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Specialized Power Cranks debut using 4iiii power meter tech

2018 Specialized S-Works carbon power meter crankset with 4iiii strain gauge technology
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Utilizing a slim, hidden design similar to the new dual-sided add-on power meters created for Shimano Dura-Ace, the all-new 2018 Specialized Power Cranks use 4iiii technology to deliver dual leg measurement. The design is unique to Specialized, and benefits from unique testing protocols done inside the bike brand’s Win Tunnel.

2018 Specialized power meter cranks come standard on the S-Works Tarmac Disc brake road bike

They say they tested the already accurate claims provided by 4iiii with multiple riders on a custom cycling treadmill (called…wait for it… the WinMill) placed inside the wind tunnel. They also tested other power meters and simulated various conditions, with the result being 4iiii as the winner to provide their power meter components on the new S-Works level crankset. Earlier this year, they began testing under Peter Sagan and the Bora-hansgrohe and Quick Step pro teams.

2018 Specialized S-Works carbon power meter crankset with 4iiii strain gauge technology

The slim transmitters are placed on each arm, offering dual-leg measurements and the complete power profiling that 4iiii has to offer. This includes the usual output numbers plus things like axle strain, which is measuring the rotational and other forces you’re putting on the cranks -not just pushing down or pulling up- which is how they arrive at an impressive +/-1.5% accuracy claim.

What makes these even more special are that they’re the first carbon fiber crank arms to get the add-on power meter treatment. The units are waterproof and come with the tool for cover removal, which is necessary for coin cell battery swaps (sorry, not rechargeable).

They +/-1.5% accuracy was verified in their own Win Tunnel and at Locomotion Lab in Boulder, CO. They transmit via Bluetooth and ANT+, which also allows app-based updates and calibrations. It’ll come with a 110bcd spider as standard, with a 130bcd spider available separately. Claimed weight is 440g (without chainrings, 172.5mm arms) thanks to hollow carbon fiber arms, a carbon spider and oversized 30mm alloy spindle (BB30/PFBB30/OSBB compatible). They recommend using only the Specialized/Praxis chainrings in 52/36 and 50/34 combos. Arms are available in 165, 170, 172.5, 175 and 180 mm lengths.

Specialized.com and 4iiii.com

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Pynchonite
6 years ago

Crossing fingers for SRAM 1x compatibility.

Badbikemechanicx
Badbikemechanicx
6 years ago

I got around to buying a power meter after 20 years of using heart rate and it’s the most over hyped metric. A power meter is not going to
make you magically faster. It’s just a number.

Mr. De Facto
Mr. De Facto
6 years ago

The numbers used by a competent coach, with the correct training plan, WILL make you faster. It’s science.

Robin
Robin
6 years ago
Reply to  Mr. De Facto

Or simply reading a book or two on training with power or checking out some blogs on the same topic will also yield success.

Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot
6 years ago
Reply to  Robin

Nope rather just make blind assumptions with 100% ignorance. In all seriousness a power meter is an amazing TOOL it’ll make you faster if you use it properly. I went from getting dropped on most group rides to winning tt’s And placing in the top 5 consistently in road races by using a Power meter and a coach. Numerically I went from an FTP of 240 to 327 watts. Best $450 I’ve ever spent.

Iain Cameron
Iain Cameron
6 years ago

You can also calculate TSS to allow a gradual increase in training volume. The data is helpful in lots of ways.

kavitator
6 years ago

You need only stopwatch and speedometer – i win and train only with this two data. Get a life folks:)

Kyle
Kyle
6 years ago

Man posting on internet tells others to get a life.

Bas
Bas
6 years ago

i wonder what they needed the win tunnel for other than cooling down the riders that were in it? i’d look for a used SRM. now available way under 1000 euro’s.

Chris
Chris
6 years ago

How is this the first carbon add-on power meter? Stages has had one for how many years?

Matt
Matt
6 years ago

That video was impossible to watch. Also I do not get the name 4iiii. Do I say it is the 4 eye eye eye eye. WTF.

I have put my order in for one however.

Mike
Mike
6 years ago

I don’t understand how you spend $12,000 on a bike and you have no choice on your cranks… why only mid-compact and offer standard or compact? For that price I think standard should be at least an option … I was arguing with the ship about this and it’s like it’s gonna be an extra $1500 If you want to swap the cranks out on already over priced bike… like I get the you got pay to play but come on… it should be a damn option for that price on a bike!!

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