Basis: The Speedplay Zero pedal system
As the basis for the new Powrlink Zero Powermeter pedals serve the Speedplay Zero pedal systemwhich Wahoo had revised in 2021. In a nutshell, the Speedplay pedals are characterised by the following features:
- Clicking in is possible on both pedal sides - in contrast to other road bike pedal systems.
- The protrusion height (distance from the centre pedal axle to the sole of the shoe) is very low - i.e. the foot is very close to the pedal axle
- The freedom of movement can be adjusted between 0 and 15 degrees.
A major advantage of pedal-based power measurement is that power meter pedals can quickly switch between different wheels can be exchanged. This means that a system can equip several or even all bikes with a wattmeter.
Accuracy of the Powrlink Zero power measurement
How precise the output watt values are is a decisive criterion for power meters. Wahoo specifies the accuracy as +/-1%, This also corresponds to the values of the Kickr Smarttrainer. Cadence, temperature fluctuations or the shape of the chainring, among other things, can influence how precise the output power data is. Wahoo describes its solutions for this:
- One Varying the cadence affects the accuracy of the power measurement. A built-in gyroscope is intended to remedy this and compensate for cadence variations.
- Also Temperature fluctuations can influence the accuracy of the performance data. Wahoo states that Powrlink Zero compensates for changes in ambient temperature so that the power output is still accurate.
- Wahoo states that the system is also suitable for bikes with oval chainrings suitable. Thanks to the built-in acceleration sensors, the crank speed is calculated in real time, providing the athlete with precise performance data.
Wahoo Powrlink Zero: Weight and battery life
Up to 75 driving hours per battery charge is what Wahoo promises for its new power meter pedals. This means that nothing stands in the way of long training rides. Interesting for weight fanatics: the Speedplay pedals with one-sided power measurement weigh in at 250 grams. For comparison: According to the manufacturer, the normal Speedplay Zero pedals weigh 222 grams per pair. The weight of the Powrlink Zero pedals with watt measurement on both sides is 276 grams.
Compatibility
With new systems, the question always arises as to whether they work with the apps and devices used. As you would expect from Wahoo, the new power meter pedals can also be used with apps and devices from Wahoo and third-party providers. Simply pair via ANT+ or Bluetooth. Also the Backwards compatibility with older Speedplay Zero cleats is given, so that existing cleats can continue to be used.
Powrlink Zero in professional sport
Some athletes are already using the new performance measurement system from Wahoo: Lucy Charles-Barclay (IRONMAN 70.3 world champion) and the Le Col Wahoo women's professional road team. The latter is preparing for spring classics such as Paris-Roubaix, Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
Price of the Powrlink Zero power meter pedals
The price of the Wahoo Powrlink Zero with one-sided watt measurement costs 649.99 euros. The variant with double-sided power measurement costs 999.99 euros. These new watt-measuring pedals complement Wahoo's existing Speedplay pedal line, consisting of the Comp (€149.99), Zero (€229.99), Nano (€449.99) and Aero (€279.99) models.
By the way: Wahoo also offers the one-sided Powrlink Zero pedals together with the new Kickr Rollr indoor trainer - Wahoo's reinterpretation of the free roll. The package price is 1399.99 euros.
The new Powermeter pedals are now available directly from Wahoo in the online shop or in specialised shops.
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
