Originally on show at Interbike in 2010, LOOK and Polar are finally readying the roll out of Polar LOOK Keo Power pedals – as the battle continues to unfold to get the latest cycling power measurement technology to market.
The Keo Power pedal power product, combining technology from heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technology specialist Polar, and LOOK, the inventor and a leader in clipless pedals, was originally planned to become available in all major European markets as well as in the US and Canada in October 2011. January 2012 had also been suggested as a release date.
According to both companies, Keo Power is now available on a limited basis.
Keo Power pedals ahead of Garmin Vector
Tuesday 26 June 2012 saw the launch and availability of the first clipless cycling pedals to measure cycling power output. Keo Power goes up against rival product Garmin Vector, which has likewise seen delays in getting to market. In April, Garmin announced a further delay to its Vector pedal-based power meter. After saying earlier this year that the release date would be in summer 2012, the launch of Vector has now been pushed back indefinitely.
“After testing our latest advanced prototypes of the Vector system, we are still not satisfied with the results,” Garmin said in a statement. “As you can imagine, Vector is a complex, precision measurement instrument and as of yet, we are unable to ensure that this device will meet the expectations of the cycling community.
Polar LOOK Keo Power pedals
The Polar LOOK Keo Power pedals measure an athlete’s left/right balance and power output, and send the data directly to a compatible Polar cycling computer on the bike’s handlebars. Sensors are integrated in the body of the pedal and the crank for maximum accuracy.
Keo Power provides instant feedback by measuring accurate power output in watts from both the left and the right pedal separately – which can be essential in correcting pedalling inefficiencies and imbalances or while recovering from an injury during training. The pedals also give information to calculate Cycling Efficiency Index value, which shows how efficiently cyclists convert their effort into power, propelling the bike forward.
The Cycling Efficiency Index value is calculated by dividing power output with total energy expenditure, which is determined by heart rate and personal data. Improvement in the value indicates improved performance economy.
“Polar and LOOK share a passion for innovation,” said Tony Bass, Vice President of Sales for Polar USA. “LOOK is a brand dedicated to being the best in its category and we’re confident that this collaboration and the launch of Keo Power will bring an unparalleled product and experience to ambitious cyclists who want to reach their maximum potential.”
The state-of-the-art power measurement system comprises the light-weight Polar P5 power transmitters and LOOK Keo Power pedals. Easy to attach to cranks and switch between bikes, each Keo Power pedal comes with eight embedded strain gauges for ‘extreme power measurement precision’ and a +/- 2 percent accuracy variance. Attached to each crank arm, two power transmitters relay the data from the sensors wirelessly to a compatible Polar cycling computer on the bike’s handlebar.
The system calibrates itself automatically to zero power value before each training session. The automatic zero offset calibration ensures cyclists get the most accurate power output measurement possible. Besides displaying power output value, Keo Power pedals also measure current and average cadence in revolutions per minute, helping users find the optimal pedalling rate for their rides.
“Weighing only 170g per pedal, Keo Power is worth more than its minuscule weight,” said Eric Vanhaverbeke, VP Sales & Marketing for LOOK. “It is the first-ever power measurement system integrated into pedals and provides maximum accuracy with minimum effort to attach and switch between bikes.”
Vanhaverbeke continued, “Providing power output from both legs separately, Keo Power works with any wheel or crankset on the market, making it the perfect tool to improve and balance your cycling technique. We have developed this product together for more than three years and have included all LOOK savoir-faire and expertise in the Keo Power system. Like the Keo Blade, it has the widest pedaling platform for power transfer on the market. We have designed an oversized axle including eight embedded strain gauges in order to provide precise power data readings.”
Keo Power is now available on a limited basis. The Keo Power pedals communicate with Polar CS600X and CS500 cycling computers through the proven W.I.N.D. protocol for disturbance-free transmission. The CS500 displays power output and cadence. The CS600X shows left/right balance, Cycling Efficiency Index and is GPS-ready.
The Polar G5 GPS sensor accessory provides 20 hours of GPS-based route mapping per one charge. Thus, compared to built-in GPS sensors, the coin cell powered CS600X will continue to work if the G5 runs out of battery – making it training-ready without the need for constant recharging.
Sets available…
Keo Power accessory set
- 2 x LOOK Keo Power pedals
- 2 x Polar P5 power transmitters
- 2 x cleats
- Pedal installation tool
- P5 power transmitter attachment kit
- 2 x CR2354 batteries
- 1 x 8mm Allen key
- 1 x 18mm wrench
- 2 x protection pouch
- 2 x manuals
- MSRP: US$2,295.00
Keo Power bundle set
- 1 x Polar CS600X cycling computer
- 2 x LOOK Keo Power pedals
- 2 x Polar P5 power transmitters
- 2 x cleats
- Pedal installation tool
- P5 power transmitter attachment kit
- 2 x CR2354 batteries
- 1 x 8mm Allen key
- 1 x 18mm wrench
- 2 x protection pouch
- 2 x manuals
- MSRP: $2,495.00
Compatible Polar cycling computers: Polar CS600X, CS600, CS500+, CS500, and CS500 Tour de France
www.polarusa.com
www.lookcycle.com
