Quote:
Originally Posted by Hack&Lube
I want a power meter but I don't want them tied to clipless pedals. I prefer Stamp 1s on my gravel bike and I have custom 100g flat pedals for my upcoming lightweight road bike project.
Due to being hit by a car when cycling last year, my ankle was broken and I can't unclip my heels reliably nor do I feel safe clipped in any longer.
To that effect, I think my only option is getting power meter crank arms but that's going to be expensive for both a road and gravel bike. The other issue is that I haven't found a GRX 600 (Trek Checkpoint SL5) specific power meter that will have enough clearance with the frame since there less than 1cm of space. I'm going to check with the Bike Shop on Monday if they think this might work: https://www.thebikeshop.com/product/...r-389576-1.htm
All testing points to realistically no power difference between clipless and flat anyway, just a change in your technique and in some cases even faster.
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It all comes down to what kind of riding you are doing, any kind of competitive riding where you need to surge and sprint you will need clipless, the power difference was over 20% for 3 and 5 second power. Steady efforts you can get away with similar efforts power wise but I think if you are only pushing down and not able to pull up you will develop a muscle imbalance which could eventually be an issue as well.
You could also look at crank based power meters but they are pricey, is you're ankle permanently weaker now or is it just a matter of building it back up again, if you can rebuild the strength in the ankle and regain the confidence of being clipped in that would be the route I would take.
I feel less safe if I'm not clipped in, an unexpected slip off the pedal of either foot can be a disaster if you're not expecting it. I had to ride 35 km last week on a pedal that came off the spindle and it sucked.