A cleat-based power meter system called CycloWatt – promising to be easy to install, simple to swap between bikes, and low-cost – has launched on Kickstarter and nearly tripled its funding target in a day.
CycloWatt’s co-founder Levi Luder says, “We have run several tests, and we are in the final development phase, improving the reliability of the measurement and reducing the stack height. We believe that we can conclude the development and final test by the end of May, since feedback has been very positive.”
CycloWatt is a Switzerland-based enterprise, and all of the technical gubbins integrates directly into the cleat of a clipless pedal system.
“The result is accurate real-world power data that installs in seconds, moves easily between bikes, and fits naturally into your existing riding setup,” says CycloWatt. “Whether you train indoors or outdoors, CycloWatt gives you objective insight into your performance so you can ride smarter, pace better, and improve consistently.”
Okay, we get that there could be advantages to cleat-based power measurement. Pedal-based power measurement systems – like Garmin Rally, Favero Assioma, and Wahoo Powrlink Zero – are pretty easy to swap between bikes, but a cleat-based system wouldn’t require any setup changes at all, as long as you have the saddle height right. For those wanting power measurement on more than one bike, that could be a major plus.
All of this sounds enticing, although it does make us think of the Brim Brothers cleat-based Zone DPMX power meter which smashed its Kickstarter funding target a few years ago, but never made it to production.
Would you need to use CycloWatt-specific pedals? Apparently not. You’ll be able to choose between CycloWatt three-bolt cleats that fasten to your shoes in the normal way, compatible with either Shimano SPD-SL or Look Keo pedals – so for road cycling only – at least initially.
You clip into your pedals as normal, and away you go. CycloWatt says that its system increases stack height by 5mm, and that it is working to reduce this further before shipping the final product.
Obvious question: what happens when the cleat wears out?
The team behind CycloWatt says that you simply remove the electronics section and keep it, while you replace the plastic parts. Replacement cleats cost CHF 15 (about £14.50).
CycloWatt is a single-sided system, taking measurements from one leg only, and accuracy is a claimed +/-3%. That’s a greater margin for error than is claimed by most other power meters out there. Favero Assioma and Garmin claim +/-1% for their systems, for example. CycloWatt’s accuracy is not affected by dirt, mud, or temperature changes, says its developers.
CycloWatt transmits your power data wirelessly via Bluetooth or ANT+ protocols, so you can see it on your cycling computer or smartphone in real time without the need for a special app. It is said to work in the normal way with training platforms like Zwift, Wahoo, and Garmin.
Charging? You connect CycloWatt to the mains with a magnetic connector, and the battery is said to be good for 48 hours of riding.
Okay, we’re interested, but we can’t help being reminded a little of the Brim Brothers Zone DPMX system, which raised £160,000 on Kickstarter back in 2016 after several years in development.
“Under your shoe, in your Speedplay Zero cleat, the special sensor plate measures force, and on top of your shoe the pod measures motion,” said Brim Brothers. “The pod uses all this to calculate power (watts) and cadence (rpm).”
Brim Brothers ceased operations in late 2016 without delivering product or providing refunds.
Of course, CycloWatt is an entirely different system – different design, different personnel – it’s just the Kickstarter and the cleat-based power-measurement elements that are similar.
CycloWatt’s standard price on Kickstarter is CHF 179 (around £173.50), with some early bird discounts up to 27%.
As ever with Kickstarter projects, rewards aren’t guaranteed.
1 thought on “Cleat-based CycloWatt power meter launches on Kickstarter, promising easy swaps and low cost”
Sounds like a fitters nightmare!