SRM has released the world’s most expensive flat pedals, which double as a power meter.
The €1,756 X-Power flat pedals have an anodised alloy body and weigh a claimed 205g each.
According to SRM, the flat pedals are accurate to +/- 2 per cent. This is slightly less than most of the best power meters available today, which typically offer an accuracy range of +/- 1-1.5 per cent.
Until now, mountain bikers who prefer flat pedals to clipless didn’t have the option of using power meter pedals.
For those riders, spider- or crank-based power meters were the only ways to track power output on the trails.
The power meters appear to contribute little weight, since the X-Powers are no heavier than the best mountain bike pedals. For example, the Deity TMAC flat pedals we scored five stars weigh 454g.
The one-sided power meter pedal costs €797.48 and the dual-sided option rises to €1,755.63.
Single-sided pedal sets can be upgraded to dual-sided with the €671.43 X-Power extension.
The German brand’s new flat pedals incorporate an identical steel spindle to its SPD-compatible X-Power power meter pedals.
We have asked SRM if this means the pedals are interchangeable, allowing a rider to switch between pedal bodies. We will update this article when we receive a reply.
In addition, we are waiting for SRM to confirm the pedals' dimensions.
The spindle contains the power meter that fits in the flat-pedal body. SRM says the body is replaceable if damaged in a crash.
The manufacturer claims the X-Powers have 30 hours’ battery life and recharge using a USB cable.
They should connect to the best bike computers as well as iOS and Android devices via ANT+ and Bluetooth.
What’s new about the SRM X-Power flat pedals?
While there are multiple power meter options for road bike pedals or for Shimano SPD cleats, there were previously no flat pedal options.
As a result, mountain bikers who didn’t want to clip in would have previously only been able to record their watts on spider- or crank-based power meters.
Although a fine solution, there are specific benefits to power meter pedals.
They’re easy to switch between bikes, if you own several. You’ll only need simple tools, such as an Allen key and spanner.
On the other hand, you may need to change your bike’s bottom bracket to install a crank- or spider-based power meter.
In addition, you’re not wedded to a particular crank length or bottom-bracket system with power meter pedals.
