Reviews

Garmin Vector 2S

Garmin launch second-generation pedal-based power meters, including single-sided system

Garmin’s original Vectors brought pedal-based power measurement to the forefront. Sure, LOOK and Polar had combined to do it first, but Garmin did it better. Sorry guys.

But, as you may have noticed, it seems the power meter market is increasing by the month and so Garmin started working on the Vector 2S almost as soon as the originals were out the door.

One of the main consequences of this – and a great one for consumers – is it means brands are having to find ways to attract people to their products and one of those ways is bringing prices down.

Now the original Vectors were a double sided system that would only work with both pedals and both pods connected. But as well as the double-sided Vector 2, Garmin also decided to release the Vector 2S, a single-sided system that costs half the price.

One of the key reasons to choose a system like Vector over something else is pedals are easily moved between bikes rather than, say, a crankset which involves distinctly more faffing around

One of the biggest changes for the second edition of the system was a total remodelling of the pedal pods. With the original Vectors, the pods slipped over the pedal axles before the pedals were installed meaning it was really, really important to torque your pedals correctly as messing it up and over torquing could crack one of the pods.

So what Garmin did was remodel the pods. Now you install the pedals first and the pods go on afterwards, hooking over the axle and tightening up with a small allen bolt. It might seem like a small step, but it has simplified installation and made the whole system a little more accessible.

The pedal pod also now comes with an LED light, which will flash in various different sequences to let you know whether it’s been installed correctly.

Price: £749.99
Website: Garmin
UK distributor: Madison

These reworked pods make the whole system a little easier to transfer between bikes. One of the key reasons to choose a system like Vector over something else is pedals are easily moved between bikes rather than, say, a crankset which involves distinctly more faffing around.

As you’ve almost certainly guessed, because the Vector 2S is single-sided power measurement it takes the left hand output and doubles it, much in the same way as, for example, Stages do now. If you do happen to have a 300-watt left leg and 100-watt right leg you might find your power is being over estimated somewhat, but for most of us that’s not a problem we’ll have to contend with.

One of the really good things about the Vector 2S is they’re upgradable too. Should you buy yourself a set of the Vector 2S pedals and later suffer a bit of buyer’s remorse thinking you should have committed to the full Vector 2, don’t worry.

Garmin now offer the ability to buy the right-hand pedal and pod separately as an upgrade kit, meaning you can have the full experience – albeit for another £549.99. You won’t save money – it’ll actually cost more – but it means you don’t have to drop £1,200 if you’re in any way unsure.