Just Released: SRM × Q36.5 X-Power Direct Road Pedals
Is lower stack height and increased surface area the next great innovation in road pedals?
That is the central question and hypothesis underpinning an exciting new collaboration from German power meter and pedal maker SRM and high-end Italian apparel and shoe maker brand Q36.5, culminating in the just released SRM X-Power Direct Road Pedals.
Big picture, SRM X-Power Direct Road Pedals are an exclusive, fully integrated shoe and pedal system, combining SRM’s pedal technology with Q36.5’s Unique Pro 4.0 Shoes. With lower stack height and increased contact surface area on the pedal shape, along with next-level fit and lower stack height on the shoes, the promise is pretty damn compelling: better efficiency and power transfer, better bike fit, and ultimately, better bike handling.
And while a more definitive answer on the above question will have to wait for our forthcoming ride review, we’re excited to unpack this new release, given the innovation and quality both brands are known for.
New & Noteworthy: Key Features of X-Power Direct Road Pedals
Before we jump into the details, we should note that this release appears to take direct aim at the relatively static reputation of the road pedal category, along with the already low stack height of the Q36.5 Unique Pro Road Shoes, which Ryan noted in his recent ride review of the shoe (the three bolt pattern ridden with Shimano Dura-Ace pedals).
The result, in Contender’s estimation, is the most innovative road pedal we’ve seen in years, with the industry’s lowest total stack height, a more stable platform, and more efficient transfer of power. In relation, the pedal-shoe combo claims to deliver a riding position and bike feel that is more aero, and similar to Ryan’s observation in his above ride review, gives the distinct feel of being “in” the bike, and not perched high above it.
Specifically, here is what’s new and noteworthy on this release:
- Radically Lower Stack Height (-6 mm lower): By relocating the cleat’s positive locking element behind the load path, SRM reduced pedal-only stack to 8.7 mm (9.7 mm with cleat). When paired with Q36.5’s 2.2 mm carbon sole, the complete system reaches an unprecedented 11.9 mm total stack height; far lower than Shimano’s 15.6–17.8 mm setups, and the lowest we’ve seen in modern road pedals.
- Expanded Surface Contact Area: A lengthened pedal body creates a much broader shoe–pedal interface (1,653 mm²), improving load distribution while decreasing the hot spots and tenderness sometimes associated with smaller pedals. The result is a noticeably more planted platform during accelerations, corner exits, and high-torque efforts.
- A More Aerodynamic Rider Position: By lowering the rider’s foot and center of gravity, hip and torso position subtly shifts downward. In SRM/Q36.5 testing, this produced a smaller frontal area and smoother body angle, which was especially noticeable on time trial (TT) and more aggressive road positions.
- Short-Crank Synergy & Better Handling: Shorter crankarms, which have become increasingly common the past several years, typically require a ~5 mm saddle increase. The SRM × Q36.5 system offsets nearly all of that by removing ~6 mm of stack, letting riders enjoy the biomechanical benefits of shorter cranks while maintaining a lower, more stable center of gravity for improved descending and cornering confidence.
- Improved Torque Feel & High-Load Cadence: Across SRM’s rider testing, cyclists reported easier spin-up, smoother high-watt accelerations, and higher cadence during fixed-load ergometer efforts. The lower stack and larger contact patch work together to deliver a more direct, efficient transfer of power.
- Purpose-Built Integration With Q36.5 Shoes: Because the cleat design requires a four-hole forward-mounted pattern, the system is currently exclusive to the Q36.5 Unique Pro 4.0 Shoe. This tight integration ensures perfect alignment with the shoe’s ultra-thin outsole and maximizes stiffness, stability, and overall power transfer.
Key Specs:
- Pedal weight: 254g (pair, without cleats)
- Material: forged from 7075 aluminum
- Stack Height: 8.7 mm (pedal only), 9.7 mm (pedal + cleat)
- Q-Factor: 54mm
- Cleat: PA612 composite with added walk surface; requires four-hole pattern found exclusively on Q36.5 Unique Pro Shoes
- Total Stack Height: 11.9 mm with Q36.5 Unique Pro Shoe (by comparison, Shimano’s stack height ranges from 15.6–17.8 mm)
Road Pedals: What Else Contender Stocks
If you’re exploring road pedal upgrades but want to cast a wider net before making a choice, Contender stocks a curated lineup of favorites, including the following:
- Shimano PD-R9100 (Dura-Ace): The benchmark for reliability and race-day consistency, Dura-Ace pedals deliver smooth engagement, excellent power transfer, and broad SPD-SL compatibility, making them a favorite for riders who want proven performance.
- LOOK Keo Blade Carbon: Lightweight, stiff, and quick to engage, the Keo Blade Carbon uses a carbon blade for secure hold and snappy release. Its low profile and adjustable blade tension let riders tailor feel and efficiency with minimal fuss.
- Wahoo Speedplay Zero Stainless: With dual-sided entry, generous float, and micro-adjustable cleat positioning, Speedplay Zero stands out for fit precision and pedaling freedom. Its relatively low traditional stack height and highly tunable setup make it ideal for riders who prioritize alignment and comfort.
Learn More
Curious to learn more about the underlying tech, and how SRM X-Power Direct Road Pedals with Q36.5 Unique Pro 4.0 Road Shoe might improve your efficiency, ride feel, and bike handling?
Drop by the shop any time, call us at (801) 364-0344, or send us a message here. Our team can walk you through the tech, compare options, and help you test the fit of the Q36.5 Unique Pro 4.0 Shoe with the SRM X-Power Direct system.
