Pretty much every serious cyclist rides with a power meter. And pretty much every serious cyclist, whether they are a junior or a master, has one goal: to get faster. And fitter.
Power matters
Heart rate still has its place, sure, but watts are the language most riders and coaches actually build training around. If you’re trying to get quicker, guessing just doesn’t cut it anymore. I mean, we all want to be better. (Or in better shape, take a pick.) But when you’re working all day, time counts. If you find yourself racing and still have a job, you gotta make the time count.
So the workouts you do need to be measured, and more importantly, efficient. Only have an hour or two a day? Let’s make those the most of your time.
That’s where reliable data matters, and why Favero has become one of the most trusted names in the space. The Italian brand’s Assioma PRO range has built its reputation on consistency, durability, and accuracy you can actually rely on when it counts.
Because training only works if the numbers are real. That is the key: accuracy and consistency.
Data matters
As an athlete, no matter what level, you spend a lot of time, and money on gear, and time. Time, as in training. So those hours you spend on the bike should matter. You want to get better right? That’s the whole point.
You want objective, real-time feedback you can use on the road, in structured sessions, or when working with a coach. You want to know not just how hard you’re riding, but whether that effort is repeatable, controlled, and moving you forward.
Proper tools for proper training
Favero’s Assioma PRO RS pedals sit at the centre of that idea. Built around an integrated patented spindle design, the strain gauges, electronics, and rechargeable battery are fully sealed inside the pedal body. That reduces external parts, improves durability, and keeps things simple. It also eliminates external interference from elements like water, humidity, and dust.It’s also the lightest power meter currently available. When every gram counts–that matters.
They deliver ±1 per cent accuracy. Also, up to 160 hours of battery life thanks to the recent firmware update, along with a low 10.5 mm stack height with a 53 mm Q-factor.
They are meant to closely mirror Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace setups. That means a natural position on the bike without forcing changes to your fit.
The modular design also stands out. Riders can swap pedal bodies over time, making it a long-term system rather than a throwaway component. Add in advanced metrics like Platform Centre Offset, power phase, and seated/standing tracking, and you get a clearer picture of how power is actually produced.
For riders using LOOK cleats, the Assioma PRO RL brings the same philosophy. Lightweight at 130 g per pedal, with a clean integrated design and up to 160 hours of battery life. The pedals prioritize simplicity and feel while still delivering Favero’s signature accuracy. The widest platform and stable interface make it a solid option for riders who value pedal feedback and road feel. Part of generating good power is making sure both feet, and legs, are working well. You can check this–it’s an important aspect of your training. Pedal fluidity is crucial to efficiency when you are training, or racing.
Unlike the traditional Look blade system — where changing the release tension requires purchasing and replacing different blades — the Assioma Pro RL allows riders to adjust the release tension directly using a simple key. This means cyclists can fine-tune how hard or soft it is to clip in and out without needing additional components. It’s a more practical and flexible solution, all integrated into a single system.
When it comes to training, there are lots of options. And that’s where training starts to matter more than any single workout.
On training
Instead of chasing maximal efforts or constantly testing FTP, structured progression is where real gains come from. One approach is what coach Peter Glassford describes as a “slow boil” session, starting at tempo, building through the sweet spot, and finishing just under threshold.
It’s controlled, progressive and repeatable. The goal isn’t to blow up. It’s to finish strong and learn pacing across sustained efforts. FTP tests suck, but they are crucial to measuring gains. And using a proper power meter is part of it. Accuracy matters. You can learn about more workouts here. You should only be doing FTP workouts now and again–every six weeks is plenty, but it’s a good measure of where you’re at.
On accuracy
There’s lots you can do with Favero pedals to measure your gains.
Over time, sessions like this can progress from 3 x 10 minutes to 3 x 15 or even 3 x 20, developing the ability to hold higher sub-threshold power more comfortably. That’s where FTP improves, not from isolated hero efforts, but from repeatable training stress you can actually complete.
And importantly, it helps riders understand what threshold actually feels like, rather than treating it as a single test-day number.
Because FTP isn’t just a metric, it’s a moving skill. It can change. Ideally, it goes up. But either way, you need to monitor it.
With accurate power data from tools like Favero’s Assioma PRO road range, riders can track that progression with confidence, refine pacing, and better understand symmetry and efficiency in the pedal stroke. Over time, that can also highlight imbalances and help reduce injury risk by ensuring both sides of the body are contributing effectively.
For example, you can correct L/R imbalances and track the dominant/non-dominant leg. Additionally, through PCO, you can fine-tune cleat positioning and prevent injuries by ensuring that your force is evenly distributed across the pedal platform throughout the pedal stroke over a specific period of time. These are all super important to someone who is spending hours on their bike. It’s not just efficiency, it’s also about staying robust and durable as an athlete.
As the season builds, the goal isn’t just to train harder—it’s to train smarter. Whether it’s racing, gran fondos, or group rides the riders who improve most are the ones who can measure, understand and trust their data.
And then use it. 2026 is here, so make sure you get out and go for it.