Campagnolo releases its first power meter, but it’s not what we expected

Campagnolo releases its first power meter, but it’s not what we expected

HPPM power meter uses 16 strain gauges for an accuracy of +/- 1 per cent and comes with new My Campy 3.0 support app

Campagnolo

Published: April 4, 2024 at 12:00 pm

The Campagnolo HPPM is the brand’s first power meter, with 16 sensors and a claimed accuracy of +/- 1 per cent. 

HPPM stands for ‘High Precision Power Measurement’ and the power meter is said to pursue “the goal of providing the most precise data possible”. 

The Camapgnolo HPPM costs $2,449 / €2,240, with UK pricing to be confirmed.

Not what we expected

Campagnolo HPPM power meter on BMC road bike.
The HPPM has been revealed after a period of speculation about a Campagnolo power meter. - Campagnolo

We first thought a Campagnolo power meter was in the works with the launch of Campagnolo Super Record WRL in 2023, where a cut-out was visible on the inside of the new groupset’s crank arm.

We then spotted a Campagnolo power meter in February when it was leaked on the Canyon website.

Campagnolo Super Record Wireless crankset power meter fitting
At launch, the Campagnolo Record WRL crank arm had a cut-out we expected to house a power meter. - Oscar Huckle / Our Media

However, the Campagnolo HPPM power meter is not what we expected. Rather than being a crank-based power meter, the HPPM is a spider-based power meter, with its 16 sensors positioned in the spokes of the crankset. 

This also means the Campagnolo HPPM power meter has a different look. Gone is the smooth body of the Campagnolo SPW crankset and a more conventional two-part design is in its place. 

How does the Campagnolo HPPM power meter work?

Close up of Campagnolo HPPM crankset showing charging point and LED.
The power meter has 16 strain gauges and a gyroscope. - Campagnolo

Many of the best power meters claim accuracy within +/- 1 per cent and Campagnolo is keen to stress how its first power meter is this accurate too. 

The Campagnolo HPPM has 16 strain gauges with four in each quarter of the crankset.

Campagnolo says the gauges produce multiple readings, which are combined using an algorithm to achieve the power meter’s readings. 

The company says the power meter employs a Wheatstone bridge design, an electrical circuit used to measure unknown electrical resistance and said to be more accurate than other circuits. 

The HPPM’s accuracy is also due to a gyroscope providing live measurements and high-frequency data sampling.

Angular velocity and torque signals are measured every five milliseconds. The frequency is 200 hertz for “the clearest possible reading of the data”, according to Campagnolo.

4,000 watts

Greg van Avermaet riding BMC road bike with Campagnolo HPPM power meter.
Campagnolo says the HPPM will provide power readings up to 4,000 watts. - Campagnolo

The Campagnolo HPPM’s functionality extends beyond riding ability or even conditions.

Campagnolo says the HPPM will measure power meter readings up to 4,000 watts.

The operating temperature of the power meter also has a range of 80˚C, from -20˚C (-4˚F) to 60˚C (140˚F).

Campagnolo says its first power meter has high data stability with internal temperature compensation.

The brand also promises “super fast charging”, with the serviceable battery taking 3h 45min to reach full power. 

The battery charge lasts five weeks, assuming 500km per week at 20˚C, according to Campagnolo. The power meter uses the same magnetic charging port as Campagnolo Super Record WRL

New My Campy 3.0 companion app

Hand holding phone displaying new Campagnolo My Campy app.
The My Campy 3.0 app enables you to calibrate the HPPM and see live data readings. - Campagnolo

Campagnolo has launched the new My Campy 3.0 app to support the HPPM power meter. 

The cycling app enables you to calibrate the system in a few steps and see live data from the power meter. 

The app shows the battery charge of all components in the Campagnolo ecosystem, such as the derailleurs and shifters, and the shift count of the cranks and cassette.

The system uses Bluetooth and ANT+ to connect with a bicycle computer.

Campagnolo HPPM range options

Close up of Campagnolo HPPM Super Record crankset.
There are three crank-length options available. - Campagnolo

The Campagnolo HPPM range caters to a variety of riders.

It is available with three chainring options: 29/45, 32/48 and 34/50.

There are three crank-length options available, too, ranging from 170mm to 175mm. 

The crankset is hollow carbon with a titanium axle and Campagnolo’s Ultra-Smooth Bearings.

Campagnolo says the HPPM power meter weighs 656g, with a 172.5mm crankset and the 29/45 chainrings.