SRM has a new three-piece power meter crank system called Origin that's designed to work with a variety of frame/bottom bracket setups.
- Easton/Race Face launch spindle-based CINCH power meter
- BikeRadar Bargains: Power meter special
- Buyer's guide to power meters
The new design has moved away from adding SRM spiders to existing cranksets. Notably, since Shimano announced plans to sell its own power meter, SRM will not be producing new crank-based systems from the Japanese component giant.
Through a partnership with Look, SRM now has a three-piece system that consists of spindle, spider and crankarm.
The Origin’s assembly allows for increased adaptability to mate most frame standards, which SRM claims was the driver for the new system.
The spider is available as 110 or 104BCD, and thanks to ‘Trilobe Technology’, the crank arms can accommodate 170, 172.5 or 175mm lengths with the flip of the threaded insert. This is a design found on certain existing Look cranks.
This means riders are only tasked with determining the most appropriate spindle to finish building their Origin unit.
The Origin power meter, equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 chainrings, is a claimed 150g lighter than its predecessor, the modified Shimano 11-speed crankset.
Device Agent analysis updates
SRM's Device Agent management system for its PC8 head unit has a new user interface. Now users can do quick and customized views of the PC8. SRM's PC8 head unit is an alloy shell and available in lots of colors.
It is ANT , Bluetooth, GPS and WiFi enabled, so it will upload your rides automatically after you set up the wireless system. If you want to use TrainingPeaks, Strava or another third-party site, Device Agent can configure automatic uploads for these, too.
Still the benchmark?
For years, SRM was the benchmark for accuracy. But cost effective solutions from Stages, Easton/RaceFace, 4iiii, Rotor and others are challenging the identity of SRM in a big way.
The new Origin comes in at $2,400 (spider, arms, spindle and Dura Ace 9000 chainrings). Add the PC8 for an additional $500 for the “Complete Bundle”. UK and Australian pricing was not immediately available.