New Garmin Edge 1030 and Vector 3/3S pedal-based power meter – Bike Magazine Australia

Garmin has released two new products designed to help cyclists get the most out of their rides. The Edge 1030 computer provides a range of updated and enhanced features in a slim, newly designed package.

In addition, Garmin has developed a completely redesigned power meter, the Vector 3/3S, which is a dual-sensing, pedal-mounted system. 

Image courtesy of Garmin 

The Vector 3/3S, Garmin’s new pedal-mounted power meter, departs from Garmin’s previous pod design. It installs like any other pedal, which makes it easy to transfer between bikes – as long as your shoes and pedals are compatible with a three-bolt road cleat. Its improved stack height gives the Vector 3/3S better ergonomics and pedalling efficiency, and improved cornering clearance compared to the Vector 2/2S

Because the Vector 3/3S is housed in the pedals, it is a direct-measurement power meter, which should provide reliable, accurate data. Garmin’s new device measures total power, left-right balance, and cadence. The left-right balance is especially useful for improving pedalling efficiency. A lower-priced single-sensor version, the Vector 3S, reports cadence and total power.

The Vector 3/3S also tracks the amount of time cyclists spend seated versus standing, which should help riders better gauge their climbing efforts. The Platform Center Offset function shows where cyclists are applying pressure to the pedal. This should help riders optimise cleat position for power transfer.

Garmin says the Vector 3/3S has a battery life of up to 120 hours, and integrates with the the rest of Garmin’s cycling ecosystem, and is both ANT+ and bluetooth-compatible for integration with your favorite training apps. 

Image courtesy of Garmin 

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