Power meters are still a huge investment for cyclists to make, often costing as much as a high-level set of wheels, or a whole groupset upgrade. However, with the passage of time, that’s becoming less and less the case, and these P1S Pedals prove the point.
Pedal-based systems are attractive to many users because of how easy they are to move from one bike to the next. Where crank arms or hubs can be a bigger problem to switch, pedals make the transition relatively simple.
Powertap launched the P1 pedal-based power meter in 2015 as a dual-sided system but the new P1S setup manages to be significantly more affordable than its sibling by measuring power through the left pedal only and doubling it to estimate total power input. That drops the price from £1,050 to £550.
Naturally, there’s the inescapable downside to this method in that each leg doesn’t put out exactly the same power, so simply doubling a reading from one leg (which could be stronger or weaker) means that a level of accuracy is lost. But, in reality, for those riders who aren’t interested in accuracy to the nth degree, the P1Ss are more than up to the task. Remember, Team Sky use a single-sided system in the Stages power meter – and if it’s good enough for them…
Besides, consistency and accuracy in power measurements is equally key in order to be able to track progress – and with a claimed accuracy of +/-1.5 per cent in the left pedal (the same as the bilateral versions), you can rely on the numbers you are seeing on your computer screen.
You also get the same internal gubbins as the P1 system in the left pedal, with dual-band ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity so recording the readings on your chosen head unit is easy. Batteries are also easy to swap in and out, with a simple single AAA battery compartment for easy changes. You even get a spot of extra integration with Garmin head units, which will display a battery indicator to let you know when it’s time to change.
The pedals can also be customised for a wide range of release tensions – anywhere from 6-20nm, which will suit anyone from the general club rider right up to racers. They’re not the lightest in the world, at a claimed 390g, but you are throwing a power meter into the mix.
Powertap have chosen to make the P1 system compatible with LOOK KEO cleats, so you can also customise your float if the supplied cleats, which offer six degrees of movement, aren’t to your preference.
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