Polar And LOOK Launch The World's First Pedal-Based Power Cycling System

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. and NEVERS, France, June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Polar (www.polarusa.com), the leader in heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technology, together with LOOK, the inventor and leader in clipless pedals, announced today the launch and availability of the first clipless cycling pedals to measure cycling power output. The Polar LOOK Keo Power pedals measure an athlete's left/right balance and power output, and send the data directly to a compatible Polar cycling computer on the bike's handlebars. Sensors are integrated in the body of the pedal and the crank for maximum accuracy.

Keo Power provides instant feedback by measuring accurate power output in watts from both the left and the right pedal separately – which can be essential in correcting pedaling inefficiencies and imbalances or while recovering from an injury during training. The pedals also give information to calculate Cycling Efficiency Index value, which shows how efficiently cyclists convert their effort into power, propelling the bike forward. The value is calculated by dividing power output with total energy expenditure, which is determined by heart rate and personal data. Improvement in the value indicates improved performance economy.

"Polar and LOOK share a passion for innovation," said Tony Bass, Vice President of Sales for Polar USA. "LOOK is a brand dedicated to being the best in its category and we're confident that this collaboration and the launch of Keo Power will bring an unparalleled product and experience to ambitious cyclists who want to reach their maximum potential."

This state-of-the-art power measurement system comprises the light-weight Polar P5 power transmitters and LOOK Keo Power pedals. Easy to attach to cranks and switch between bikes, each Keo Power pedal comes with eight embedded strain gauges for extreme power measurement precision and a +/- 2 percent accuracy variance. Attached to each crank arm, two power transmitters relay the data from the sensors wirelessly to a compatible Polar cycling computer on the bike's handlebar.

The system calibrates itself automatically to zero power value before each training session. The automatic zero offset calibration ensures cyclists get the most accurate power output measurement possible. Besides displaying power output value, Keo Power pedals also measure current and average cadence in revolutions per minute, helping users find the optimal pedaling rate for their rides.

"Weighing only 170 grams per pedal, Keo Power is worth more than its minuscule weight," states Eric Vanhaverbeke, VP Sales & Marketing for LOOK. "It is the first-ever power measurement system integrated into pedals and provides maximum accuracy with minimum effort to attach and switch between bikes. Providing power output from both legs separately, Keo Power works with any wheel or crankset on the market, making it the perfect tool to improve and balance your cycling technique. We have developed this product together for more than three years and have included all LOOK savoir-faire and expertise in the Keo Power system. Like the Keo Blade, it has the widest pedaling platform for power transfer on the market. We have designed an oversized axle including eight embedded strain gauges in order to provide precise power data readings."

Keo Power is available on a limited basis.  The Keo Power pedals communicate with Polar CS600X and CS500 cycling computers through the proven W.I.N.D. protocol for disturbance-free transmission. The CS500 displays your power output and cadence. The CS600X shows left/right balance, Cycling Efficiency Index and is GPS-ready. The Polar G5 GPS sensor accessory provides 20 hours of GPS-based route mapping per one charge. Thus, compared to built-in GPS sensors, the coin cell powered CS600X will continue to work if the G5 runs out of battery – making it training-ready without the need for constant recharging.

Sets Available

Keo Power accessory set

-       2 x LOOK Keo Power pedals

-       2 x Polar P5 power transmitters

-       2 x cleats

-       Pedal installation tool

-       P5 power transmitter attachment kit

-       2 x CR2354 batteries

-       1 x 8mm Allen key

-       1 x 18mm wrench

-       2 x protection pouch

-       2 x manuals

MSRP: $2,295.00

Keo Power bundle set

-       1 x Polar CS600X cycling computer

-       2 x LOOK Keo Power pedals

-       2 x Polar P5 power transmitters

-       2 x cleats

-       Pedal installation tool

-       P5 power transmitter attachment kit

-       2 x CR2354 batteries

-       1 x 8mm Allen key

-       1 x 18mm wrench

-       2 x protection pouch

-       2 x manuals

MSRP: $2,495.00

Compatible Polar cycling computers: Polar CS600X, CS600, CS500+, CS500, and CS500 Tour de France

About Polar
Headquartered in Lake Success, NY, Polar USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Finland-based Polar Electro OY, which invented the first wireless heart rate monitor (HRM) in 1977. Polar now operates internationally in more than 80 countries and its products are sold through 35,000 retailers globally. Polar heart rate and fitness assessment technology delivers unparalleled insight into the human body from valuable training guidance and feedback, to enabling individuals to improve their fitness level and sports performance. Polar technology is key to the success of leading fitness facilities, athletic teams, corporate wellness facilities, health insurance providers and thousands of physical education programs around the world. Today, Polar training computers are the number one choice among consumers worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.polarusa.com.

About LOOK
Based in Nevers, France and created with innovations of breaking off with ski bindings and clipless pedals, LOOK Cycle is a worldwide leader in carbon fiber and pedal technology that is sought after by the world's most demanding and discerning cyclists. LOOK designed the world's first clipless pedal in 1984.

LOOK was also the first company to mass-produce carbon fiber road frames. Choosing carbon fiber as their exclusive material of choice, LOOK has developed and evolved their own manufacturing techniques, and now holds multiple patents protecting their proprietary technical innovations. Today, LOOK innovation extends beyond carbon fiber road frames and pedals to triathlon frames, track/time trial frames, mountain bike pedals, mountain bike frames, accessories and apparels. More than half of the 200 patents registered were done in the last 10 years.

To know more about LOOK and its innovative products, please visit: http://www.lookcycle.com.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE Polar USA