4 Best Power Meter Pedals For Indoor Bikes & Zwift
You have been struggling to connect your spin bike to cycling apps such as Zwift and see the Watt output? You found the perfect solution (power-based pedals). Power meter pedals are super useful devices because they will measure the power output of a rider to help him/her improve their pedal stroke efficiency. These measurements are taken by strain gauges that can be placed on different locations, including cranks, chain rings, pedals, and the hub of the wheel as well. Pedal-based power meters are one of the most popular options for taking these power measurements.
Power meter cycling was once exclusive for professional cyclists, which is why they’ve always been so expensive. However, they’ve dropped in price in recent years, which is why amateur cyclists are adopting them as well. The reason for the price drop is due mainly to the availability of a wide range of alternative options, such as the best power pedals for bikes found on this list.
However, inexpensive power pedals are still ranging between $500 and $1000, which may still seem expensive to many. But keep in mind the Lock pedals with power meter were a lot more expensive before. Power meters are popular among cyclists because they allow you to track how hard you’re working on the bike without having to guess. This information allows you to train better and smarter, thus allowing you to reach your goals faster and more effectively.
To help you choose, here are some of the best power pedals for cycling you can find on Amazon. Any of these power meter pedals for cycling will do the trick, just make sure you read the power pedal reviews thoroughly so you can choose the right one for your needs.
Best Power Meter Pedals Compared:
| Name | Compatibility | Connectivity | Batteries | Pedals | Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAVERO Assioma Duo Side Pedal-based Power Meter | Look Keo cleats, 9/16" thread | Bluetooth & ANT+ | 50-Hour Rides - Rechargeable | Power meter on both sides | Power, Cadence & Power Balance |
| FAVERO Assioma UNO Side Pedal-based Power Meter | Look Keo cleats, 9/16" thread | Bluetooth & ANT+ | 50-Hour Rides Rechargeable | Only Left has power meter | Power & Cadence |
| Garmin Vector 3 Pedal-based Bike Power Meter | Look Keo cleats (included), 9/16" thread | Bluetooth & ANT+ | 120-Hour Rides Rechargeable | Power meter on both sides | Power, Cadence & Power Balance |
| PowerTap 30507 P2 Power Meter Pedals For Bikes | PowerTap cleats, 9/16" thread | Bluetooth & ANT+ | 80-Hour Rides AAA Rechargeable | Power meter on both sides | Power, Cadence & Power Balance |
4 Best Power Pedals For Bikes:
- FAVERO Assioma Duo Side Pedal-based Power Meter
- FAVERO Assioma UNO Side Pedal-based Power Meter
- Garmin Vector 3 Pedal-based Bike Power Meter
- PowerTap 30507 P2 Power Meter Pedals For Bikes
1. FAVERO Assioma Duo Side Pedal-based Power Meter
First, on the list, we have the FAVERO Assioma Duo Side Pedal-based Power meter. It’s one of the priciest on the list, but it definitely provides a lot of value for your money. This is one of those power meter pedals that are perfect for outdoor and indoor cycling enthusiasts. So, if you want to take your training to the next level without breaking the bank purchasing a crank-based power meter, this one is the best option for you.
What we liked most about this power pedal is that the setup is super easy, the price is right, it’s super lightweight, and the analog pedal stack height is just perfect. The drawbacks include a tension adjustment that can be inaccurate, the aftermarket cleats, and overzealous spindle bearings. However, this FAVERO power pedal is still one of the best power pedals for cycling.
This pedal-based power meter provides left and right power readings so you can be certain you’ll be getting all the information you need. FAVERO promises accuracy of +/- 1%, which is impressive, making it one of the power meters on the market that will offer the best performance.
The pedals are powered by a rechargeable battery that’s placed in the pod found on the spindle, and the battery life is up to 50 hours of riding, which is more than enough to keep you from recharging often. The pods themselves are IP67 water and dust resistant, so you don’t have to worry about the elements ruining your power pedal.
Another great thing about this power pedal is that it can connect to your devices with ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart quite easily and effortlessly. The FAVERO Assioma Duo Side power meter comes with a charger and a manual so you can get the hang of it, and many international socket designs, an 8mm pedal wrench, and 6.5º float Xpedo cleats. You’ll be happy to know you can also find this power pedal in the one-sided style, which we will review right after this one, so continue reading!
The Assioma Duo power pedal is nothing if not game-changing for your training. It will be functional in only 5 minutes, and you won’t need to struggle with tools or calibrations to get this power meter going. The set-up couldn’t be easier; all you need to do is mount the power-meter pedal for bikes and connect the charger so it can wake up. Then, you download the app, register the power pedals, and finally connect them to your device of choice. It’s that easy!
Having a power pedal you can set up in 5 minutes is a huge advantage, which makes it ideal for cyclists who use different bikes and don’t want to break the bank purchasing power pedals for each one. Once you set up this duo power pedal, you can forget about it.
It will be activated by motion, so as soon as you start your ride, it will begin taking measurements that you’ll be able to check on the app. This makes it a perfect option not only for more expert cyclists but also for beginners who have never used a power pedal before. Last but not least, if you are also looking to buy power pedals for spin bikes, this is one of the best options on the market.
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- You can recharge your cycling power meters simultaneously thanks to the battery charger with USB cable and magnetic connectors
- Both pedals measure the watt and provide “power balance”
- Rechargeable batteries that last up to 50 hours on a single charge
- Smart, cutting-edge technology
- Bluetooth and ANT+ connection
- Analog pedal stack height
- Lightweight
- Motion-activated
Cons:
- The tension adjustment can be inaccurate
2. FAVERO Assioma UNO Side Pedal-based Power Meter
The FAVERO Assioma UNO side pedal-based power meter is the same as the Assioma Duo Pedal, but the difference is that this is the one-sided version. This Pedal-based bike power meter offers exactly the same advantages as its two-sided brother: it’s easy to set up, it’s accurate, Bluetooth and ANT+ connection are available, and the battery will last up to 50 hours on a single charge.
For set up, all you need to do is attach the pedal to the bike, set the crack at arm’s length, and install the cleats on your shoes. You also want to make sure to zero offset the unit, which is also known as calibration. Do this after installing the power pedal, and once before every ride you take. A calibration is kind of like a health-check to make sure the pedal is working as it should.
Once you download the app and register the product, you will be able to access all the information, including battery life, status checks, and more. The power pedal will broadcast on Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ and it will provide metrics such as: Bluetooth Smart power, power balance, and cadence, as well as ANT+ power, power balance, cadence, torque effectiveness, and pedal smoothness. This means you’ll have all the information available.
As mentioned above, the Assioma UNO works on rechargeable batteries that are found on the pods. Charging is super easy because the USB connector will magnetically attach to the device, so you don’t have to struggle with the task. Plus, every charge will last for 50 hours of riding, which is a ton of use.
The charging cable is also super long, meaning you will be able to charge the pedal comfortably while you’re still on the bike. The Assioma battery will last up to 500 charging cycles, and once it reaches that number it will start to degrade. That’s just how batteries work. Battery capacity will drop to 80%, but this won’t happen after 25,000 hours of use, which is about 25 years.
The durability of the pods is also noteworthy on both Assioma power pedal models because they’re internally sealed with resin, which protects them from the inside out. This is important because you don’t have to worry about their life span if you happen to damage the outer shell of the pods. Overall, the FAVERO Assioma UNO side power pedal offers the same high-quality as its DUO side counterpart, and you won’t regret your purchase.
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- You can recharge your cycling power meters simultaneously thanks to the battery charger with USB cable and magnetic connectors
- Rechargeable batteries that last up to 50 hours on a single charge
- Smart, cutting-edge technology
- Bluetooth and ANT+ connection
- Analog pedal stack height
- Lightweight
- Motion-activated
Cons:
- The tension adjustment can be inaccurate
- Only the left pedal measures the rider’s power
3. Garmin Vector 3 Pedal-based Bike Power Meter
Next, we have the Garmin Vector 3 Pedal-based power meter for bicycles that has a ton of value to offer. Unlike the Vector 3S power-based pedals, the version 3 has a dual-sided power reading measure. So, you get power balance feedback to improve both legs rather than just your left leg. The package includes 1 Garmin Vector 3 pedal-based power meter, 2 six degree float cleats and 2 zero degree float cleats, and a Wearable4U cleaning towel. These power pedals will allow you to ride stronger and smarter by providing reliable performance measurements you can use to improve your skill.
The Garmin Vector power pedals feature sensors in the right and left pedals, so you can be certain the data is accurate and reliable. They’re also super easy to install and easy to transfer from one bike to another. This is great news for riders who own and use more than one bike on their training. The elegant designed and improved stack height will provide smarter ergonomics and greater cornering clearance. The battery life lasts up to 120 riding hours, which is amazing, and you can pair the power pedals with Bluetooth or ANT+.
These Garmin power meter pedals are super easy to set up because there are no pods, no external sensors and no complex wheel or drive-train trade-offs to deal with. They install just like any other power pedal on the market, so there’s no cause for confusion. It’s important to note that you will need to install the spacers/washers only if the pedal rubs against the crank arm or if the pedal spindle clips the chain. Otherwise, it’s not necessary.
Another great aspect is that they offer super-accurate readings because the sensors are placed right at the pedal, so every ride will provide reliable data you can 100% trust. All performance metrics will be available, including total power, cadence, left-right balance, and advanced dynamics.
Each of the power pedals has its own battery compartment, and the Garmin Vector uses LR44 batteries, which provide more consistent performance at 120 hours of riding. The cleats that come with these power meter pedals for cycling are Look Keo compatible.
Once you’ve properly installed the power meters, you can use Bluetooth or ANT+ to pair them to your bike’s computer or your smartphone (Garmin App is required for the phone). To do that, simply search for a power meter on the Garmin computer, and follow the steps. Pair the pedals, and you’ll be able to rename it however you want. You’ll also need to set the crank length, which is listed on the inside of your crank arm.
After this is done, don’t forget to do a zero offset, which is the calibration. And go for a trail ride to make sure everything’s properly set and installed before you hit the road for your training. Overall, you’ll find these power pedals are the perfect addition to your bike. They will provide perfectly accurate readings and measurements so you can get a lot more out of your training and grow your skills a lot more effectively.
Pros:
- Easy to installation
- Pedal sensors offer accurate readings
- Sleek designed
- KEO Lock cleats and cleat covers are included
- Bluetooth and ANT+ connection available
- Battery life of 120 riding hours
Cons:
- The readings might be affected by very rough terrains
- To recharge or replace the batteries, you need to use a 4mm hex
4. PowerTap 30507 P2 Power Meter Pedals For Bikes
Last but not least, we have the PowerTap P2 Powermeter Pedals. They’re a bit more expensive than other options on the list today, but you’ll know where that extra money went.
First of all, the PowerTap power pedal can be installed in about 28 seconds or 54 if you’re a bit slow. All you need is an 8mm hex wrench and your pedals. Take the left pedal and place it on the left side. Then, take the wrench and spin it. When it stops, your work is done. Repeat that on the right side and you’re done. You won’t even break a sweat, and for people who are not great with tools, this is a nice advantage.
It’s recommended that once you install the pedals, any pedals you decide to get, you go on a couple of sprints to make sure they’re properly set. Do this indoor so you can prevent accidents. This will allow you to fix any setup issues before you hit the road. Also, make sure you do a zero offset and calibrate them properly once they’re installed.
The PowerTap P2 power pedals will be good to go once they’re installed. They feature ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart broadcast, which will provide information on power, power balance, and cadence as well. The pedals are also IPX7 waterproof, so if you ever find yourself pedaling on water, your power pedals will manage 30 minutes at a 1-meter depth. The power pedals weigh 200 gr, which is 17 gr per pedal, including the battery.
Speaking of batteries, these power pedals use AAA batteries, and it’s recommended to use Lithium batteries. But you can still use any AAA battery you have at hand if you’re in a jam. To access the batteries, you’ll need a 5mm wrench to take the caps off, and that’s it.
Overall, the PowerTap P2 power pedals will make a great addition to your gear and they will provide accurate power measurements. This way, you’ll be able to train with a lot more efficiency and reach your goals quicker. One of the greatest things about these spin bike power meter pedals is that they’re super easy to install and even easier to use. Their high-quality design will definitely improve your cycling, guaranteed. The main downside to these power meter pedals for cycling is that they are only compatible with specific PowerTap cleats (not Shimano or Lock pedals).
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Transmits to ANT+ and flexible head units
- Dual-sided measurements
- Advanced pedal metrics
- Compatible with a wide range of bikes so it’s easy to swap around
Cons:
- Compatible only with specific PowerTap cleats
Bike Power Meter Pedal Buying Guide:
How to Choose The Best Power Pedals for Cycling:
Choosing the right power meter will depend on different factors, such as your budget, the kind of bike you own, etc. You won’t find a power meter that fits all, but you will certainly find the best power meter for you and your needs.
When you’re looking at power meters, such as the ones we’ve presented above, there are three main focus areas: compatibility, features, and price. These focus areas will determine which pedal power supply is the right fit for you. Let’s take a look at each one, so you can have a broader idea.
Compatibility:
If your power pedal doesn’t fit the frame you’re using or its components, your purchase would be useless to you. That’s why compatibility is one of the first characteristics you should look for in a power meter. The components of your bike can be changed to fit a power meter you have an eye on. But if that’s not what you want to do in the first place, avoid the extra work by finding a power pedal that’s compatible.
Price
Power meters are truly a long-term investment, which explains why some can go up to $2,000 or even more. The more expensive the power meter, the more features it has. However, this doesn’t mean inexpensive power pedals won’t do their job. Just make sure you consider your budget when browsing for power meters. We don’t want to break the bank after all! Also, remember that often two side power meter pedals are more expensive than one side power meter pedals. So, if you prefer to spend less, you may want to consider the one-sided SPD pedals with power meter.
Features
Features are what make or break a good pedal-board power meter, so you want to make sure the one you choose has the essential features you need. The first one should be accuracy. An inaccurate power meter will defeat the purpose of having one. That’s why you need to make sure the power pedal you choose will provide accurate and reliable measurements. Any of the power pedals presented above will do just that, provided that you install and calibrate them correctly!
Transferability is another key feature. Why? Because if you use different bikes, you want to be able to transfer the power meter as you see fit. You don’t want to purchase more than one power meter; you want it to work on all your bikes. That’s why you need to check and make sure the one you want allows you to do that.
You also want your power pedal to be easy to install. You’ll find that the 4 power pedals presented on our list are super easy to install and they don’t require any additional knowledge or tools. It will take you very little time and effort to set them up, which is exactly what you want.
Left/right power measurement is another important feature you want your power pedal to have. With it, your power meter will be able to measure the power generated by each leg independently. This feature can be super useful, but there are people who don’t find it that meaningful. If you do, you’ll want your power pedal to be able to provide that information.
Transmission protocols are also a must because that’s how your power pedal will communicate with your outdoor and indoor bike’s computer or your mobile device (tablet or smartphone). Power meters are able to do this with ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart. You’ll be happy to know all the power pedals we provided on our list today are compatible with both wireless protocols, so you’ll be good to go! Scroll up to see our picks of top Bluetooth power meter pedals for exercise bikes and road bikes.
Battery type and battery duration is, of course, another important feature. Most power meters today come with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which means you don’t have to replace the batteries, but the battery life will be a bit shorter. In our list, you’ll find power meters that use both lithium-ion batteries or replaceable batteries, so you can take your pick.
You also want your power meter to provide cadence detection, which can be done with magnets, accelerometers, or CPS. Make sure you know what your power meter of choice is working with so you can decide if that’s good enough or not.
Last but not least, weight is another important feature to consider. Power meters will add weight to your bike, some more than others. That’s why you want to make sure how much weight your power meter will be adding. To do this, take into account the component you’ll be replacing. For example, if your current crank weighs 500 grams, and you have your eye on a crank-based power meter that weighs 700 grams, then the added weight is only 200 grams.
How do we test Power Output?
The first thing to mention is how do we test our power output. The best way, in my opinion, to assess the power in your legs is by doing a functional threshold power test. Also known as an FTP test, a functional power test is where you will typically start with a warm-up, then hold as much power as you can for 20 minutes, and the average -5% is your total power.
Power is measured in watts, and a Pro cyclist can see 400w+. To do a test like this, you will need a power meter on your spin bike, and you will have to go to your maximum power. This isn’t going to be a moderate-intensity workout.
Conclusion
Cycling is a fantastic sport, and many of us, as soon as we get on a bike, just want to go faster, train harder, and consistently challenge ourselves to be better and better. To be stronger, we need a greater power output. Power Output is how much force your legs can produce, and the more force on the pedals, the quicker you will go.
Many cyclists struggle to improve their power output and constantly find themselves outdoors digging into the bike but not improving very much. As a Certified Personal Trainer and a very experienced cyclist, I have found that Indoor cycling has a considerable place in enhancing power output.
But since most exercise bikes don’t come accurate power meter, it’s difficult to know your accurate power/watt output. In this article, we showed you 4 pairs of power-meter pedals that you can install on any exercise bike and see accurate power output while cycling indoors. It helps you bring improvement where needed and boost that cycling power.
