LEAKED - Favero Assioma Shimano-compatible power meter pedal

Eagle-eyed Favero Assioma fans have uncovered some information and photos from Favero, suggesting the Italian company is about to launch a version of its popular Assioma Duo power meter that will be compatible with Shimano SPD-SL pedal bodies. 

While Favero has not yet made an announcement, the image circulating on internet forums shows an Assioma power pod with what is clearly a Shimano SPD-SL pedal body. The image is also said to be named “shimano-compatibility-2021.jpg”.

A user by the name “Maletero” on the Trainer Road forum discovered some text claimed to be from the Favero website, which seems to confirm a forthcoming Shimano-compatible power spindle. Meanwhile, a user by the name of “Juju” found the image of the new Assioma spindles shown above.

“Assioma is for you too! Take full advantage of your current Shimano pedal bodies* with your brand-new Assioma Duo-Shi,” read the uncovered text. “Start training with unmatched power accuracy and consistency. *List of compatible pedal bodies”

The wording suggests a new Assioma spindle will mate with existing Shimano pedal bodies, rather than try to license the SPD-SL interface under its own brand (which isn’t surprising since Shimano has been famously resistant to opening up the SPD-SL design to others). This will be music to the ears of many Shimano pedal users who have long hoped for an SPD-SL power meter pedal.

The “List of compatible pedal bodies” mention has us thinking about just which Shimano pedals Favero may be able to accommodate, though.

Take, for example, the Dura-Ace and Ultegra pedals. While the aesthetic distinctions between the pedals have always been noticeable – yet arguably still subtle – one major functional difference is the axle assembly, and the minimal space between the inboard side of the Dura-Ace pedal body makes it unlikely Assioma could squeeze its power meter pod in there.

There’s plenty of room with the Ultegra pedal, though, and while we don’t have a set of 105 pedals here to crack open, on the face of it, the 105 spindle seems similar to the Ultegra. With 105 and Ultegra pedals being amongst the most popular road pedals, it would make sense for Favero to focus on compatibility with these platforms at the expense of Dura-Ace compatibility.

The leaked photo shows an SPD-SL style interface, but will the Shimano compatible spindle bring power measurement to SPD pedals also? Some Assioma users have hacked their pedals for off-road use with Xpedo’s MTB pedal body. However, this does void the Favero warranty and so an official off-road solution would be welcomed.

We’ve reached out to Favero for comment on the rumours, but we have not yet received a reply. 

This news comes hot on the heels of SRAM’s acquisition of Time pedals and our discussion on this week’s podcast about the possibility of a Time power meter pedal in the near future. All this will surely heap more pressure on Shimano to produce its own SPD and SPD-SL power meter pedals.