Crank Power Meter

A crank-based power meter is a device that attaches to a bicycle's crankset and measures the rider's power output. It provides information about the rider's power, cadence (pedalling rate), and torque (the force applied to the pedals) in real time. It allows cyclists to monitor their performance, track progress, and adjust their training.

Different Types of Crank Power Meters Available

A power meter typically consists of a sensor that either attaches to the crankset or is embedded within a crankset or crank arm, a data processor, and a communication device that sends the data to a head unitor a smartphone. Some of the most popular crank-based power meters are:

• Spider-based power meters: These power meters are attached to the spider of the crankset, which is the part that connects the chain rings to the spindle. They measure the torque applied to the cranks and are considered to be very accurate.

• Left-only power meters: These power meters are a crank arm only and are designed to measure the power output of only one side of the crankset, typically the left side. They use the data from the left side to calculate the total power output of both legs. They are typically more affordable than spider or dual-sided power meters thanks to their simplistic design.

• Dual-sided power meters: These power meters measure the power output of both sides of the crankset, providing a more accurate representation of the rider's power output.

When choosing a crank-based power meter, it's important to consider the riding you'll be doing and your budget. Some power meters are more expensive than others, but they may offer additional features or higher levels of accuracy.

For more information, check out our Power Meter Buyer’s Guide