For many, cycling is merely a simple and enjoyable form of exercise. But for others, it is a highly competitive sport where every second counts. In such cases, having the right equipment is a must.
One of the many accessories you can get to up your cycling game is a power meter. In cycling, a power meter is a device that measures how much power the cyclist delivers. Most of these meters use a strain gauge, which measures the torque the cyclist applies. They then combine the torque with the angular speed to show the power output in watts.
Modern power meters work wirelessly, too. You can pair them with a computer to get instant feedback about your cycling performance. Thanks to technological advancements, power meters have become increasingly affordable and accessible.
However, it can be a bit tricky to find the right power meter for your cycling needs. Worry not; we’ve got you covered. Here’s a guide comparing three of the best power meters for cycling in 2024.
3 Best Power Meters for Cycling
| Features | Stages Shimano Power Meter | Favero Assioma Duo Power Meter Pedals | Garmin Rally RK200 Dual-Sided Road Pedals |
| Weight | 0.5 ounces | 5.3 ounces | 11.4 ounces |
| Battery | 175+ hours | 50 hours | 120 hours |
| Water Resistance Rating | IPX7 | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Accuracy | ± 1.5% | ± 1% | ± 1% |
| Cleat Compatibility | All 12-speed Shimano Hollowtech II road drivetrains | Original LOOK® Kéo Cleats and Favero cleats | Shimano SPD-SL, Shimano SPD, and Look KEO cleats |
| Bike Compatibility | Most bikes on the market | Top brands like Trek, Specialized, and Giant | Most bike brands, including Trek, Cannondale, Kona, Giant, etc |
| App Compatibility | Wahoo SYSTM and Wahoo RGT | Most popular cycling apps (Support for BLE or ANT+ connectivity) | Garmin Connect, Tacx training desktop app on Windows, and third-party apps (Strava, Trainer Road, TrainingPeaks, and more) |
| Price | $864.99 | $614 | $1,099 |
Since there is no one-fits-all approach, we have compared three different types of power meters to give you a wide choice. To ensure quality, we picked power meters from renowned and reputable brands. Let’s dive in!
| Features | Stages Shimano Power Meter |
| Weight | 0.5 ounces |
| Battery | 175+ hours |
| Water Resistance Rating | IPX7 |
| Accuracy | ± 1.5% |
| Compatibility | All 12-speed Shimano Hollowtech II road drivetrains |
Stages Cycling has a wide range of power meters, differing in price points and features. You can either get a singular power meter for left or right crank arm compatibility or a dual-sided one.
For the scope of this guide, we’ll discuss the Stages Power LR Shimano Ultegra R8100 dual-sided power meter. It comes in two configurations: 50/34 and 52/36.
You can also choose between five crank lengths:
- 165 mm
- 160 mm
- 170 mm
- 172.5 mm
- 175 mm
Since it’s a dual-sided power meter, it provides data for both the left and right legs individually. Here are some notable features of this power meter:
- Accuracy: The power meter has an accuracy rate of +/- 1.5%, making it one of the most precise power meters in the market.
- Housing: The low-profile design of the power meter keeps it discreet and protected from the elements. Further, the robust door interface makes for easy battery changes.
- Battery Life: The power meter has a battery life of up to 175 hours. It uses the CR2032 coin cell.
- Cadence Range: The cadence range is the revolutions per minute (RPM) you can achieve on your bike. An ideal range is between 80 and 100 RPM. Pro racers can go up to 110 RPM. Since the power meter has a cadence range of 10 to 220 RPM, it suits racers of all levels.
- Water Resistance: With an IPX7 waterproof rating, the power meter can resist immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
- Compatibility: The power meter supports all 12-speed Shimano Hollowtech II road drivetrains. In simple words, it’s compatible with most bikes from top brands like Trek, Specialized, and Giant.
| Features | Favero Assioma Duo Power Meter Pedals |
| Weight | 5.3 ounces |
| Battery | 50 hours |
| Water Resistance Rating | IP67 |
| Accuracy | ± 1% |
| Compatibility | Original LOOK® Kéo Cleats and Favero cleats |
The Favero Assioma Duo Power Meter Pedals feature dual-sided power sensors. Part of the reason this power meter makes our list is its ease of installation. You don’t need a mechanic to fit it onto your bike. Even better, you can move it from one bike to another without any fancy tools.
Second, the Assioma power meter pedals have IAV Cycling Dynamics, which encompass two metrics:
- IAV Rider Position
- IAV Power Phase
In combination with class power data, these metrics let cyclists analyze their pedal stroke and correct any imbalances. Unlike other power meters, Assioma also accounts for irregular pedaling, such as sprints and uphill cycling. Other features include:
- Accuracy: The Assioma pedals have an accuracy rate of +/- 1%.
- Connectivity: These pedals support ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Automatic Temperature Compensation: Assioma ensures correct measurements in the temperature range of -10°C and 60°C.
- Battery Life: These pedals use rechargeable batteries. One charge lasts for up to 50 hours.
- Water Resistance: Assiamo wheels have an IP67 waterproof rating. They can remain undamaged in a water depth of 3 feet for 30 minutes.
- Compatibility: The pedals are compatible with Favero and LOOK® Kéo cleats. That means you can use them with most bikes.
| Features | Garmin Rally RK200 Dual-Sided Road Pedals |
| Weight | 11.4 ounces |
| Battery | 120 hours |
| Water Resistance Rating | IPX7 |
| Accuracy | ± 1% |
| Compatibility | Shimano SPD-SL, Shimano SPD, and Look KEO cleats |
The Garmin Rally RK200 pedal-based power meters are also easy to install and replaceable, like the Assioma pedals. All you have to do is clip them in.
Besides Watts, this power meter measures other metrics, too. It also allows field calibration, which lets you measure your power output via the Edge® cycling computer or Garmin Connect™ App. Here are some other features of the Garmin Rally RK200 power meter:
- Accuracy: Like the Assioma pedals, the Garmin Rally RK200 also has an accuracy rate of +/- 1%.
- Connectivity: The power meter connects with Edge cycling computers and the Garmin Connect app. You can also connect them to the Tacx® training app for Windows (desktop) if you cycle indoors. Plus, they support connectivity to third-party apps like TrainerRoad, TrainingPeaks, and Strava.
- Battery Life: The pedals have a battery life of up to 120 hours.
- Water Resistance: The IPX7 water resistance rating is comparable to the other two power meters in our guide.
- Compatibility: The pedals are compatible with Shimano SPD-SL, Shimano SPD, and Look KEO cleats, which makes them suitable for most bikes on the market, such as Trek, Cannondale, Kona, Giant, etc.
Takeaway
As evident, all three power meters are comparable to quite an extent. The only differences lie in battery life, cleat compatibility, and some minor features. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and budget. However, if you prefer app connectivity, we’d recommend going for the Garmin Rally RK200.