The Italian company Q36.5 and the German manufacturer SRM, a pioneer in power meters, have joined forces to develop a completely integrated pedal and shoe system that promises to revolutionize power transmission. The result is a set with the smallest separation between the sole and the pedal axle on the market, an advancement that redefines the connection between cyclist and bicycle.

Luigi Bergamo, founder of Q36.5, noticed that when designing his shoes, the separation between them and the pedal axle was a determining factor for rolling. It was then that he asked Ulrich Schoberer, creator of the SRM power meters, to develop pedals in conjunction with his shoes to minimize the distance between the foot and the pedal axle.

SRM and Q36.5 present pedals with the shortest distance on the market between the sole and the axle

Both brands have worked for six months on this project, reaching a functional prototype that reduces the separation between the sole and the pedal axle by more than 8 mm compared to current industry standards.

Far from following the trend of lightening materials or increasing stiffness, Q36.5 and SRM focused their development on the contact point between cyclist and bicycle. The system combines the Q36.5 Unique Pro shoes, with an ultra-thin carbon sole and an integrated cleat channel, and a new SRM pedal machined from aluminum, designed exclusively to fit with this shoe.

SRM and Q36.5 present pedals with the shortest distance on the market between the sole and the axle

There are no spacers or intermediate layers, and the brand claims that the foot is positioned closer to the rotation axis than in any other current system, which improves mechanical transmission and the feeling of direct contact with the bicycle.

According to data shared by Q36.5, the new system offers a more direct power transfer and a feeling of pedaling that is “mechanically pure.” The design eliminates unnecessary tolerances and reduces the lever effect that often occurs with greater distances, achieving more stable performance in sprints and climbs out of the saddle.

SRM and Q36.5 present pedals with the shortest distance on the market between the sole and the axle

Although SRM is known for its power meters, this first version of the pedal does not integrate any sensors, aiming to keep weight and complexity to a minimum.

While we await more specific details, such as price, weight, or the actual distance they are talking about, we already know that the SRM × Q36.5 set will be sold only in a pack, consisting of the new pedal and the Unique Pro shoes. It will be available starting in December in a limited edition through selected Q36.5 distributors.

SRM and Q36.5 present pedals with the shortest distance on the market between the sole and the axle

This concept of practically integrated pedals and shoes has been seen before with the Ekoi PW8 pedals and could open a new market segment where mechanical transmission efficiency surpasses the universal standard between pedals and shoes.