Being able to measure the power output of a cyclist at the pedals is certainly not new. The Vector system, now owned by Garmin, has had this solution available for the past couple of years. The Garmin system is often used with the LOOK Kéo pedals, but now LOOK is selling an off the shelf option with a slight twist – the new LOOK Kéo Power.
The new LOOK Kéo Power pedal combines the expertise of LOOK with POLAR, one of the heart rate monitor market innovators. This new pedal allows very accurate cadence and power measurements by placing the electronics inside each pedal axle. Each axle is equipped with 8 strain gauges which measure the axle deflection, which along with the reed relay measured cadence information, is transmitted to the Polar head unit. The Polar combines this information to accurately determine the power output of each pedal – independently.
With being able to measure the power output independently that is put to each pedal, the Kéo Power appears to be a very useful tool for those wanting to improve their pedaling technique. Most of us probably put a more force to the pedals with our dominate leg, but without a power meter, it is difficult to determine how much and ultimately how to redistribute this power evenly.
Most power meter systems are expensive and can be difficult to move between bikes. The new Kéo Power pedals are just as easy move from bike to bike as standard pedals, plus the calibration is done automatically during the system start up making the switch a breeze. The surface area of the pedals is one of the widest on the market at 62mm and the platform height is the same as the Kéo Blade at 15.2mm.
LOOK didn’t forget the basic pedal construction with the Kéo Power – each axle has 3 bearings and double seals. The Kéo Power axles have undergone exactly the same approval tests as the standard axles… 1 million cycle rotation test at 100 revolutions per minute with a load of almost 200 pounds (90kg) on the center of the pedal and eccentric rotation (this creates a shock at each turn). Though the pedals can support much larger forces, the axle electronics are designed to measure forces up to approximately 374 pounds (170 kg).
Being able to invest in one power measurement system that is easily moved between multiple bikes is one feature that makes the new LOOK Kéo Power pedals attractive to most cyclists. The truth is that many of us are self-sponsored and each time money is spent on a new item, that takes away from the racing budget; but having a tool to measure the power output at the pedals is extremely helpful for training and improving technique. It LOOK’s’ like the Kéo Power is one investment that is worth adding to the training arsenal.