Measure Where it Matters — Garmin Vector

We are more than thrilled today to announce the availability of the highly anticipated Vector – a high-precision
pedal-based power meter – designed for cyclists, by cyclists. Vector is a lightweight
direct measurement power meter, designed for quick installation, portability,
and ease-of-use. Taking only minutes to install, Vector provides accurate and
reliable power data and uniquely measures and presents right and left leg power
balance to ANT+ compatible head units. Vector is available immediately and will
be prominently displayed at Eurobike, Interbike and the Ironman World Championships
in Kona, HI.

“We are
grateful for the understanding of cyclists who have followed Vector’s progress
and allowed us to ensure that Vector exceeds industry standards,” said Dan
Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “We are thrilled to share
Vector with the world and allow cyclists to see first hand the richness in data
and capabilities that come from the combination of our location of measurement
– the pedals – and Vector’s sensor design. From picking it up at your local
bike shop and installing at home in minutes, to giving you accurate and
reliable total and independent leg power measurements, Vector becomes one of
the most desirable solutions in the cycling market.” Bartel continued.

Quick and easy: For many cycling
enthusiasts, purchasing a power meter is an intimidating and potentially
complicated process, often involving mechanical tradeoffs for their bikes.
Vector simplifies the decisions and the process. Cyclists can now walk into
their local bike shop, walk out with a Vector power meter in hand, and install
it themselves in minutes. There’s no need for a custom order process, no need
for a mechanic, and no downtime while their bike is in the shop. With
integrated cadence measurement, there are no external sensors to install, and
initial set-up is made easy with an Edge® head unit. Vector’s easy-to-install
design makes it easy to swap between bikes, and easy to take to out-of-town
events when renting or borrowing a bike. Vector’s light weight and durable
composite pedals are LOOK Keo compatible, have a stainless steel wearplate, and
its ANT+ wireless pedal pod transmitters fit most major cranksets. Vector has
also been designed to be easy to update as software enhancements are made,
thanks to its ANT+ wireless technology and the Vector Updater application.

Wizardry behind the watts: Vector
delivers an objective, repeatable value for training and assessing performance
– watts, the rate of energy produced by the cyclist.  It is an invaluable
tool in helping racers and enthusiasts understand strengths and weaknesses in
order to train more effectively and get stronger and faster on the bike. Due
to these benefits, professional cyclists were early adopters of power meters,
and today nearly the entire pro peloton trains or races with power meters. Vector
works by measuring the normal deflection in the pedal spindle as you pedal,
throughout your entire pedal stroke. By comparing the measured deflection to a
factory-calibrated deflection caused by a known load, Vector can determine how
much force you’re applying to the pedal. With force measurements, the cadence
measurements from Vector’s integrated accelerometers, and time, Vector
accurately calculates watts. The force sensors are permanently and securely
sealed within the pedal spindle, one of the most robust components on the bike.

Get an ‘Edge’ on the competition: For
users already using a Garmin Edge 810/800, Edge 510/500 cycling computer or a
Forerunner® 910XT, adding a Vector power meter will take their training to the
next level. Not only will the Edge display total power, left and right leg
power, and cadence, it will also display in real-time the widely adopted power metrics from
TrainingPeaks: Normalized Power (NP ), Intensity Factor (IF ) and Training
Stress Score (TSS ).

“Team Garmin-Sharp is excited about
the availability of Vector and the potential it gives us to measure our
training and performance,” said Robby Ketchell, Director of Sport Science,
Garmin-Sharp Professional Cycling Team. “The data Vector supplies will
give us more opportunities to analyze information and provide guidance to our
riders.”

Complete the suite: For post-ride analysis,
mapping, course and workout creating and detailed power metrics, Garmin Connect is a tool for every level of cyclist. With over 3 billion miles
logged, users will never be stuck without a new route to explore. At Garmin
Connect, cyclists can explore other users’ workouts and send them directly to
compatible Garmin fitness products to follow. Having all of their cycling
electronics and analysis from one brand means they can trust the equipment, the
user experience and the support.

Vector is available immediately from independent
bike dealers and will have a suggested retail price of $1,699.99.

The post Measure Where it Matters — Garmin Vector appeared first on Garmin Blog.