Anyone use polar power pedals? How does it rank as a power meter? With out regard to price is it finicky, reliable, durable? Does it clear a bike chain handily?
Honestly, I have the Keo Power pedals and ended up buying Vector a month ago. I wanted a pedal based system so that I could swap between bikes easily and not have to change cranks (there are some people that can change out a crank quickly, but I run Campy on my road bike and Di2 on my TT, and so it is a bit more involved). I found the system finicky and very difficult to install – it took me several emails with Polar personnel and I ended up having to ship my unit back for diagnostics. Their customer service people were extremely nice and responsive, but it was still an ordeal. The big deciding factor, IMHO, is that the pedals are limited to working with just two Polar head units (the 500 and 600). They are awful. You are limited to instaneous power (no choice for 3s average or 10s average, no average at all until you get back to a computer). The Vector pedals pair with numerous different ANT systems, and give you a lot more flexibility (and all kinds of data choices). In terms of reliability, I had been able to get the Keos working in one out of the three tri (and tries), with it most recently failing me on IMLP right out of the gate.
In good news, I never had any problems with it clearing the bike chain.
I installed Vector in a matter of minutes. No problems so far. It’s not even a close questions, in my book. DC Rainmaker has a very good review of the Keos, although, at the time, it was the only real pedal based system out there. I would imagine his views have changed given what appears to be his overall positive experience with Vectors.
DC Rainmaker has a very good review of the Keos, although, at the time, it was the only read pedal based system out there. I would imagine his views have changed given what appears to be his overall positive experience with Vectors.
Indeed, they largely have. Within the power meter buyers guide from a few weeks ago, I summarized my thoughts on whether or not to buy the Keo’s at this point. Perhaps things will change next spring in a different direction, but for now, I’d see zero point in buying them given the head unit situation.