{"id":173,"date":"2021-11-09T10:54:59","date_gmt":"2021-11-09T09:54:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=652016"},"modified":"2021-11-09T11:07:14","modified_gmt":"2021-11-09T10:07:14","slug":"wahoo-unveils-powrlink-zero-power-meter-pedals-and-kickr-rollr-smart-rollers","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/wahoo-unveils-powrlink-zero-power-meter-pedals-and-kickr-rollr-smart-rollers\/","title":{"rendered":"Wahoo unveils Powrlink Zero power meter pedals and Kickr Rollr smart rollers"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Robin Wilmott\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 09 November 2021 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

Wahoo\u2019s forthcoming Powrlink Zero power pedals and Kickr Rollr smart rollers were on show at Rouleur\u2019s Live show in London last week, giving us a chance to get a first look at two completely new products from the company.<\/p>\n

Staff were unable to give precise details of the products, as the launch dates are still not confirmed, so our report is based on what we gleaned, what could be seen, and a little educated guesswork.<\/p>\n

The Powrlink pedals take the same form as the existing Speedplay design (Wahoo bought Speedplay in 2019<\/a> \u2013 you can read our latest Wahoo Speedplay Zero pedals review<\/a>), with a 3mm increase in stack height to accommodate the power meter. Claimed accuracy appears to be +\/- 1 per cent.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the Kickr Rollr builds on Wahoo\u2019s range of indoor cycling<\/a> products and was apparently developed at the request of the UCI for use in warm-ups at races.<\/p>\n

Unlike Wahoo\u2019s line-up of smart trainers<\/a>, there doesn\u2019t appear to be any power measurement built into the Kickr Rollr, which remains a prototype at this stage, but this is an intriguing product built, it seems, for a very specific use case.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a closer look at the Powrlink and Kick Rollr in turn.<\/p>\n

Wahoo Powrlink<\/h2>\n
\""Wahoo\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Powrlink pedal body is about 3mm taller than a standard Speedplay pedal.<\/span><\/figcaption> Robin Wilmott \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Wahoo\u2019s venture into the power pedal market is apparently largely to satisfy requests from Speedplay pedal users<\/a> for a system using their preferred pedal.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s no great surprise. Power meter pedals are an increasingly popular option with riders, thanks to the ability to easily switch pedals between bikes, unlike a crank or spider-based power meter. The Garmin Rally pedals<\/a> and Favero Assioma Duo pedals<\/a> are among the best power meters<\/a> we\u2019ve tried.<\/p>\n

Still, the power-sensing innards of any power pedals always creates additional bulk, which was obviously a challenge with Speedplay\u2019s minimal design.<\/p>\n

The result is neat, only increasing the pedal\u2019s height by around 3mm. A further circular structure, which sits tight against the crank, contains more of the electronics.<\/p>\n

\""Wahoo\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Powrlink Zero comes with a partially hollow stainless steel axle.<\/span><\/figcaption> Robin Wilmott \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Powrlink Zero will be the only model of Wahoo\u2019s power pedal, and we understand that it\u2019ll only come in black, and not replicate any of Speedplay\u2019s past colourful offerings.<\/p>\n

With Wahoo remaining tight-lipped on the Powrlink, the best source of information about the new pedals was their box.<\/p>\n

Key details include a claimed accuracy of +\/- 1 per cent, battery life of approximately 75 hours, and Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity.<\/p>\n

The spindle is made from stainless steel, the pedal offers 0-15 degrees of adjustable float and the stack height is 13mm. And the weight? 276g apparently, compared to 222g for the current Wahoo Speedplay Zero pedals.<\/p>\n

\""Wahoo\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Wahoo\u2019s Powrlink Zero power meter pedals made their debut at Rouleur\u2019s London show.<\/span><\/figcaption> Robin Wilmott \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The box also states: \u201cUsing algorithm-based metrics that go well beyond simply recording applied force, Powrlink Zero helps riders better evaluate effort through precise power output [+\/-1%], left\/right pedal balance and cadence.<\/p>\n

\u201c[With] 3-Axis individual adjustability \u2013 with independent fore-aft, left-right, and float adjustability, Powrlink Zero utilises Speedplay\u2019s innovative platform, allowing for a truly optimised fit that enhances performances through better biomechanics.\u201d<\/p>\n

Charging, which should be infrequent, is via a split USB cable, with twin ends, which can charge both pedals at the same time.<\/p>\n

Wahoo Kickr Rollr<\/h2>\n
\""Wahoo\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Wahoo\u2019s Kickr Rollr appeared at the recent Road World Championships, and was developed following a request from the UCI for a universal warm-up trainer that didn\u2019t require any bike disassembly.<\/span><\/figcaption> Robin Wilmott \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

On first appearance, Wahoo\u2019s Kickr Rollr look like half of a set of conventional rollers, but narrowed and crossed with Feedback\u2019s Omnium<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Wahoo says the UCI requested a device that would allow riders competing at World Championship events to warm up in an allocated area, without needing to disassemble their bike in any way.<\/p>\n

We don\u2019t know how many brands were asked to fulfil the brief, or how Wahoo\u2019s rollers were selected, but they were in evidence at the recent Road World Championships in Belgium.<\/p>\n

Only 30 sets currently exist, all still considered as working prototypes, and all 30 were used in Belgium, as that\u2019s the amount the UCI wishes to have available at events.<\/p>\n

The unit consists of a wide, supportive channel at the front, which is said to accept all tyres up to 2.1 inches, and two oversized rollers at the rear.<\/p>\n

\""Wahoo\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The large central rubberised rotary dial opens and tightens the jaws that clamp the front wheel in place.<\/span><\/figcaption> Robin Wilmott \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

A locking lever between them allows the telescopic main strut to be adjusted to the correct wheelbase, and then the front wheel is clamped in place.<\/p>\n

The front-wheel clamp has a hinged support with a wide stance, and two long, vertical blocks, which have a rubber inner face.<\/p>\n

These can be wound inwards and outwards by the centrally mounted chunky ball grip, to clamp or release the wheel. Therefore, mounting a bike for the first time should be possible in no more than a minute, and require no tools or technical knowledge.<\/p>\n

Wahoo\u2019s design does away with any clamping force on the frameset, instead transferring it to the front wheel. We understand that a number of wheel companies have already evaluated the system and found no cause for concern.<\/p>\n

\""Wahoo\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Kickr Rollr adjusts to a bike\u2019s wheelbase with this large lever, which also helps minimise its length for storage.<\/span><\/figcaption> Robin Wilmott \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

As for how it works, we think that it can operate without any external power source and provide around 400W of resistance from its attached flywheel, which makes sense as a warm-up device.<\/p>\n

We don\u2019t believe that the unit has any built-in power measuring capability for two reasons.<\/p>\n

Firstly, the rear wheel is only resting on the rollers, and can move from side to side, and bounce, which would reduce the accuracy of any power measurement taken there. Secondly, as we reported above, Wahoo is concurrently debuting its own power pedals.<\/p>\n

The Kickr Rollr can connect to power meters via ANT+ and Bluetooth, so will be compatible with any modern pedal or crank-based system. When connected to a power supply and WiFi, the Wahoo can operate as a smart trainer, and is likely to be able to record power up to 1,500W.<\/p>\n

\""Wahoo\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The limited ground clearance below the frame, and the four flat, wide feet rely on a perfectly flat surface. We\u2019re unsure whether adjustable feet could appear on final production models.<\/span><\/figcaption> Robin Wilmott \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

On the example displayed, the T-shaped frame the rollers are mounted to has minimal ground clearance, and four flat, broad feet at its extremities.<\/p>\n

There is currently no integrated way of levelling the trainer to compensate for uneven ground, although that could change before production begins.<\/p>\n

As far as we can tell, when not in use, the front wheel support can fold flat, and the roller unit can telescope inwards a little to reduce the overall length.<\/p>\n

Unless the rear section gains a hinge, or can be fully removed quickly to significantly shorten the trainer, it\u2019s unlikely you\u2019d employ the latter feature between uses, but we\u2019ll have to wait and see the final product.<\/p>\n

The height of the rollers and flywheel won\u2019t change, so storage for those with limited space is likely to mean sliding the Wahoo under a bed, or propping it up against a wall.<\/p>\n

We have no pricing information at present, and there\u2019s no definite launch date either. Yet, with winter, and prime indoor training season, fast approaching in Wahoo\u2019s major Northern Hemisphere markets, it\u2019s possible we could see units on sale before Christmas. Watch this space.<\/p><\/body><\/html>\n

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By Robin Wilmott Published: Tuesday, 09 November 2021 at 12:00 am Wahoo\u2019s forthcoming Powrlink Zero power pedals and Kickr Rollr smart rollers were on show at Rouleur\u2019s Live show in London last week, giving us a chance to get a first look at two completely new products from the company. Staff were unable to give […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":174,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"7"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/11\/wahoo-unveils-powrlink-zero-power-meter-pedals-and-kickr-rollr-smart-rollers-scaled.jpg",2560,1706,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/11\/wahoo-unveils-powrlink-zero-power-meter-pedals-and-kickr-rollr-smart-rollers-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/11\/wahoo-unveils-powrlink-zero-power-meter-pedals-and-kickr-rollr-smart-rollers-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/11\/wahoo-unveils-powrlink-zero-power-meter-pedals-and-kickr-rollr-smart-rollers-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/11\/wahoo-unveils-powrlink-zero-power-meter-pedals-and-kickr-rollr-smart-rollers-1024x683.jpg",800,534,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/11\/wahoo-unveils-powrlink-zero-power-meter-pedals-and-kickr-rollr-smart-rollers-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2021\/11\/wahoo-unveils-powrlink-zero-power-meter-pedals-and-kickr-rollr-smart-rollers-2048x1365.jpg",2048,1365,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Robin Wilmott Published: Tuesday, 09 November 2021 at 12:00 am Wahoo\u2019s forthcoming Powrlink Zero power pedals and Kickr Rollr smart rollers were on show at Rouleur\u2019s Live show in London last week, giving us a chance to get a first look at two completely new products from the company. Staff were unable to give…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/173"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/174"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=173"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=173"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}