Garmin has acquired power meter manufacturer MetriGear – bringing cyclists the prospect of power data technology incorporated into Garmin’s GPS range.

MetriGear’s current Vector power meter, unveiled at last year’s Interbike show but not yet released for sale, is a strain gauge mounted inside the pedal spindle and powered by a battery pack attached to the crank.

According to MetriGear, Vector is accurate to +/- 1.5 per cent of the actual force on the pedals, while the system weighs less than 25 grams per pedal.

The deal, eliminating the need for a third-part power meter, will enable Garmin to rival the recent collaboration between Look and Polar, with the added benefit of Garmin’s market-leading GPS system.

Garmin’s touchscreen Edge 800 is expected to be released in October and tracks speed, distance, time, GPS position, elevation, calories burned, climb and descent.

But no availability date has been announced for Garmin’s first foray into power data technology.

“Power is becoming the must-have information for cyclists who want to improve their performance,” said Garmin president Cliff Pemble.

“Adding MetriGear’s talents and technologies to the Garmin family is a natural fit as we share a passion for fitness and are dedicated to making advanced technology affordable and easy to use.”

MetriGear CEO Clark Foy added: “From the start, our vision has been to deliver an easy-to-own cycling power meter with unique capabilities.

“Garmin’s world-class engineering, wireless, manufacturing expertise and their ability to deliver an end-to-end solution from sensors to displays will be instrumental in realizing this vision.

“We can’t imagine a more capable partner to bring Vector to market, and we are absolutely thrilled to join the Garmin team.”

MetriGear was expected to slap a $1,000 (£640) price tag on Vector when it came to market but no statement has been made on the future of the stand-alone product.

For more information on Vector, point your browser to MetriGear’s website.