Frequently asked questions

Before starting, make sure your frame and bottom bracket are compatible with your ROTOR power meter and download the user manual for your specific model from rotorbike.com. Each model has its own installation procedure, so reading the manual carefully before beginning is essential.

In general terms, installation involves fitting the crankset or spider onto your bottom bracket, installing the chainrings and pedals, and tightening all bolts to the specified torque values indicated in your user manual. Once installed, charge or check the battery, perform the initial calibration as described in the manual, and pair the power meter with your head unit via ANT+ or Bluetooth. If you are not confident working with drivetrain components, we recommend having the installation carried out by a professional bike mechanic or your nearest authorized ROTOR dealer.

The tools required vary depending on your model, but in general you will need a torque wrench (essential for tightening crank arm bolts, chainring bolts, and spider bolts to the correct values), a bottom bracket installation tool compatible with your frame's BB standard, and the appropriate Allen keys for your specific bolts. For models using the Direct Mount system (INpower DM and 2INpower), the ROTOR Spider Nut Tool is also required to correctly seat and tighten the spider nut. This tool is available at your nearest ROTOR retailer or at rotorbike.com.

Always refer to your model's user manual for the exact torque values and specific tools required before starting the installation. Using incorrect torque can affect power measurement accuracy and damage the components.

Torque specifications vary depending on the model and the specific bolt being tightened, crank arm bolts, chainring bolts, and spider bolts each have different requirements. Always refer to the user manual included with your product for the exact torque values applicable to your model. Using a torque wrench and respecting these values is essential to ensure correct power measurement and avoid damage to the components.

If you no longer have your user manual, you can download it for your specific model from rotorbike.com.

No. All ROTOR power meters measure cadence internally via an accelerometer, so a separate cadence sensor is not needed. In fact, if you already have a cadence sensor on your bike, it is recommended to remove it or disable it on your head unit to avoid interference with the power meter signal.

All ROTOR power meters use a 30mm axle and are compatible with virtually all modern bottom bracket standards through ROTOR's Universal Bottom Bracket (UBB) system. Supported standards include BSA threaded, ITA threaded, T47, BB30, PF30, BB86, BB92, BB386 EVO and BBright, available with steel or ceramic bearings. The 2INpower SL ships with a ceramic bottom bracket included in the box.

If you are unsure which bottom bracket you need, check the BB standard marked inside your frame's shell or refer to your frame's manual. ROTOR bottom brackets are available at rotorbike.com and through authorized dealers. If you need help identifying the right option for your setup, contact us at [email protected].

Most cyclists with basic mechanical experience can install a ROTOR power meter at home, provided they have the right tools and follow the user manual carefully. The INspider is particularly straightforward as it mounts onto your existing ROTOR crank arms without replacing the full crankset. The INpower and 2INpower require a full crankset swap, which involves removing the old bottom bracket and installing a new one, a process that requires a torque wrench and the correct bottom bracket tools.

If you are not confident working with drivetrain components, or if this is your first time installing a crankset, we recommend having the installation carried out by a professional bike mechanic or your nearest authorized ROTOR dealer. An incorrect installation can affect power measurement accuracy and potentially damage the components.

A zero offset takes only a few seconds and should be done before every important ride or structured training session, and always after a significant temperature change, washing the bike, or reassembling any drivetrain components. Simply position the left crank at 6 o'clock, send the calibrate command from your head unit or the ROTOR Power app, and wait for the confirmation.

Full recalibration is a one-time procedure done at the factory and does not need to be repeated under normal use. If your zero offset values are shifting dramatically from one day to the next, that is a sign to check crank arm torque and bolt tightening rather than a calibration issue.

Ride a few meters to activate the power sensor or apply force to the non-drive side crank to turn it on. Place the left (non-drive side) crank at a 6 o'clock vertical position. Follow your ANT+™ device directions to find the calibration menu. Push "Calibrate" without any weight on your pedals. The calibration value should show "1000." After you see 1000 appear on the screen, slowly turn the crank counterclockwise two or three turns and place it in a 6 o'clock vertical position again. Push "Calibrate" again and record the offset value shown in the monitor. You can repeat the process if necessary to ensure numbers are in the same range.

ROTOR power meters require two calibration steps because they measure two separate variables: force and angle. The first calibration sets the force zero point, while the second captures the angular reference of the crank position. Both values together are what allow the power meter to calculate accurate torque and power output throughout the full pedal stroke.

The first calibration step should always return "1000" on your head unit, confirming the force zero point is correctly set. The second step returns the offset value. For the INpower and 2INpower, this value should be within ±200 of zero. What matters most is that the value remains consistent between sessions, small variations are normal, but large or sudden shifts indicate a mechanical issue worth investigating.

If your values fall consistently outside the expected range, or shift drastically from one session to the next, check crank arm torque and bolt tightening. If the issue persists, contact us at [email protected].

Read the user manual carefully and calibrate the power meters as explained.

If you have doubts about correct calibration, repeat the entire calibration process and compare the two values obtained in the last step of each process. This value must stay the same (variations of 1 or 2 units are normal). You can calibrate your cranks using either your ANT+ device or the User Software, which can be downloaded for free from ROTOR's website.

Installing new pedals requires a new full calibration, as changing the pedals alters the load reference on the crank arm. This applies to all ROTOR power meter models. It is good practice to perform a zero offset immediately after installing new pedals and again after the first ride, once everything has settled into position.

Installing new chainrings does not require a full recalibration on the INspider or 2INpower, as the measurement point is not affected by chainring changes. However, a zero offset before your next ride is always recommended after any drivetrain work. If you are using Q Rings, make sure to update your OCA value in the ROTOR Power app after changing chainrings, as the optimal angle may differ between ring sizes.

Make sure your power meter is active by pedaling a few strokes or applying force to the crank. Then, on your cycling computer, navigate to the sensors or device pairing menu and search for a new power meter. Your ROTOR power meter will appear identified by its Sensor ID, which is printed on the side of the crank. Select it to complete the pairing.

If other ANT+ power meters are nearby, make sure you are at least 10 metres away from them before pairing to avoid accidentally connecting to the wrong sensor. Once paired, set the correct crank arm length in your head unit settings to ensure accurate power calculations.

You can find the list of ANT+ devices compatible with INpower in the following directory:

http://www.thisisant.com/directory/

Yes, all ROTOR power meters can transmit via ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart simultaneously, allowing you to connect to two devices at the same time, for example, a Garmin head unit via ANT+ and the ROTOR Power app on your smartphone via Bluetooth. However, there are a few important considerations:

The Garmin Cycling Dynamics metrics and advanced pedaling data are only available via ANT+, not Bluetooth. If you are using an indoor trainer or the ROTOR Power app at home, Bluetooth is a convenient option, but for outdoor riding

Signal dropouts during a ride are usually caused by interference or a weak signal. Try the following steps to resolve the issue:

• Make sure the ROTOR Power app is closed on your phone during outdoor rides. An active Bluetooth connection running simultaneously can interfere with the ANT+ signal and cause dropouts.
• Check the battery level. A low battery reduces signal strength significantly. For the INpower, replace the AA battery. For the INspider and 2INpower, recharge the unit before your next ride.
• Make sure your head unit is not obstructed by a water bottle, aerobars, or other accessories that could block the signal. Try repositioning it closer to the cranks.
• Update the firmware of your power meter, as older firmware versions can cause connectivity instability.
• If you are riding indoors, make sure your WiFi router is not on channels 9 to 12 of the 2.4GHz band, as these frequencies overlap with ANT+ and can cause interference.

If dropouts persist after trying the above, contact us at [email protected].

Training with power means measuring the exact effort you produce on the bike in watts (W), in real time. Unlike training by perceived effort or heart rate, power data is immediate and objective: it does not fluctuate with fatigue, temperature, or stress, so it always reflects exactly how hard you are working at any given moment.

With a power meter you can define precise training zones based on your Functional Threshold Power (FTP), which is the maximum power you can sustain for approximately one hour. Each zone targets a specific physiological adaptation, from active recovery to maximum aerobic capacity. This allows you to structure every session with a clear purpose, avoid overtraining, and track your fitness progress objectively over time. Whether you are a recreational cyclist or a competitive racer, training with power is one of the most effective ways to improve your performance.

All ROTOR power meters transmit total power output (W), cadence (RPM), and left/right power balance via both ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart.

The INpower and 2INpower also transmit Torque Effectiveness and Pedal Smoothness via ANT+. The 2INpower additionally provides true independent left and right leg power measured separately.

The INspider Road and 2INpower SL are compatible with Garmin Cycling Dynamics, unlocking additional metrics on compatible Garmin head units: Torque Effectiveness, Pedal Smoothness, estimated power balance, and seated/standing position detection.

When used alongside the ROTOR Power app, all models also provide access to Torque 360 and Optimum Chainring Angle (OCA), which helps you find the ideal Q Ring position based on your individual pedaling style.

The INpower becomes active after pedaling starts. Its sampling frequency is 200Hz, meaning force data are measured 200 times per second. The INspider samples at 120Hz. The data sent to your ANT+ device correspond to the last completed pedal rotation, how long that lasts depends on your cadence (at 90rpm, one rotation takes 0.67 seconds).

Power data are transmitted via ANT+ protocol 4 times per second. How data are recorded depends on your head unit, which typically offers the option to record once per second or in "Smart" mode.

Torque Effectiveness and Pedal Smoothness are transmitted via ANT+ and can be displayed on any compatible head unit that supports these metrics, such as Garmin Edge devices. Make sure you pair your power meter via ANT+ rather than Bluetooth, as these advanced metrics are not available over Bluetooth. You can also record and analyse them in detail after your ride using the ROTOR Power app (available for iOS and Android) or the ROTOR User Software for Windows and Mac.

The Torque 360 graph and your Optimum Chainring Angle (OCA) value are available exclusively through the ROTOR Power app, available for free on iOS and Android. Simply connect your power meter to the app via Bluetooth or ANT+, record your ride, and access the pedaling analysis section to view your full stroke torque profile and your recommended OCA position. This data is especially useful if you are using Q Rings, as the OCA value tells you the exact mounting position where you deliver maximum power during the pedal stroke.

Your ROTOR power meter records data in standard .fit format, compatible with the most widely used training analysis platforms. Here are the most popular options:

• TrainingPeaks - the reference platform for structured training, FTP tracking, TSS, and working with a coach.
• Golden Cheetah - free and open source, ideal for riders who want deep analytical tools without a subscription.
• Garmin Connect - if you use a Garmin head unit, your rides sync automatically and include Cycling Dynamics metrics on compatible devices.
• Strava - popular for ride logging, segment comparison, and community features, with basic power data analysis available.
• ROTOR Power app - the only platform that gives you access to Torque 360 and OCA, exclusive to ROTOR power meters.

Functional Threshold Power (FTP) is the maximum power output you can sustain for approximately one hour, expressed in watts. It is the reference value used to define your training zones and structure your workouts. The higher your FTP relative to your body weight, the more efficient you are as a cyclist.

To test your FTP with your ROTOR power meter, the most common protocol is the 20-minute test: after a thorough warm-up, ride at the maximum effort you can sustain for 20 minutes. Take 95% of the average power from that effort and that is your estimated FTP. Some cyclists prefer the 60-minute test, which gives a direct FTP value without the 95% correction, but requires a higher level of motivation and pacing experience. Once you have your FTP, enter it into your head unit or training platform to automatically calculate your power training zones and get the most out of your ROTOR power meter data.

Average Power is the simple mathematical average of all power values recorded during a ride, including zeros from coasting, descending, or stopping at traffic lights. It gives you a general overview of your output but can significantly underrepresent the true physiological effort of a ride with variable intensity.

Normalized Power (NP) is a more sophisticated metric that accounts for the physiological cost of riding at variable intensities. Because surging and recovering is harder on your body than riding at a steady pace, NP weighs harder efforts more heavily to give you a better estimate of the actual metabolic stress of your ride. In practice, on a ride with lots of climbs, sprints, or stop-and-go traffic, your NP will be noticeably higher than your Average Power. When analyzing your training load and recovery needs, Normalized Power is the more meaningful figure to look at alongside your FTP.

It depends on the model. The INpower runs on a standard replaceable AA battery, which lasts approximately 300 hours of riding and can be swapped at home without tools. The INspider and 2INpower both use an integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

For the rechargeable models, the battery does not need to be replaced under normal use. Your head unit will display a low battery warning when it is time to recharge. If after several years of use you notice a significant drop in battery life, contact us at [email protected] to assess whether a battery replacement is needed.

The answer depends on your model. The INpower uses a standard AA battery that you can replace at home without any tools. Simply open the battery cap on the axle, remove the old battery, and insert the new one with the positive "+" facing outward as indicated on the inner side of the cap. Make sure the O-ring is correctly seated before closing the cap to maintain the IPX7 waterproof rating. Battery replacement does not require recalibration, though a zero offset after 30 hours of riding is recommended.

The INspider and 2INpower have integrated rechargeable batteries that do not need replacing under normal use. Simply recharge them using the included magnetic USB cable. If after extended use you experience a significant drop in battery life, contact us at [email protected] and we will assist you.

Yes, the INpower accepts rechargeable AA batteries as long as they are standard 1.5V. Keep in mind that rechargeable batteries typically deliver fewer riding hours than alkaline ones, and capacity decreases further with each recharge cycle.

No. When connected to the ROTOR User Software on your computer, the INpower remains in active Training Mode continuously, which consumes significantly more power than standard riding. The 300-hour battery life applies to normal riding use only. If you frequently train with the software connected, expect to replace the battery more often.

All ROTOR power meters are designed for outdoor use and waterproof certified. The INspider Road and 2INpower carry an IP67 certification, and the INpower has passed IPX7 certification. For cleaning, use water and a soft cloth or gentle brush. Never use high-pressure water jets, solvents, or degreasers, as these can damage the seals, O-rings, and internal electronics.

After washing, make sure the battery cap O-ring on the INpower is correctly seated before your next ride. If you notice any damage to the seals or cap after cleaning, contact us at [email protected] before riding again.

Stop using the power meter immediately and do not attempt to recharge it or force the battery out. A swollen or corroded battery can release harmful chemicals and poses a safety risk. For the INpower, carefully remove the AA battery without using sharp objects or excessive force, and dispose of it following your local battery recycling regulations. For the INspider and 2INpower, do not attempt to access the integrated battery yourself.

In all cases, contact us at [email protected] before continuing to use the power meter so we can assess whether the unit has been affected.

Firmware updates improve stability, connectivity, and measurement accuracy, so it is important to keep your power meter up to date. Download the latest firmware and the ROTOR Power software for your model from rotorbike.com, install the software on your computer, connect your power meter, and follow the on-screen instructions. There is no fixed update schedule; check periodically or whenever you experience connectivity or accuracy issues.

Important: if your power meter is an early production unit and there have been several firmware versions since your last update, do not jump directly to the latest version. Update to an intermediate firmware version first and then proceed to the latest release. Skipping versions on early units can cause the update to fail and leave the device in an unrecoverable state. If you are unsure which intermediate version to use, contact us at [email protected] before proceeding.

If any error occurs during the updating process, your cranks will keep functioning normally with the previously-installed firmware. If the update process begins and the program detects any problem, the process will restart a maximum of 5 times before cancelling the update.

It is recommended to place the USB ANT+ stick as close to the cranks as possible for better radio signal reception.

If your power meter does not activate after applying force to the pedals, check the following:

• INpower: check that the AA battery is correctly inserted with the positive "+" facing outward, and that it has sufficient charge. Try a hard reset by inserting a fresh battery briefly in reverse (positive contact first), then reinserting it correctly.
• INspider and 2INpower: check the battery charge level. Connect the magnetic USB cable and allow the unit to charge before trying again. The LED under the dust cover on the right crank will blink green (charged), yellow (medium) or red (low).
• Make sure the power meter has been correctly calibrated. An incorrectly executed calibration — for example, not positioning the crank in the vertical position — can cause the unit to remain always active and drain the battery, or fail to wake up properly.
• Check that all crank arm bolts are tightened to the correct torque, as loose components can prevent the strain gauges from detecting force correctly.

If the issue persists after trying the above, contact us at [email protected].

First, make sure the power meter is active by pedaling or applying force to the crank, and that you are within range of your head unit. If it still does not appear, try the following steps:

• Check the battery level. For the INpower, try replacing the AA battery. For the INspider and 2INpower, check the charge level and recharge if needed.
• Make sure auto-calibration is disabled on your head unit, as this can interfere with the pairing process on ROTOR power meters.
• Move at least 10 metres away from any other ANT+ power sensors to avoid signal interference.
• Restart your cycling computer and search for the sensor again using the Sensor ID printed on the side of the crank.
• If you are using an older Garmin device (Edge 500 or Edge 800), note that these models may require calibration to be performed via the ROTOR User Software rather than the head unit directly.

If none of the above resolves the issue, contact us at [email protected].

If your power meter connects via Bluetooth to the ROTOR Power app or computer but is not detected by your ANT+ head unit, try the following:

• Make sure the power meter is active before searching, pedal a few strokes or apply force to the crank to wake it up.
• Bring your head unit as close as possible to the crank during pairing, ideally within 50cm, to ensure a strong initial signal.
• If you are using a USB ANT+ dongle on a computer, connect it directly to the USB port without an extension cable, and make sure neither the crank nor the dongle is shielded by metal objects.
• Make sure the power meter is not already connected to another device via Bluetooth, as this can interfere with ANT+ detection on some models. Close the ROTOR Power app before pairing with your head unit.
• Check that your power meter has the latest firmware installed, as older firmware versions can cause ANT+ connectivity issues.

If the issue persists, contact us at [email protected].

A difference of a few watts between two power meters is completely normal. Every power meter has a stated accuracy of ±1.5%, which means two devices measuring the same effort can legitimately differ by up to 3% between them. What matters most is that your ROTOR power meter is consistent with itself over time, as this is what allows you to track your fitness progress reliably.

If the difference seems larger than expected, check the following before drawing conclusions:

• Make sure you have performed a zero offset on both power meters before comparing, and that both have been given a few minutes to reach ambient temperature.
• Verify that the crank arm length is correctly set on your head unit, as an incorrect value will systematically skew power readings.
• Check that all crank arm and spider bolts are tightened to the correct torque, as loose components can cause inconsistent readings.
• Bear in mind that different power meter types measure at different points in the drivetrain. A crankset-based meter like ROTOR measures before drivetrain losses, while a trainer measures after them, so a difference of 2 to 5% between the two is expected and does not indicate a fault.

If after checking all of the above the readings remain inconsistent, contact us at [email protected].

If your head unit is receiving power data but cadence is not showing, try the following:

• Make sure you are actively pedaling when checking cadence. ROTOR power meters measure cadence via an internal accelerometer and require the crank to be moving to generate a reading.
• Check that your head unit does not have a separate cadence sensor paired that may be conflicting with the power meter cadence signal. If so, remove or disable the standalone cadence sensor.
• Verify that your head unit has a cadence data field enabled on the screen. The power meter may be transmitting cadence correctly but the field may simply not be displayed.
• Perform a zero offset and re-pair the power meter with your head unit. In some cases, re-pairing resolves missing data fields.
• Make sure your power meter has the latest firmware installed, as older versions can cause missing or incorrect cadence data.

If cadence continues to not appear after trying the above, contact us at [email protected].

Our technical support team is available to help you with installation guidance, calibration, firmware updates, troubleshooting connectivity or accuracy issues, spare parts identification, and warranty claims. You can reach us at [email protected] and we will do our best to resolve your issue as quickly as possible.

For additional resources, the user manual for your model and the latest firmware and software downloads are available at rotorbike.com. The ROTOR Power app, available for free on iOS and Android, also includes setup guides and ride analysis tools to help you get the most out of your power meter.

Spare parts for all ROTOR power meters, including battery caps, O-rings, bolts, and charging cables, are available through your nearest authorized ROTOR retailer or directly at rotorbike.com. When requesting a spare part, have your model name and serial number ready to ensure you receive the correct component for your specific unit.

If you are unsure which part you need or cannot find it listed, contact us at [email protected] and we will help you identify and source the right part.

For any warranty-related issue, please contact your authorized ROTOR retailer in the first instance, as they are equipped to manage warranty claims directly. If you purchased from the ROTOR online store or need further assistance, you can reach our technical support team at [email protected] with your proof of purchase, model name, and serial number.

If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can return it within 30 days of the purchase date, provided the item has not been used or assembled and is in its original condition with original packaging and tags. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer, including any customs or import fees that may apply.

If you are returning a bundle or promotional pack, all items included in the original order must be returned together. No refund will be issued unless the complete order is returned, including any free or discounted items.

If you have received a damaged, defective, or incorrect item, contact us within 14 days of delivery through the contact section at rotorbike.com. Please include your order number, product SKU, and photos of the issue. Customized or personalized products are non-returnable and non-refundable under any circumstance.

To initiate any return, go to the contact section of rotorbike.com, select the subject "Sales, orders & returns", and briefly explain the reason. Our team will guide you through the process.

All ROTOR power meters come with a 2-year limited warranty from the documented purchase date, covering manufacturing defects and poor workmanship. The warranty is non-transferable and applies only to the original owner purchasing through the ROTOR authorized distribution network. Proof of purchase is required to make any warranty claim.

The warranty does not cover damage caused by accident, misuse, neglect, installation of incompatible components, or any modification to the product. Labor costs derived from part replacement are also excluded. To submit a warranty claim, contact your authorized ROTOR dealer or reach us directly at [email protected] if you purchased online.