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Left/Right Power Measurement

Initially introduced around 2015, left/right power measurement has quickly become one of the most sought-after power meter features. Power meters with left vs. right power measurement are not only able to calculate your total force, but also determine how much power is being generated from each leg. Pretty cool right! However, we’ve found there is some confusion surrounding this feature. For example, there are different types of dual-sided power meters such as actual vs. estimated as well as some common misconceptions about how to determine and analyze this data. This article aims to sort through some of this. Let’s get started!

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Dual-Sided Power Meters

When power meters were first introduced, there were really only two types of power meters: spider-based and hub-based. Spider-based units (SRM for example), use strain gauges located in the crank spider to measure power. Likewise, hub-based units used strain gauges located in the rear hub. Both of these power meter types measure the power that is generated by both legs and display your total power.

However, with the advent of pedal-based power meters around 2016, we saw a new feature. Some companies decided to locate a sensor in each pedal. With sensors in the pedals, these power meters are able to determine exactly how many watts your left leg is responsible for and how many your right. This is referred to as left/right power measurement or dual-sided power.

You see, power starts at the pedals. It travels up the crank arms where it meets at the crank. Then it passes down the chain to the hub. So back to our first example: if you are measuring power at the crank, the force from both legs has already consolidated – so you cannot determine left vs. right leg. Same with the hub. But if your power meter has two, independent sets of power sensors, one on each side of the drivetrain, it can then determine your left and right leg power.

 

Dual-Sided Pedals vs. Crank Arms

As previously mentioned, this can be accomplished through dual-sided power meter pedals. Take the Favero Assioma DUO Pedals for example. These pedals contain strain gauges in both the left and right pedal which allows them to measure power from both legs. However another method for measuring actual left/right power is through dual-sided crank arm-based power meters. Take the 4iiii PRECISION PRO Ultegra R8100 Dual-Sided Crankset for example. 4iiii locates a power sensor on each crank arm. Two power sensors = true left/right power.

Stages Cycling also measures left/right power on its complete cranksets by locating sensors on both crank arms. ROTOR takes a slightly different approach with its 2INpower SL Road Power Meter. ROTOR locates one power sensor in the axle (which is responsible for measuring left leg power), and one power sensor on the right crank arm (for right leg power). Again, two power sensors so you have true L/R power.

 

Actual vs. Estimated L/R Power Measurement

What we just described is also referred to as actual or independent L/R power. That is, the power meter is measuring the exact wattage from each leg. However, there is also the concept of estimated left/right power. With estimated L/R power, the power meter provides left vs. right leg power, but it’s not exact, rather an estimate.

Take power2max power meters and Quarq power meters for example. These manufacturers measure power at the crank spider. But we just told you that one sensor, located in the spider (like the SRM), can’t tell how much of your power is coming from each leg, right? Well, it can’t exactly. But with the right software, it can get pretty close by making some relatively simple assumptions.

In order to determine estimated L/R power, power2max and Quarq essentially “credits” the power that is being generated at any point in time to either your right or left leg based on where in the pedal stroke you are at. If that sounds complicated it’s really not. The power meter takes power from your left and right down strokes only, and ignores the up stroke. So during your left down stroke, it credits the power to your left leg. Likewise, during your right down stroke, it credits the power to your right leg. Since the majority of your power comes from the down stroke, it can estimate the power distribution fairly closely using this method.

 

Breakdown of Dual-Sided Power Measurement by Manufacturer

Here is a breakdown of which power meters can measure left/right power:

Actual Dual-Sided Power

Black 4iiii Logo.
Favero Logo
Garmin Power Meter Pedals
Image of LOOK Logo
Wahoo Power Meters logo for home page
Image of ROTOR logo
Stages Power Meters
Shimano Power Meters logo for home page

Estimated Dual-Sided Power

Orange and black Magene Logo.
Blue Sigeyi Logo.
SRM Power Meters logo for home page
Power2Max Power Meter
Quarq Power Meters logo for home page
Black XCADEY logo with red period.

 

Our Thoughts on Left/Right Power Measurement

Ok, so the advantages to left/right power are obvious enough. You have all the workings of a complete power meter, plus the added benefit of independent left/right power data. Not only is having this data fun (let’s be honest!), but if you can figure out how to benefit from this additional data, you can become a stronger, faster rider.

However therein lies the rub. The jury is still out regarding to what extent you can really benefit from knowing your left/right power balance. For example, say your balance is 48/52. Great, now what? Most cyclists have a dominate leg so a power balance such as this is pretty normal. Would it be beneficial to try to strengthen one leg in relation to the other…probably not. I would argue this balance is perfectly fine and your goal should be to improve your overall fitness. In fact, we’ve seen larger imbalances then this from some pretty strong riders. (However, if you see an imbalance such as 60/40 – this is probably worth looking into!)

Where left/right power balance can be particularly helpful is if you’re recovering from an injury. In that case, using a dual-sided power meter to monitor the progress of a weak leg can be very helpful.

On more thing…

Lastly, for the sake of completeness, when purchasing a power meter capable of left/right data, you should realize that your risk of problems increases (at least in theory) since you will have multiple power sensors on your bike. (Note however that we have had great success with all the left/right power meters we sell – so we view this risk as fairly small). In addition, left/right power meters can be heavier as they contain two power sensors and two batteries. But we’re talking just a few additional grams here so we don’t think it’s anything to get hung up on.

 

Analyzing Your Left/Right Power Data

Determining your real left/right power distribution isn’t as simple as taking your average left/right power balance from your last ride to the coffee shop. Your power distribution can fluctuate based on a number of factors including seated vs. standing; pushing hard vs. taking it easy; fresh vs. fatigued; high vs. low cadence and more. You need to perform some proper tests in order to gain a clear understanding of your left/right power distribution across these different variables. Once you have the data, if you feel you have imbalance that’s worthy of addressing, it’s time to crunch some numbers and put together a plan to address any weaknesses.

 

Coach to the Rescue!

We often talk about the reasons to hire a coach and how important they can be. The value they can provide, especially when training with power, can be substantial. Helping you make sense of your left/right data is yet another example of how they can help. We would note however, if searching for a coach, make sure they have some experience in this field. Some coaches will be more versed in this area than others.

Josh Matthew

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2 Comments

  1. CK

    Hi Powermetercity,

    I have questions.

    Is SRAM Dub Quarq Four a dual-sided power meter? Does it provide left / right leg power analysis? Is there any online website which can process the power data to provide left / right leg power analysis?

    1. Power Meter City

      Hi CK. Thanks for this great question. It provides left/right power balance. As long as you are using the power meter with a bike computer capable of displaying L/R power, you will see it on your head unit in real-time. Thank you!

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