Ekoi has introduced a new pedal-shoe system called PW8. The concept developed in France consists of a special pedal and a matching shoe. The key feature is the very small distance of eight millimetres between the pedal axle and the sole of the shoe. In addition, the PW8 pedal has a contact surface of 1500 square millimetres, which according to Ekoi is significantly more than conventional systems. This design is intended to achieve better power transmission when pedalling. According to the manufacturer, the new pedal-shoe combination makes it easier to overcome dead centres when turning the cranks.
Technical details of the Ekoi PW8 system
The PW8 pedal, which is noticeably long and curved to match the bend of the sole, is made from a carbon composite body with a chromoly axle. According to the manufacturer, it weighs 105 grams each. The associated cleats weigh 15 grams per pair. This brings the total system to 225 grams. Ekoi also claims that air resistance has been reduced by 11 per cent compared to conventional systems.
The biggest difference to conventional pedal systems is the positioning of the two-part cleats. The front "hook", which holds the tip of the pedal, sits in the centre at about the level of the toe joint, while the second cleat sits well behind the ball of the foot. In other words, the two cleat components of the Ekoi system sit in front of and behind the position of conventional pedal cleats - and they are recessed into the sole, so they do not protrude when walking. Two different rear cleats allow you to adjust the freedom of vision to 0 or 1.5 degrees or 3 or 6 degrees. The position can be individually adjusted laterally and in length via elongated holes in the sole and in the cleats.
Matching shoe and compatibility
Ekoi has developed a specially customised shoe in parallel to the PW8 pedal. The PW8 C12 Pro Full Carbon has a full carbon sole and a leather upper. A double boa system with Li2 metal twist fasteners is used to close the shoe. TPU studs in the sole are designed to provide good walking characteristics. So far, the PW8 pedal is only compatible with the PW8 shoe due to the specific position of the cleats; according to the manufacturer, three independent shoe manufacturers have so far expressed interest in producing models with a corresponding sole for the Ekoi system. According to Ekoi, the professional teams of Cofidis, Arkéa-B&B Hotels, Israel-Premier Tech and Lotto will already be equipped with the new pedal system this season. Well-known former cyclists such as Philippe Gilbert, Nicolas Roche, Claudio Chiappucci and Michele Bartoli are said to have been involved in the development.
The PW8 system is now available from the official Ekoi website. The complete set, consisting of shoes and pedals, currently costs around 627 euros, the pedals alone 171 euros.
Ekoi PW8: Technical specifications at a glance
Pedal PW8 Chromoly
- Body: Carbon composite
- Axle: Chromoly
- Platform: 1500 square millimetres
- Contact height: 8 millimetres
- Weight: 105 grams per pedal
- Cleats: 4 angle freedoms: 0-15 degrees / 3-6 degrees
- Self-lubricating coating
- Weight: 15 grams per pair
Shoe PW8 C12 Pro Full Carbon
- Sole: Full carbon
- Cleats: TPU Michelin
- Shoe upper: leather and PU lining
- Locking system: Double BOA Li2 metal
- Total weight (pedals + cleats): 225 grams
