Validity and Reliability of the Garmin Vector Power Meter in Laboratory and Field Cycling

Abstract

To assess the validity and reliability of the Garmin Vector against the SRM power meter, 6 cyclists completed 3 continuous trials at power outputs from 100-300 W at 50-90 rev·min and a 5-min time trial in laboratory and field conditions. In field conditions only, a 30-s sprint was performed. Data were compared with paired samples t-tests, with the 95% limits of agreement (LoA) and the typical error. Reliability was calculated as the coefficient of variation (CV). There was no significant difference between the devices in power output in laboratory (p=0.245) and field conditions (p=0.312). 1-s peak power was significantly different between the devices (p=0.043). The LoA were ~1.0±5.0 W and ~0.5±0.5 rev·min in both conditions. The LoA during the 30-s sprint was 6.3±38.9 W and for 1-s peak power it was 18.8±17.1 W. The typical error for power output was 2.9%, while during sprint cycling it was 7.4% for 30-s and 2.7% for 1-s peak power. For cadence, the typical error was below 1.0%. The mean CVs were ~1.0% and ~3.0% for the SRM and Garmin, respectively. These findings suggest, that the Garmin Vector is a valid alternative for training. However, during sprint cycling there is lower agreement with the SRM power meter. Both devices provide good reliability (CV<3.0%).

The reliability and accuracy of the Garmin Vector 3 power pedals

“…The results of this study are comparable to studies published using earlier versions of the Garmin Vector pedals with a CV of 2.0% for the V1 pedals reported between 150 W and 350 W. 7 Additionally, these results are similar to the reported CV of ∼3.0% of the V2 pedals when tested between 100 W and 300 W. 8 The results of the present study are also comparable to other pedal-based systems with a CV of <6.3% observed for the PowerTap P1 pedals when tested at sub-maximal power outputs and during all-out sprinting. 11 Additionally, the TEM of 75.8 W observed during all-out sprinting is similar to the PowerTap P1 pedals (75.1 W).…”

“…6 In contrast, studies suggested that the second version of the Garmin Vector pedals (V2) are comparable to the SRM Powermeter, with no significant difference in power output during sub-maximal cycling observed; however, significant differences were seen during sprint cycling. 8 The P1 pedals have also been reported to demonstrate excellent levels of agreement when compared to a Wattbike Pro cycle ergometer during a 16.1 km time-trial, with an intra-class correlation of >0.8. 9 Both the V2 and P1 pedals have demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability during sub-maximal cycling.…”

“…11 Similarly, the V2 pedals have been reported as reliable between 100–300 W when compared to the SRM Powermeter (CV = ∼3.0%). 8 Garmin has recently released the third version of the Vector power pedals (V3), but to date, it has not been established if these are reliable or accurate. Therefore, the aim of this study was to 1) investigate the test-retest reliability of the V3 pedals, and 2) compare power output and cadence between the V3 pedals and the Lode Excalibur Sport ergometer.…”

The Application of Critical Power, the Work Capacity above Critical Power (W′), and Its Reconstitution: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence and Implications for Cycling Training Prescription

“…Instead, they were either relying on an estimate based on body mass [ 48 , 82 ] for untrained participants, or the subjective examination of training data from trained participants [ 45 ]. It is noteworthy that readily available commercial power meters are now commonplace amongst trained cyclists with many systems being validated against laboratory ergometers [ 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 ], and as such careful examination of recent training and race history should provide estimates of CP and preferred cadence at least as valid as the 50% delta between GET and 2max derived from preliminary tests [ 12 , 67 ].…”

Within- and between-session reliability of a pedal force system for power output and pedal force effectiveness measurements

“…Although instrumented pedals have been used in biomechanics laboratories for many years [3][4][5][6], their availability as commercial products is more recent. These commercial systems have shown to be accurate in comparison with the SRM power meter, often used as a gold standard [7][8][9][10][11][12].…”