Even with all the options out there for power meters, there’s still room for improvement. For upstart iQ², that means an opening for them to launch their first product – a crank/pedal based power meter. Universal to fit any crank with 9/16″ threaded pedals, we’ve seen similar concepts before, but the iQ² builds functionality into a clean, compact design that seems like it will certainly compete on price.
Obviously, adding a power meter to your crank arm, then threading a pedal into the power meter will increase your q-factor – in this case 16mm per side. While the Watteam universal power meter gets around this by using a very thin mounting plate with the power meter on the side of the crank arm, iQ² suggests using pedals with shorter axles which would bring the Q-factor back to normal. They mention more info on the pedals shown on their kickstarter prototype gallery will be coming soon.
If you’re only using one side, you’ll need to use the included spacer for the opposite side to keep the Q-factor symmetrical.
Offering independent left and right power outputs, the iQ² is powered by a replaceable coin cell battery that promises 200-300 hours of life out of a charge. Both Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible, the power meter weighs 29.7g for a single unit.
Currently offered only through Kickstarter, a single power meter starts out at $180, with a set of two running about $300. Retail price is expected to run around $430 for the set, and delivery of Kickstarter pledges is claimed to be September of 2018. Already fully funded with over 2,300 backers and five times their funding goal, we hope that iQ² won’t be a victim of their own success and can deliver a ton of power meters on time!
