- Shimano launched their first ever powermeter
back in July 2016. There had been a few rumours
as to its existence before then,
so it wasn't a total surprise, but
there is still an element of mystery surrounding it
because no one's really got their hands on it yet.
Until now.
Yeah.
Seriously, look.
There it is.
The Shimano R9100-P.
Fairly discreet little unit, isn't it?
(smooth jazz music)
Now that tiny black box there
transmits our power data and it also acts as a recharging
port, but everything else is completely sealed internally.
Even the battery, which lives in the crank spindle
and needs charging up every 300 hours or so.
And that sealling was, apparently, really important
to Shimano when they set out to create this powermeter.
Reliability, robustness, along with accuracy,
were absolutely top of their list of priorities.
But when we say that everything is sealed inside,
what exactly do we mean?
What is everything?
Well, there is both left and right-hand crank measurements,
so each crank houses strain gauges.
And then they're connected together
via a wire running internally, and also in the middle
of that spindle, where the battery lives as well.
Now, all in, the powermeter adds
just 70 grammes
to the standard Dura-Ace chain set.
(smooth jazz music)
The R9100-P transmits your power data via ANT+.
It does have Bluetooth smart already built in, actually,
but that's currently just for firmware updates.
And it's not a total surprise that Shimano have gone
with ANT+ as their primary transmitting protocol,
seeing as the Di2 group set already uses ANT+
to allow you to control your Garmin head unit,
for example, remotely using extra shift buttons.
But, although you do need a third-party head unit
at the moment, Shimano aren't producing one,
but they are, currently, producing a smart phone app,
apparently, so maybe that will take advantage of that
Bluetooth connectivity.
Exactly the way that they're collecting the data
from your cranks, they're being a little bit cagey about.
Apparently, it's entirely their own technology
and so while they're not letting us see inside,
we can glean one or two bits of information
from the external side.
We know there are left and right
hand crank based strain gauges.
You can see the little pads on the back of the cranks there.
And we also know that there is a cadence sensor
that very neatly fits just on the chain stay there.
So, no accelerometers, presumably, inside.
What we do know is that Shimano have said it's accurate
to just plus or minus 2%
and that however they are collecting the data
is unaffected by your choice of chainring.
So you're able to swap rings out without needing
to send the unit back for a factory reset
or any kind of recalibration.
We could probably do with actually going out and collecting some
data to have a look at then so,
you'll forgive me if I just take the opportunity
to go for a little bike ride.
But before we do, there is one process that needs to be
performed before every ride and that is to zero it.
So, you simply put the cranks in the six o'clock position
and then push the little button
on there
until it flashes blue.
There we go.
Now if you're familiar with powermeters, you'll probably
know how comforting this little pre-ride ritual is
to ensure they're actually zero'ing your powermeter
gives you completely accurate data.
Although, if you haven't I guess it might seem like
a slight inconvenience.
But believe me, it is something that you actually
probably learn to enjoy.
(smooth jazz music)
Well here is the data from today's ride.
Unfortunately, I haven't exactly broken any power records
but I'm pretty sure I can't blame the powermeter for that.
Or rather, I am sure
that I cannot blame the powermeter for that.
But, nevertheless, it is always enjoyable dissecting
numbers post-ride, even if they're not very good.
Because at least then you know
what you have to work on.
Right, well, if you would like more information
on the new Dura-Ace group set,
or need more tech, full stop, here on GCN, then your
first port of call should be the globe,
because when you hit that, you will subscribe to the channel
and it is completely free.
We've got loads of cool videos coming up for you soon.
But, if you want more information on the Dura-Ace Group Set
now, then if you click just up there, you get to see our
first look when it was released back in June 2016
and that includes this powermeter.
Or click just down there and you've got first ride
of the electronic and hydraulic Dura-Ace Group Set.
And that's just here.