Pioneer made some waves in the power meter category when they came in from outside the industry a few years back. They currently have arguably one of the most unique crank based power meters with their HDPower Metrics. This is what they call their ability to show not only how much power you are putting out with each leg, but also at what direction at 12 points throughout your stroke. One of Pioneer’s cycling computers is required to get access to this information, while general power generation is available through other ANT+ compatible cycling computers.
Now, Pioneer is giving you the option to add their left side only crank arm based power meter to the Shimano Dura-Ace, Ultegra, or 105 crank arm you already own. In a recent interview with Pioneer’s executive vice-president of marketing and corporate communications Russ Johnston for an upcoming review of their dual sided power meter, Johnston mentioned he that cyclists shouldn’t have to buy another left crank arm when they add power measurement to their bikes. Many consumers will agree with this, and if you own a compatible Shimano crank arm, you won’t have to. This single leg power meter includes their HDPower Metrics for the left leg.
At $499.99, this offers an incredible value in the power category. In the future, if you decide a dual sided power meter is the way you want to go, just purchase the right side power meter from Pioneer, and the two will work together to give you dual leg power information. The best part is, turnaround times for installation on your crank arm should be pretty quick. In the interview, Johnston mentioned that for west coast cyclists, you should have your crank arm back in a matter of days. For cyclists on the east coast, it could be more like a week to a week and a half. This should improve as time goes on and additional installation centers are added.
See below for the full press release, and stay tuned for a few additional articles coming soon about the many types of power meters out there, why power is important for cyclists at all levels, and an in-depth review of Pioneers dual leg power meter and SGX-CA500 Cycle Computer.
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Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.’s Cycle Sports division today released the SGY-PMLTC Power Meter Installation Kit, which allows consumers to add Pioneer’s advanced Single Leg Power Meter to their existing compatible Shimano® 11-speed DURA-ACE®, ULTEGRA® or Shimano 105® left arm cranks. Designed for weekend warriors passionate about improving their riding performance, it is built using the same advanced technology developed to meet the needs of professional athletes competing at the world tour level. Available only through authorized Pioneer Cycle Sports retailers, the SGY-PMLTC Power Meter Installation Kit is designed as a more affordable model in Pioneer’s power meter line-up and expands crank options with the addition of Shimano 105 crank arm coverage.
“We are excited to bring our power meter technology to cycling enthusiasts’ at the most affordable price. Traditionally when consumers buy a crank arm-based power meter, they end up with a spare crank arm. Our kit model eliminates the need to invest in a second crank arm, which will save the consumer between $60 and $130 and it’s easily installed on their existing crank arm,” said Russ Johnston, executive vice president of marketing and corporate communications for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “With the ability to be installed on arm lengths from 165mm to 180mm, this one model can address consumer demand and help retailers eliminate requirements for a broad line-up of inventory to meet all cyclists’ needs.”
The SGY-PMLTC enables cyclists to ride with power in a few easy steps. Once the SGY-PMLTC is purchased from an authorized retailer, the left crank arm is put in the box and shipped directly to Pioneer’s installation center, where the advanced power meter technology is installed. Pioneer has been performing the ship, install, and return procedure for over a year and a half and the efficient system facilitates a quick turn-around of the consumer’s crank arm with power meter. Throughout the entire process, Pioneer keeps in constant communication with the dealer.
HDPower Metrics
Access to Pioneer’s exclusive HDPower Metrics for enhanced power data and analysis is available by combining the SGX-CA900 or SGX-CA500 Cycle Computer with the Single Leg Power Meter. Adding Pioneer’s Cycle Computer to the Single Leg Power Meter enables the rider to see comprehensive performance analysis and highly detailed data, gathered from 12 points of measurement and displayed graphically in real-time on the display of the Cycle Computer, including Force Vectors and Torque Vectors graphics and Pedaling Efficiency.
Dual Leg Upgrade
Pioneer’s Single Leg Power Meter is adaptable and grows with the user. As riders’ power needs develop, Pioneer offers an upgrade path to the Dual Leg Power Meter system used by professionals. Transitioning from 12 points of measurement to 24 points of measurement, the Dual Leg Power Meter system offers the most accurate total power measurement and pedaling balance metrics critical to analyzing ride performance and revealing opportunities for ride improvement. For cyclists who want to upgrade to a Dual Leg Power Meter at a later date, Pioneer offers the SGY-PMRTC Right Side upgrade kit for Shimano DURA-ACE and ULTEGRA drive side cranks. With 12 point and Dual Leg force measurement, Pioneer’s HD Power Meters are the only power meters that help uncover the source of pedaling balance issues, identify bike fit, power loss and absorption issues, and are essential tools for improving pedaling technique and efficiency.
Additional Features
- Compatible with Shimano DURA-ACE, ULTEGRAand Shimano 105 Left Crank Arms
- Arm lengths: 165, 167.5, 170, 172.5, 177.5 and 180mm
- For use on road and cyclocross bikes
- Easy connectivity with ANT+ compatible cycle computers and running watches
- Fully integrated strain gauge for force direction measurement, adding only 22 grams
- Integrated dual accelerometers for cadence measurement and error correction
The Pioneer SGY-PMLTC Power Meter Installation Kit is now available at authorized retailers with a suggested retail price of $499.99.
For more information on the Pioneer system, visit www.powerisking.com.
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