CycloWatt, a Swiss startup rooted in ETH Zürich, has launched a Kickstarter campaign for a cleat-based power meter, aiming to revolutionize cycling performance tracking. This innovative device measures power directly from the cleat, offering a seamless transition between bikes without the need to swap pedals or cranks. Priced at approximately €195 (CHF 179) for early backers, the campaign has garnered significant attention, surpassing its initial funding goal within hours. (rennrad-news.de)
How It Works
The CycloWatt power meter is compatible with Shimano SPD-SL and Look Keo (3-bolt road systems) cleats. It integrates a load cell, utilizing a Wheatstone bridge to measure forces up to 1,000 Newtons, combined with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) from STMicroelectronics. An STM32L4 microcontroller processes the data locally using a neural network, employing TinyML techniques. (rennrad-news.de)
Key Specifications
- Accuracy: ±3% (claimed)
- Battery Life: 48 hours of ride time
- Charging: Magnetic connector
- Connectivity: Bluetooth and ANT+
- Stack Height: +5 mm (team working on reduction)
- Replaceable Cleat Parts: CHF 15 (~€14.50)
- App Requirement: No proprietary app required
Accuracy: Claim vs. Academic Data
CycloWatt claims an accuracy of ±3%, but academic papers from the team indicate a different picture. In controlled indoor tests, the average absolute error (MAE) was 12.29 Watts (4.1%), and outdoors, it increased to 15.32 Watts (5.1%). The model was trained against Stages Cycling R7000 crank-based power meters. (rennrad-news.de)
In comparison, established pedal-based power meters like the Favero Assioma Duo (±1%, around €500–€600) and the Garmin Rally 210 (±1%, around €930) offer significantly higher precision. A crank-based option like the 4iiii Precision 3 (±1%, starting at €300) is also more accurate, though less easily transferable between bikes. (rennrad-news.de)
For recreational riders and basic training, a 4–5% error may be acceptable. However, for those training with structured intervals based on wattage, this discrepancy could be significant.
Stack Height: 5 mm Is Not a Detail
The current version adds 5 mm to the distance between the shoe and pedal. While this may seem minor, it affects bike fit, knee angle, and pedal contact feel. Co-founder Levi Luder mentioned that the team aims to reduce the stack height before delivery. “We believe that we can conclude the development and final test by the end of May, since feedback has been very positive,” Luder told road.cc. (rennrad-news.de)
Crowdfunding and Power Meters: A Loaded Combination
The history of crowdfunded power meters includes several failures. For example, iQsquare (IQ²) launched a pedal-adapter power meter in 2018 for €149 and raised nearly €3 million via crowdfunding. During mass production, the design exhibited irreparable measurement errors due to screw threads. The company switched to a completely different pedal design, missed years of delivery dates, and eventually closed in 2025. Backers were left without products and funds. (rennrad-news.de)
Similarly, Brim Brothers raised £160,000 in 2016 for a cleat-based system, the same concept as CycloWatt. The company ceased operations that same year without delivering a single product. (rennrad-news.de)
Kickstarter itself explicitly warns: “Kickstarter is not a store. The risk will never be fully eliminated.”
This does not mean CycloWatt will face the same fate. The team has academic publications, a working prototype, and a solid technical foundation from ETH Zürich. However, the transition from prototype to mass production is where hardware startups often encounter challenges. According to hardware consultant John Teel of Predictable Designs: “Entrepreneurs tend to completely neglect the complexity, cost, and time needed to scale their product from a prototype to mass manufacturing.” (rennrad-news.de)
What Should Backers Look Out For?
- Independent validation of accuracy by a third party
- Concrete production plan and delivery date
- Waterproofing of the magnetic charging port
- Whether the stack height actually decreases before delivery
- Refund policy if the project is delayed
Ray Maker (DC Rainmaker) succinctly summarized crowdfunded power meters: “Unless I can touch and feel it in my hands, it’s not real. Same goes for data too, if I can’t see actual data with my own eyes… it’s probably not baked yet.” (rennrad-news.de)
The CycloWatt Kickstarter campaign runs until March 31, 2026. More information is available on Kickstarter.