For Shimano sponsored pro cycling teams and training cyclists of all levels that love the precision, power transfer and impressive integration of the Dura-Ace R9100 Crankset, a truly integrated power meter system has been, if not the Holy Grail, perhaps the lost golden empire of El Dorado. With the release of the second generation 11-speed R9100, Shimano finally opened the gates to complete system integration with the dual side measurement system of the R9100-P Power Crankset. The rollout was slow, and Shimano struggled to keep up with demand. As with most other new tech systems, there also a few bugs and phased-in capabilities. With firmware updates the true bugs have been addressed, and in February 2019, a firmware update fully enabled Bluetooth LE (BLE) communication, not just with a smartphone, but also with compatible computer head units and other direct connection 3rd party systems. For the record, the R9100-P communicates via ANT+ and BLE.

In case you haven't heard, Shimano is essentially an engineering company and inside the brain farm in Osaka, it was felt they could best develop and execute their own power meter, given that Pioneer and Stages had managed quite well. The Shimano system is more compact, sleeker, and in many way quite different from the others, reflecting the engineer's perspective on durability, connectivity, and battery systems. Shimano uses a driveside stay-mounted magnet to trigger power and cadence, versus the accelerometers others are using. The battery is also a rechargeable model, that lives in the spindle of the Hollowtech II crankset. Physical wiring connects the non-drive arm to the battery and in effect the right side, which has the transmitting antenna system. Shimano believes the wired system is more reliable and provides the best direct response for information transfer, rather than have two distinct side transmitters for which data is managed in the chosen head unit. The result is the left side crankarm features a slim, lightweight pod that has no known frame clearance issues. The battery has expected charge for 300 hours of use, with a 2.5 hour recharging time, from a direct magnetic connection port on the exterior of the drive side power meter pod, via USB cable. On unit LED indicators keep you informed of the charge as can the Shimano e-Tube Project App.

As stated, the R9100-P can now transmit via both ANT+ and BLE to receiving unit.s Garmin head units like the Edge 1030 that support full Garmin Cycling Dynamics analysis system will show you Left/Right power balance, torque effectiveness, and just about every compatible head unit will show the usual power metrics, cadence, and speed information you'd expect. Shimano uses an Active Temperature Compensation system, keeping the unit accurate despite climate and elevation changes. As with virtually all on bike strain gauge equipped power meters, the unit must be calibrated for Zero Offset at the start of every use period. This can be done with most head units that offer the option, as well as with the e-Tube app, which some people find simpler for this task. The app is available for both iOS and Android, and Shimano has also worked to build greater connectivity for the R9100-P via the app or computer for diagnostic and update information with the Di2 set-up as well. Firmware updates are otherwise easily handled via the app.... Read More