Q36.5 & SRM Drop a Bombshell: New Pedal Prioritizes Biomechanics Over Data in Road Cycling
The world of high-performance road cycling just got a shake-up. Q36.5 and SRM, two names synonymous with innovation and precision, have announced a collaborative project that’s turning conventional wisdom on its head: a sensorless pedal designed to radically reduce stack height and, they claim, unlock more efficient power transfer. This isn’t about watts; it’s about how you apply them. This is breaking news for serious cyclists and a fascinating development for the industry.
The Pursuit of the Perfect Pedal Stroke: A Mechanical Approach
For years, the cycling industry has been obsessed with data – power meters, cadence sensors, torque analysis. But Q36.5 founder Luigi Bergamo, after extensive field testing combining thin shoe soles with specialized cleat systems, noticed something intriguing: a smoother, more direct connection between foot and pedal translated to a more efficient pedal stroke. He approached SRM’s Ulrich Schoberer, the pioneer behind the first commercially available power meter, with a challenge – to build a pedal that minimized the distance between foot and axle. The result? A prototype that deliberately eschews sensors altogether.
“It’s a bit of a paradox, coming from SRM,” admits a source close to the project. “But the core idea is to optimize the biomechanics first. If you get the foundation right, the power will follow.” This isn’t to say power measurement is irrelevant; it’s simply that Q36.5 and SRM believe they’ve found a way to improve performance by focusing on the physical connection, rather than relying solely on electronic feedback.
Exclusive Compatibility: A System Designed as One
This isn’t a drop-in replacement for your existing pedals. The Q36.5/SRM system is designed as a complete, integrated solution, exclusively compatible with Q36.5 Unique Pro shoes. The wedge, crucial to achieving the reduced stack height, is seamlessly integrated into the shoe sole, eliminating any external attachments. This means riders committed to the system will need to invest in both new pedals and new shoes. While this limits compatibility with popular standards like Look, Shimano, and Speedplay, it allows for a level of precision and integration that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
Evergreen Insight: The concept of integrated shoe-pedal systems isn’t new. Historically, cyclists have experimented with various methods to lower stack height, from custom-milled shoe soles to specialized cleat shims. However, this collaboration represents the first time a major player like SRM has fully embraced a purely mechanical approach to optimizing pedal stroke biomechanics. This highlights a growing trend within the cycling world: a re-evaluation of the role of technology versus fundamental biomechanical principles.
Stack Height Showdown: Leading the Charge
Current high-end road pedals typically range between 8 and 12mm in stack height. Speedplay pedals hover around 8.5 to 11.5mm, while Ekoï’s PW8 system claims 8mm, also requiring specific shoes. Q36.5 and SRM are aiming to undercut them all, with initial estimates suggesting a stack height reduction of over 8mm compared to existing systems. While precise figures remain under wraps, this could position the new pedal as the lowest-stack option on the market.
Practical Tip: Stack height isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing pedals. Cleat float, pedal weight, and durability are also important. However, for cyclists seeking maximum power transfer and a more direct feel, minimizing stack height is a crucial step.
Looking Ahead: December 2025 Launch and Beyond
The Q36.5/SRM pedal is slated for release in December 2025. Until then, details regarding weight, pricing, and distribution remain confidential. However, the anticipation is already building within the cycling community. This innovative approach challenges the status quo and forces us to reconsider what truly drives performance on the bike. It’s a bold move, and one that could very well redefine the future of road cycling. The industry will be watching closely to see if this sensorless revolution lives up to the hype.
This collaboration isn’t just about a new pedal; it’s about a new philosophy. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most significant gains come not from adding more technology, but from refining the fundamentals. And for cyclists dedicated to squeezing every last watt out of their legs, that’s a message worth paying attention to. Stay tuned to Archyde for further updates and in-depth analysis as we get closer to the December 2025 launch.
