Following the recent price drop of the RIKEN R, Quarq is apparently furthering its march towards bring crank-based power measurement to the masses through the release of their new RIKEN AL. The new system, priced at a very competitive $799 MSRP (GXP configuration), is available now consumer direct through the Quarq website, and will begin shipping April 23rd. A closer look after the jump…
The RIKEN AL shares the same functionality of the RIKEN R. Both units employ Quarq’s 10K active temperature compensation technology, which samples temperature at each pedal stroke and compensates power data though an algorithm established from 10,000 power points at different temperature levels. It includes the magnet-less AxCad accelerometer for cadence readings and utilizes an integrated LED to assist with set up and battery readings. Like the RIKEN R, the new unit features a two year warranty and an IPX7 waterproof rating (incidental exposure to water of up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes).
The big differentiating factor for this new configuration is RIKEN AL’s, you guessed it, forged aluminum crank arms, which add a purported 120g to the assembly. Small riders can rejoice, however, because RIKEN AL comes out of the gate in a 165mm length, not currently available in the R.
The 110BCD flavor is available now, the 130BCD spider version will be available in July. Also, the RIKEN AL is available only as a chassis, so buyers can choose their own adventure between 10- and 11- speed SRAM, Rotor, Praxis, WickWerks, and Shimano (10-speed only) chainrings.
