BOLZANO – Q36.5 and SRM shape an innovative pedal system which is based on three elements: pedal, cleat and shoe.
Revolutionary because exponentially reduces the distance between the sole and the pedal axle, like never before. Innovative and efficient, because born from the collaboration of two leading brands in the sector, both focused on pushing the boundaries, especially in terms of technical performance. Let's go into detail about SRM X-Power Direct, which we had already seen at the feet of Oskar Winkler.
The idea of Q36.5
To contextualize the project even better, we asked a few questions to Luigi Bergamo, CEO and Founder of Q36.5.
«The main objective – he explains – was to reduce the distance between the pedal and the shoe and at the same time make this reduction profitableThe project starts from Unique Pro, a very technical shoe with the lowest stack on the market, reaching the complete system development thanks to the collaboration with SRM. On the Unique Pro we added the fourth hole in the rear section, but the the sole remains perfectly compatible and the existing geometry has not undergone any changes.
«The use of the complete Q36.5 Unique Pro and SRM X-Power Direct system – concludes Bergamo – involves a reassessment of the cyclist's biomechanics, which should review the position on the bike, but also a greater aerodynamic efficiency, more stability and precision in driving».
What is it about
A new pedal with an equally new design that brings with it a large support surfaceA specific cleat with a dedicated shape and a shoe with a sole with four holes for the cleat attachment. It's all very simple, but there's actually a lot to explain.
The pedal has a 7075 aluminum body and shows a contact surface with the sole of well 1.653 square millimeters (a huge amount)Compared to a Shimano pedal, it reduces the distance between the sole and the pedal stop by 6 millimetres and has a Q factor of 54. For engagement/release, it uses rear springs with a tongue (in Look style).
SRM X-Power Direct requires a cleat with a specific design which is attached to the sole thanks to two screws, one at the front and one at the back, thus giving the sole a motif with four threaded eyelets. There are three available cleats: the one fixed at 0 degrees of angular freedom, then increasing – one degree at a time – up to 3. The declared weight of SRM X-Power Direct is 254 grams.
You need a shoe with a dedicated sole. The collaboration between Q36.5 and SRM led the Bolzano-based company to develop a sole with 4 holes, without distorting the standard sole with three holes. A fourth threaded slot, positioned behind the three existing ones. This means a shoe that can be used in multiple directions. The model is the Q36.5 Unique Pro, which can be fitted with a classic three-hole cleat (Shimano and Look, for example) as well as the new SRM.
The technical aspects to consider
With the same crank length, the use of the SRM X-Power Direct system involves a lowering of the seat post, between 4 and 7 millimetres (when compared to a Shimano Dura Ace system). There is a difference to consider and it is linked to subjective factors, but also to the Shimano cleat advancement/retraction. With the adoption of the Q36.5/SRM X-Power Direct combination a slight adjustment of the saddle's slide (forward) is also to be expected.
What benefits? Thanks to the combination of the Unique Pro and the new SRM pedal, the foot gets exponentially closer to the point where the force is applied of the pedal strokeGreater support can be exploited as well as a lowering of the centre of gravity, a factor which also translates into a greater stability in different phases of driving. Furthermore, if we consider the current trends linked to a reduction in crank length, the shoe/pedal combination allows you to contain, if not eliminate, the variables related to adjusting the saddle height. They increase the overall comfort of the foot and the force expressed during pedaling.
The very first sensations
To take full advantage of the Q36.5/SRM system it is essential take your time, understand what changes in the dynamics of pedaling and how much it is necessary to lower the saddleIn our case, a 7 millimeter lowering was necessary, considering a cleat moved completely forward and a saddle advancement of approximately 5 millimeters.
Full gesture, a lot of strength to be exploited on the front part of the foot and also in the median section. The latter strikes us in particular, as with a classic system it remains more discharged. A round ride that remains, with a wide ankle movement (which belongs to us and is part of our way of pedaling) that is not strangled. In general, the overall dynamics do not change significantly, at least that's the feeling, instead, it increases the force during the push phase.
List prices
The Q36.5 Unique Pro shoes have a list price of 550 euros, while the SRM X-Power Direct package has a list price of 500 euros (including cleats with 1,2° lateral freedom). This means going over 1000 euros for a complete system, a significant figure, but which must take into account an innovative system, destined to set new limits in this category of tools dedicated to the pursuit of maximum performance.
