4iiii Innovations has a new version of its left-side-crank-based power meter, the Precision 2.0. 4iiii calls it the " the industry’s first 3D crank based power meter," as it can measure bend, shear and axial forces on the crank, the company claims.
“Capturing all forces on the cranks in three dimensions moves traditional power monitoring a quantum step ahead to improve accuracy and lay the foundation for new features,” 4iiii CEO Kip Fyfe said in a press release. “This increase in power data quality and quantity is key to empowering coaches and cyclists with the detailed feedback they need to optimize their training and racing.”
It is unclear when or how this 3D data will be displayed, as Garmin Edge and other computers don't have such fields. "For 3D, the information is not going to be displayed anywhere yet. It's really about laying the groundwork in the hardware to allow for much more detailed pedal stroke analytics," 4iiii's Chris Nieckar told BikeRadar. "Until the analytics arrive, the key benefit is the increase in accuracy. This is one of the key reasons the pro teams are working with us."
Much like a Stages meter, the new Precision 2.0 features a smaller pod than the company's first meter on the inside of the left crank arm. The company says the pod weighs a mere 9g.
There are two ways to buy: send the company your alloy crank, or buy one from them. Sending in your own crank arm costs $399. You can buy Shimano 105 for $399, Ultegra or XT for $499, and Dura-Ace or XTR for $599. UK pricing was not immediately available.
The 4iiii Precision 2.0 is not available for carbon cranks. Alloy cranks that you can send in include Shimano 105, Ultegra, Dura-Ace, XT and XTR; Cannondale Hollowgram; SRAM Rival OCT; and FSA Energy.
Also like Stages, the Precision 2.0 broadcasts on ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart. The firmware can be updated using the 4iiii iOS and Android apps.
In related news, the dual-sided Precision Pro that is currently being used by Etixx-Quick Step (see Tom Boonen's Paris-Roubaix bike here) will be available in July for $749 on customers' existing Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 cranks that are shipped to the company.
