The Vector power meter pedal is finally here.

On Wednesday, Garmin announced that it's highly anticipated - but much delayed - Vector power meter pedal was finally ready for its prime time debut.

Garmin calls the new device a "lightweight direct measurement power meter, designed for quick installation, portability, and ease-of-use. Taking only minutes to install, Vector provides accurate and reliable power data and uniquely measures and presents right and left leg power balance to ANT+ compatible head units."

The LOOK Keo compatible composite pedals use eight strain gauges in both spindles to measure power, has stainless steel wearplates, and its ANT+ wireless pedal pod transmitters fit most cranksets. It is available now at independent bike dealers across the U.S. and will have a suggested retail price of $1,700.

Vector works by measuring the normal deflection in the pedal spindle as you pedal, throughout your entire pedal stroke. By comparing the measured deflection to a factory-calibrated deflection caused by a known load, Vector can determine how much force you're applying to the pedal.

With force measurements, the cadence measurements from Vector's integrated accelerometers, and time, Vector calculates watts. The force sensors are sealed within the pedal spindle, one of the most robust components on the bike.

Here is an unboxing video that details the various parts and features:



For users already using a Garmin Edge 810/800, Edge 510/500 cycling computer or a Forerunner 910XT, integration is easy. Not only will the Edge display total power, left and right leg power, and cadence, it will also display in real-time the widely adopted power metrics from TrainingPeaks: Normalized Power (NP), Intensity Factor (IF) and Training Stress Score (TSS).

But before you run out and buy one, you'll need to make sure Vector will fit your bike. This video goes through those steps:



This video explains that calibration is recommended before each ride:





Click here
to see more Vector educational videos. Here's a further rundown of highlights straight from PR minds at Garmin:

For many cycling enthusiasts, purchasing a power meter is an intimidating and potentially complicated process, often involving mechanical tradeoffs for their bikes. Vector simplifies the process. Cyclists can now walk into their local bike shop, walk out with a Vector power meter in hand, and install it themselves in minutes. There's no need for a custom order process, no need for a mechanic, and no downtime while their bike is in the shop.

With integrated cadence measurement, there are no external sensors to install, and initial set-up is made easy with a Garmin Edge head unit. Vector's easy-to-install design makes it easy to swap between bikes, and easy to take to out-of-town events when renting or borrowing a bike. Vector has also been designed to be easy to update as software enhancements are made, thanks to its ANT+ wireless technology and the Vector Updater application.

Vector delivers an objective, repeatable value for training and assessing performance - watts, the rate of energy produced by the cyclist. It is an invaluable tool in helping racers and enthusiasts understand strengths and weaknesses in order to train more effectively and get stronger and faster on the bike.