Garmin, maker of GPS devices, acquired MetriGear last month. The newly-acquired company based in Silicon Valley creates solutions for improving athletic performance in cycling and other sports. One of MetriGear’s products is Vector, a power meter built into a bike pedal’s spindles. This meter calculates a cyclist’s power by measuring force applied to the pedals.
“Power is becoming the must-have information for cyclists who want to improve their performance,” said Cliff Pemble, Garmin president and COO.
With a power meter in the pedal, Garmin can add that data to its growing list of data and functionality in its devices geared toward cycling. The pedal sensor might also, theoretically, replace existing sensors on wheel spokes that can sometimes be difficult to set up and keep in place.
Currently, when you buy a cycle computer from Garmin, say the Edge 500 or Edge 705 models, you have the option of adding the sensor that goes on your spoke to calculate speed and cadence, you can also get the heart rate monitor strap to integrate with your computer readings. Soon you’ll likely have the option to buy a set of pedals to measure power output. That adds money, but it also adds a whole new level of competitive data to help you train.