Wahoo Powerlink pedals add another point of connection to the Wahoo Eco-System, this time with power meters built into the Speedplay style pedals and full integration with Wahoo computers and training software.
The combined forces of Wahoo’s proven power algorithms and SPEEDPLAY’s advanced features set POWRLINK ZERO power pedals a cut above the competition. By capturing total power, left-right balance and cadence, POWRLINK ZERO DUAL delivers all the actionable data required to generate performance improvements. Pair with the full Wahoo Ecosystem of smart devices to track, analyse and share your breakthrough gains.
Wahoo packaging is like opening a new mobile phone or laptop
Alastair Hamilton PEZ sez: There is a lot to say about these pedals, so here goes:
First, let me say that I have always used LOOK clipless pedals, since Bernard Hinault (yes, I am that old!) won the 1985 Tour de France using Look pedals. As to having a power meter on the bike, this is a first. Obviously I have power indoors on Zwift and that got me interested in comparing indoor and outdoor power difference. You could say I’m a Wahoo/Speedplay and power virgin.
Solid
The Wahoo/Speedplay pedal system
Many people have told me to try Wahoo (Speedplay were acquired by Wahoo in September 2019) pedals, including PEZmen Chuck Peña (you can read Chuck’s Wahoo Powerlink ‘First Spin’ review from Feb 2022 HERE) and Leslie Reissner, both of who have been using them for a long time. My first impression was how light and simple the pedals are, but of course the cleats are heavier and more complicated than other cleats. Setting up the cleats is more complicated, especially if you have never done this before. I did need to take a small screwdriver with me on every early ride to make small adjustments. This is probably the best and worst part of the system, you have so much choice with adjustment. This great if you have a problem with an injury or some form of physical imbalance. Personally I need more float on my left foot than the right. My right foot can be set at 0º float, or close to it, but my left needs around 5º float. This is the big advantage of the Wahoo system, but until you find the correct position and float setting, they are a bit of a ‘fiddle’. My added problem was that I had three pairs of shoes to test.
Standard and easy cleats
There are two cleats available; standard and easy tension. The Power Link pedals come with the standard cleats and if, like me, you have never used them, they are near impossible to engage with the pedals. The best piece of advice I received was to ‘think of stubbing out a cigarette on the ground with your foot’ when getting into the pedals. It worked for me. Buying a set of the easy tension cleats also helped, as once I got used to them, I was able to use the standard cleats. Also it is important to lower your saddle if you are coming from LOOK or Shimano, I found it was about a 4mm drop. I also didn’t need to move the cleats any further out from the crank for the ‘power pod’, you might. The Wahoo/Speedplay system is good once you get used to it and work out the cleat placement, once you have that dialled in, you forget you are riding something different.
Neat
The pedals themselves are solid and hard wearing with very smooth bearings and after around four months use, they were still like new. The cleats I have walked very short distances and there is no wear on the working parts as they are recessed, but there are signs of wear on the plastic, as you would expect.
Not a bad weight for double power meters
The power meter
I’m not training for anything special, I get out when I can, which isn’t enough, but one thing I have learnt from Zwift is keeping an eye on the power and checking the average after a ride to check to confirm how unfit I am. Seriously, the left/right average % is good to know, seems my right leg does 4% more than my left, not a surprise as the left foot never feels comfortable. Then there are the all-important power zones to keep track of how you are actually training.
I have just touched on the use of a power meter, or we would be here all day. If you are training seriously and/or have a coach to refine what you are doing, then you probably need a power meter of some kind. The advantage of power pedals are that you can easily swap them from one bike to another. Talking of which, fitting the Wahoo power pedals is as easy as putting any set of pedals on your bike. All you need is a big allen key (8mm) and there is no complicated calibration. You need to pair and save your pedals (sensor) on the Wahoo app and on your head unit. To calibrate you go to the power pedals on your Wahoo head unit and at the bottom left is says ‘calibrate’, one click and the torque is at 0.
All the facts are there
Recharging is easy with the two clip-on chargers. Over 75 hours of use, so in my case I’ve only charged them once.
Recharging is easy
Overall thoughts: It is a big step to change you pedal system, but the Wahoo/Speedplay system has all the foot adjustability that your present pedals have and more. Once I had them set-up properly and mastered the clicking-in (out is easy), I’ve had no regrets. Knowing your power is very useful, if you know what to look for, but there is a ton of knowledge out there and easy to find, or talk to a coach. Do you NEED a power meter? Maybe not, but it is more numbers to keep you interested and another tool to monitor your ‘training’ improvement, or in my case, my downward spiral into decrepitude.
Where the the cleat clips into
Features:
+/- 1% Power Accuracy
Lab tested accuracy that provides a precise power measurement for all training efforts.
Dual-Sided Power Metrics
Track, analyse and improve your performance with POWRLINK ZERO’s dual-sided power metrics: total power, cadence and left/right balance. In capturing all three metrics, our sports-science based approach not only monitors power output, but also gives the rider insight to optimise pedal symmetry for a more efficient pedal stroke.
Total Power
Whether crushing watts on the road or the trainer, POWRLINK ZERO’s left and right sensors deliver total power, the most accurate representation of your overall output.
Left/Right Balance
The dual-sided sensors in the POWRLINK ZERO power pedals enable them to provide left and right power percentage data to give you insight and understanding into your power distribution. Whether coming back from injury or trying to improve your pedal stroke efficiency, this data is invaluable for measuring improvements.
Cadence
With its internal gyroscope, POWRLINK ZERO reports out cadence data to help you identify your sweet spot effort and power output.
Easy App Set-Up
Our simple and intuitive Wahoo Fitness app offers guided instructions on how to install POWRLINK ZEROs on any bike, calibrate the pedals for accuracy, and perform firmware updates.
Wahoo Ecosystem Compatible
Pair POWRLINK ZEROs power meter pedals with the rest of the Wahoo Ecosystem for the most connected training experience.
Dual-Band ANT+ and Bluetooth Technology
POWRLINK ZERO can simultaneously connect to three Bluetooth devices while broadcasting to an unlimited number of ANT+ devices.
Enhanced Walkability
The slim profile cleat and rubber texture create enhanced stability when walking in your road shoes off the bike.
Integrated Profile
POWRLINK ZERO and the SPEEDPLAY create a secure connection and a streamlined profile. The two form a seamless integration that aids power transfer and increases aerodynamics.
3-Axis Adjustability
The cleat can be positioned on the bottom of the shoe and adjusted fore-aft, left-right and rotationally, allowing between 0-15 degrees of float.
Rotational Free Float
POWRLINK ZERO provides up to 15 degrees of float, allowing the heel to pivot around the centre of the pedal. This range of motion in the foot, lower leg and knee increases comfort and enhances pedal efficiency.
Superior Cornering Clearance
We’ve adapted the best-in-class corner clearance of
SPEEDPLAY Advanced Pedal System
into POWRLINK ZERO. This pedal and cleat integration allows for a large degree of lean on the bike when riding tight corners. Pedal with confidence knowing your pedal won’t strike the ground and leave the competition in the dust.
Exceptional Durability
POWRLINK ZERO pedals offer uncompromised durability and minimal maintenance thanks to their stainless steel construction and triple-sealed bearing system.
Temperature Compensation
POWRLINK ZERO is tested and proven to provide accurate power data across changing temperatures that you are sure to encounter while riding.
Rechargeable Battery
Powered by a rechargeable lithium battery, POWRLINK ZERO power pedals have a battery life with up to 75 hours.
Standard Tension Cleat
POWRLINK ZERO pedals include a set of Standard Tension Cleats and cleat surrounds for an aerodynamic profile and walkable system.
Easy Tension Cleat
Looking for even easier unclipping? POWRLINK ZERO is compatible with our
Easy Tension Cleat
which can be purchased separately.
Tech Specs:
Physical Dimensions: 9 x 4cm
Country of Origin: Vietnam
Weight: 276g per pair
Stack Height: 13mm (3 hole)
Q Factor: 55mm
Body Material: Grivory
Spindle Material: Stainless Steel
Bearing Type: Triple Sealed Cartridge & Needle Bearings
Cornering Clearance: 39°
Cleats: Standard Tension Included (Easy Tension Compatible)
Release Angle: Micro Adjustable from 0° to 7.5°
Pedal Float: Adjustable from 0° to 15°
Cleat Fore-Aft Adjustability: Up to 13mm
Cleat Left-Right Adjustability: Up to 6mm
Walkable Cleat: Yes (adaptor included)
Battery Life: Up to 75 hours
Connectivity: ANT+, Bluetooth
Max Rider Weight: 250lbs
Very slim
Buy the POWERLINK ZERO Pedals at the WAHOO site here and PEZ will earn a small commission to help support this site.
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