GPS computer specialists Garmin have announced details of their Vector pedal based power meter. It's designed to work with their Edge 500 and Edge 800 cycle computers, will be compatible with LOOK KéO pedals, is easily swappable between bikes and will be available in March 2012 for US$1499.99/UK£1,149.
The system works off a four sided array of strain gauges that fits inside the pedal spindle, which feeds data to an external transmitter. That in turn is sent to a head unit via the ANT protocol. Power is calculated through measuring the deflection of the pedals around the full pedal stroke, which means not only do you get total power to the pedals, you can also see if there's an imbalance in your pedal stroke.
The system was originally developed by MetriGear, but failed to make it to market. Garmin acquired Metrigear last year and have been able to push the Vector through to production.
The Vector looks similar to the Polar LOOK KéO Power system, which was launched last year at Eurobike, but has the disadvantage of not being ANT compatible.
Edge 200
Garmin also announced the launch of their Edge 200 GPS cycling computer. This looks to be a trimmed down version of the Edge 500, displaying speed, distance, time and calories burned. It requires no additional sensors to work, it's merely a matter of attaching it to your bike and hitting the start button, as everything is calculated via GPS. We have a more detailed review of the Edge 200 here.
The Edge 200 will be available later in 2011 and retail for US$149.99/UK£129.99.