Eight years ago, the original Assioma power meter pedals disrupted the market by bringing accurate, affordable power to the masses. Now, Favero has unveiled the next generation Assioma PRO RS, a fully modular, Shimano-compatible, rechargeable pedal with class-leading weight and accuracy, at a price that is still more wallet-friendly than the competition. Worth the wait? Absolutely, and we’ll now attempt to summarise all the reasons why…
Click here to discover the new Assioma PRO RS range
Favero’s former Shimano-compatible power meter, the DUO-Shi, consisted of power meter spindles with pods that could accommodate Shimano SPD-SL pedal bodies. The PRO-RS removes this element, coming with its own brand-new carbon fibre tech-polymer pedal body to give you everything you need to fit your pedals out the box. The electronics are now all housed within the spindles for a sleeker appearance, reduced stance width, and lower weight.
The lightest you can buy, yet still super tough
At just 123.5g per pedal including the battery, strain gauges and all the electronics inside the stainless steel spindle, the Assioma PRO RS takes power meter pedals down to a weight that is not just the lightest on the market, but among the lightest road cycling pedals full stop. Shimano’s own Ultegra PD R8000 pedals weight 124g each, heavier that the PRO RS without any of the advanced technology Favero has managed to pack into them.
First things first, a lightweight pedal needs a lightweight pedal body, and Favero has achieved this by using carbon fibre reinforced polymers for exceptional toughness and shock resistance, with none of the bulk. If you have any concerns over longevity, well there’s very little reason to worry thanks to Favero’s use of two needle roller bearings on each pedal. These bearings perform exceptionally at high speeds and can take a great deal of dynamic load, up to 400kg per roller according to Favero.
So, the Assioma PRO RS is absolutely built to last, but the performance of the pedal itself is also at the forefront of the design. A reduced stack height, just 10.5mm between the centre of the pedal spindle and the surface, means maximum power transfer and no wasted energy for an efficient, fluid pedal stroke.
Big tech, small space
The distinctive ‘pod’ that housed all the technology on Favero’s outgoing Assioma pedal has served thousands of cyclists well for many years; but we’ll try not to get too dewy-eyed, because the solution that replaces it is mighty impressive!
The all new Assioma PRO RS spindle houses the three key components of a cycling power meter – namely the electronics, strain gauges and rechargeable battery – safely inside the stainless steel spindle. Favero admits that this was a difficult technical challenge, but one that was worth it for a number of reasons.
Firstly, housing a rechargeable battery inside the pedal means there is no chance of a dropout in your power readings, because the battery is welded directly into the electronic circuit. Rival products that use replaceable batteries rely on pressure contacts, which can loosen over time and be exposed to the elements (not to mention the hassle of having to replace the batteries). The Assioma PRO RS rechargeable battery loses only 20% of its capacity after 500 charge cycles and approximately 30,000 hours of use, meaning it could be decades before it reaches the end of its lifespan.
The design of the modular spindle means that it’s much easier to maintain the Assioma PRO RS compared to rival power meter pedals. No specific tools are needed to detach the electronic free pedal body, and doing this won’t interfere with any of the electronics.
Although it’s unlikely you will ‘need’ to replace your pedal bodies for a long time thanks to their exceptional robustness, they are already available to purchase as a spare part on Favero’s website if you’re the type who likes everything on your bike to look brand spanking new. Because the pedal body contains no electronic parts, the cost of replacement is also significantly lower than a comparable non-powered pedal, at approximately £50.
…and no extra stance width
Packing all that tech into such a small space means that Favero is able to offer a rechargeable power meter pedal with a spindle length that is in most cases identical to a regular Shimano pedal.
At 53mm, the distance between the pedal spindles on the Assioma PRO RS is the same as Shimano’s Ultegra R8000 pedals, which means a seamless and familiar pedalling experience for riders moving over from regular Shimano pedals.
A modular design, for every type of ride
The Assioma PRO RS might be the new gold standard in road power meter pedals, but it also completes Favero’s PRO power meter system for class-leading power measurement in all cycling disciplines.
The modular design means that the same spindle is used for both the new Assioma PRO RS for Shimano SPD-SL three-bolt cleats, and the existing Assioma PRO MX for two-bolt SPD. No brand-specific tools or faff are needed to switch between the two pedal types, just standard hex keys and a dab of grease. Whether you’re hitting the road, gravel or trails, the Assioma PRO pedal system is there to keep track of your power and cadence data without missing a beat.
Class-leading accuracy and analysis thanks to the IAV Power System and Cycling Dynamics
Assioma products have long set the standard in accurate power measurement from the pedals, and this hasn’t changed with the Assioma PRO RS.
Boasting power measurement that is accurate to the tune of ±1%, the Assioma PRO RS pedals use Favero’s IAV (Instant Angular Velocity) system that measures the entire revolution of the pedal stroke, rather than making an estimate for each round revolution like most rival products. This means much less margin of error, and a consistent reading whether you’re pootling along or gunning for the line in a furious sprint. The clever integrated gyroscope within the IAV system makes the Assioma PRO RS pedals just as accurate outside as they are in lab-controlled conditions, even with oval/non-standard chainrings.
Able to connect to three Bluetooth channels at once and any ANT+ enabled device, your Assioma PRO RS pedals will spit out all the information you need during your ride – such as power, cadence, and left/right pedal balance on the dual-sided model – plus plenty of useful extra data too. Via a number of ANT+ compatible bike computers, your Assioma PRO RS pedals will display three advanced Cycling Dynamics to help you perfect your technique: Platform Centre Offset (PCO) identifies how force is distributed across the pedal platform during the pedal stroke; Power Phase (PP) indicates the segment of a pedal stroke in which a positive torque is produced, and where in the pedal stroke you generate the majority of your power; and rider position will even show you how much time you spend in a seated or standing position.
Platform Centre Offset and Power Phase are also available in the Favero Assioma app, where you can also check the charge status of your pedals, go LIVE to record in real-time via the app, and perform firmware updates for your Assioma PRO RS pedals.
The Assioma PRO RS comes in dual and single-sided versions, the PRO RS-2 priced at £649 and the PRO RS-1 at £399. There is also the PRO RS-UP (£389) for RS-1 users who want to upgrade to dual-sided power measurement. A set of Shimano SPD-SL cleats, bolts and washers come in the box with the charging cables and greasing toolkit.
Of course, you can also purchase PRO-MX pedal bodies too for off-roading, giving you the ultimate versatile power pedal system, whatever type of bike or terrain you’re riding.
‘Assioma’, the Italian word for the mathematical term ‘axiom’, means a statement that is universally established, and generally accepted to be true without the need for hard evidence. In the new Assioma PRO RS, you of course have all the evidence you could wish for that shows Favero has set the new power meter gold standard; but before we’ve even scratched the surface, we only need to look at that sleek new design and compare the key headline stats with the competition to realise power measurement has been launched into a new era of accuracy, convenience and simplicity.
To find out more about the new Favero Assioma PRO RS pedals, head to the Favero website
11 thoughts on “The lightest power meter pedal on the market is now fully Shimano-compatible — here’s why Favero’s new Assioma PRO RS sets the gold standard in accurate, convenient power measurement”
You might want to watch
You might want to watch Hambini before parting with your hard earned…
That was a different model,
That was a different model, and I’ve actually found Favero to provide really good service. I had a problem with a Duo-Shi set after the warranty had expired and they still sent me a replacement set.
DC Rainmaker and GPLama are my go-to power meter reviewers and they both say these are great.
don simon fbpe wrote:
Hambini’s modus operandi is to generate clickbait and views by criticising other people and companies, based on little more than unfounded assertions and just enough technical jargon to bamboozle those who don’t know better. Conveniently, his “findings” always conclude that you should buy his own-branded products or those of partner brands which earn him commission. So no, I don’t want to watch Hambini.
However, I decided against my better judgement to have a look – as far as I can tell, he hasn’t had anything to say about these pedals. He does have some posts about the Duo-shi pedals, but as far as I can tell the spindle design of those pedals is very different (with much of the electical gubbins in the pod) and so there is no particular reason to think any issue which may have existed on those pedals would translate to these ones.
Other reviewers, in whom I have a far greater deal of trust (notably DC Rainmaker and GP Lama), both conclude these pedals are excellent.
I’m sure they do have issues
I’m sure they do have issues for some people…but if you look at any thread on the duo-shi the overwhelming response is positive and people have been using them for years without issues. People who do have issues have always received excellent customer service. Hambini appeals to a certain demographic who like to feel smug and like they are smarter than everyone else in the room.
Funnily enough his “fans” lap up absolutely everything he says and seem to think that hes the only one keeping it real despite there being plenty of other people who actually use the things he “reems” and are experts on them like DC rainmaker and GP Lama. And the fact he himself has a vested interest in shitting on various other products and magically selling his own products.
Hes one of those people who behaves like a complete twat and then wonders why people don’t want to engage with him and then he turns around and says “look, they don’t care”.
I’ve had a pair of Duo’s for
I’ve had a pair of Duo’s for around 6 years, they are brilliant. Had one problem with dropouts after about 18 months and the company sent me a pair of new spindles. Since then 0 problems. Favero are one of the few companies out there who still look after their customers, would 100% recommend them to anyone.
I’ve ordered the new ones, looking forward to going back to Shimano cleats, never been totally happy with the feeling of Looks.
+1 here.
+1 here.
Ive got early Bepro on the winter bike (Assioma predecessor) and Assioma on the summer bike.
Both still going strong, and the CS has been excellent when I’ve needed to contact them.
Maintenance has been easy, with bearings compatible with xpedo pedal bodies offering numerous options for sourcing replacements when needed.
I’ve had the Assioma PRO MX
I’ve had the Assioma PRO MX pedals for a while now and haven’t had any issues. They do what they say on the tin and if no-one told you, you’d have no idea that they are power meter pedals.
It’s really handy being able to swap them from my gravel bike to MTB when I want. An added bonus if you get a rental bike when on holiday, you can take your power meter with you.
Should this not be marked as
Should this not be marked as “advertisment”. While they might be good pedals there is no evidence of any objective commentary in this review.
You mean like this…?
You mean like this…?
It is tagged as “sponsored”
It is tagged as “sponsored” and includes a prominent notice at the top: “This article includes paid promotion on behalf of Favero”.
quiff wrote:
Yeah, but other than that.