Garmin

Vector S Power Meter Pedals

The Garmin Vector Pedals were introduced to an excited audience anxious to refine the collection of data from the drivetrain. The Vector S pedals not only further refine the process, they also reduce the price in the process.

Even though your power is transferred via the pedals to the bike’s drivetrain, most power systems use the hub to collect data. Garmin’s advantage is that the pedals go straight to the source. The original version housed a sensor in each pedal, but for the latest iteration, Garmin realized that it could put one sensor on one side and multiply the measurements by two to achieve the same results. This also simplifies the design. This "pedal pod" is where the ANT+ transmitter is located and it is situated between the pedal and the crank arm and transmits data back to your computer. Now, in case you’re concerned about the quality of the measurements taken, the Vector is no slacker. It takes rolling measurements in either three second averages or a more detailed real-time measurement. And because you shouldn’t rely on a single number, the Vector S also gives you Training Stress Score, Normalized Power, Intensity Factor, total power (in watts), overall kilojoules, and power zones. These metrics are all transmitted within an expressed accuracy of +/- 2%. The Garmin Vector S is able to be self-serviced. The system is powered for just over 170 hours with 2032 coin cell batteries, which, the last time we checked, are only around two dollars apiece.

In case you’re concerned about cleat compatibility, the pedals themselves are designed to ride like the LOOK Keos, and they are only LOOK Keo-compatible. The pedals were molded from a carbon composite with CNC-machined stainless steel spindles. They have LCL bushings and sealed cartridge bearings. The system (hardware and cleats included) weighs in around 412 grams, about 14 grams lighter than the regular Vectors.