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In professional cycling races, if you observe the riders' chainrings closely, you will often find that they are different from the ones we see on the market. For example, the new Shimano Dura-Ace chainrings used by the riders have a significantly different appearance from the standard models.

Why are there two different appearances for the same Shimano Dura-Ace DA9000 chainring?

The model on the right in the picture above is the standard Dura-Ace DA9000 chainring, while the one on the left is different and is often used by many professional riders in races.

Why is this? In fact, this specially designed chainring contains a small piece of 'black technology'—a power meter. The power meter can measure the rider's speed, output power, and other information in real-time while riding and record and analyze it. Generally speaking, chainrings with special designs are often equipped with power meters from the German brand SRM.

Shimano Dura-Ace DA9000 SRM power meter chainring and its display

SRM is a long-established manufacturer that provides power meters for cyclists. Due to their excellent performance, SRM's chainring power meters have been trusted by many professional cyclists 'since ancient times' and have become essential for recording data during races and training. Therefore, many mainstream component manufacturers collaborate with SRM to launch chainrings specifically designed for their power meters.

The first-generation SRM power meter from the 1980s

In recent years, however, many high-performance power meters have emerged, and SRM is no longer the only choice for all riders. However, many high-performance power meters do not have as much 'face' as SRM, so they have to be designed to fit the existing chainring appearance. For example, the 4iiii power meter is designed to fit the gaps in the Dura-Ace chainring.

The equally high-performance 4iiii power meter is designed to fit the gaps in the chainring

Although it does not receive as much love from various component manufacturers as SRM, the German 'drumstick' Marcel Kittel, who shone in the 2017 Tour de France, used a 4iiii power meter. Additionally, power meters from brands like Pioneer, Stages, and Garmin are also popular among professional riders.

Small power meters play a very significant role in professional cycling races. Many riders use the data displayed to control their stamina and riding rhythm. For example, the 2017 Tour de France champion Chris Froome earned the nickname 'Watch Cousin' because he 'almost always looks down at his watch during races to control his riding rhythm based on real-time data, maintaining the precise data plan set during his training to achieve his best performance.'

Looking down at the watch is Froome's 'daily task' during races

So, the reason for these seemingly strange chainrings is the power meter installed inside them.

The SRM power meter chip embedded inside the chainring

Real-time data is extremely important for professional cyclists. Races that last one or two hundred kilometers test endurance greatly. Adjusting their effort and rhythm based on speed, output power, and heart rate data helps them control their physical state and respond to the race situation. This is especially crucial for 'endurance monsters,' particularly GC riders (General Classification riders), who need to monitor data constantly to ensure stable performance during races.

In fact, chainrings with special power meter designs are not exclusive to professional riders. Cycling enthusiasts can also buy them, but the price is even higher than those already expensive top-tier chainrings.

Power meter chainrings are not cheap

Therefore, although power meter chainrings are cool and 'Tour de France-like,' they are not essential for general cycling enthusiasts. Whether you need to 'burn' to this level depends on your actual needs and financial situation. For most cycling enthusiasts, a regular bike computer is more than sufficient.