiency, torque, and more.
“We wanted to design a system that riders could grow into,” says Russ Johnston, executive vice president of marketing and corporate communications for Pioneer Electronics. “Once they get some experience with power training and see all the improvements it can offer, they can upgrade to the dual-leg system that will give them even more data to train with.” That data includes more accurate total power measurement and left and right pedaling data. Pioneer is offering an upgrade kit to bring power metering to the right crank arm for $750.
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