Garmin’s Vector 3 power meter pedals get a new self contained design, doing away with the external transmitter pod for better aesthetics and easier switching between bikes. And, they’re slimmer, offering a lower stack height and more cornering clearance.
They’re also a lot less expensive now. It’s been more than two years since they were last updated, with plenty of low-priced competition popping up. Garmin’s answer is a $500 price drop, putting the Vector 3 at $999 for the pair. There’s also a single-sided model, the Vector 3S, which stomps out full power from one foot. Retail on that is $599, and you can add the other side later for $499. Shipping begins this fall.
Feature wise, it still measures left and right separately, total power, pedal phase to see how that power is getting applied throughout the stroke, and cadence. And it still works with Look KEO cleats. Our guess is that small protrusion on the inside of the spindle acts as the antenna. Each pedal uses a couple LR44 batteries, providing 120 hours of ride time while transmitting in ANT+ and/or Bluetooth.
It also tracks your foot pressure, showing how you’re applying force to the pedals while seated or standing. It also shows total time spent sitting or standing during the ride. Somewhere in there are performance metrics to be tallied, showing efficiency in each position (combining output, speed, cadence, heart rate, etc.).
The pedals also work well for indoor training, especially helpful if you don’t have a smart trainer that’s already calculating power for you. And while you’re indoors, they’ve now partnered with TrainerRoad to capture your workout data on that platform and sync it with Garmin Connect.
Glossed over during the introduction of the new Garmin Edge 1030 GPS cycling computer was its compatibility with the all-new Charge Power Pack external battery.
Designed to mount on the bottom of Garmin’s new out-front mount with a locking lever, it passes power directly through the mount into the 1030. No cables sticking out, just a streamlined appearance and 24 hours of juice. But if you really want cables, use the port to plug in your other USB powered devices…or Garmin’s older cycling computers (until they get the updated mounting plate, too…which we’re guessing will come soon enough). Retail is $129.99, available this fall.
