French cycling accessories brand, Ekoi, is set to shake up the market with the introduction of an innovative pedal platform. Known for their high-quality helmets, glasses, and shoes, Ekoi has been spotted testing their new pedals with the Nice Métropole Côte d'Azur and Burgos BH teams. The most striking feature of these pedals is their significantly longer length compared to other models on the market.

The newly designed pedal system boasts an impressive stack height of just 8mm and introduces a fresh approach to the shoe-pedal interface. Deviating from the traditional Shimano/Look-style clipless pedals, the Ekoi pedals showcase a completely new design, as seen through images shared on the Nice Métropole Côte d'Azur Instagram page.

Jean-Christophe Rattel, CEO of Ekoi, revealed that over €2 million has already been invested in the development of these pedals. According to Rattel, initial tests have shown an astounding 8-watt gain compared to other pedals currently available. He expressed his enthusiasm for the innovation, stating, "It's an innovation that makes me dream because, compared to other pedals on the market, we tested a gain of eight watts."

The development of these groundbreaking pedals has been a complex project since it requires a specially designed shoe to maximize their potential benefits. Ekoi purchased the patent for the pedal system from its inventor two years ago, and the inventor continues to collaborate with the brand on the project.

Rattel disclosed that he has even presented the new pedals to renowned teams like Ineos Grenadiers and UAE Team Emirates. However, it remains to be seen if these teams will switch pedal sponsors for the 2024 season. Despite this uncertainty, the new pedal and shoe combination has piqued the interest of the cycling community due to its reported eight-watt efficiency improvement.

The larger size of the Ekoi pedals, coupled with a slimmer cleat, promises easier walking and a remarkably low 8mm stack height. This feature makes the Ekoi pedal one of the most streamlined options on the market, particularly appealing to riders looking for extra advantages when navigating corners.

While the specifics of the testing conditions and comparisons remain undisclosed, an eight-watt saving is not to be taken lightly. This kind of gain is similar to the aerodynamic advantage offered by dedicated aero bikes over general-purpose road bikes.

The potential impact of the Ekoi pedal platform is substantial. With its super low profile cleat and pedal design, the system is optimized to combat direct and dirty airflow caused by the pedaling motion. If the claimed eight-watt savings prove to be credible, this innovation could be a game-changer in the world of cycling.

Despite the lack of details regarding the cleat and shoe combination that accompanies these pedals, the unique design alone suggests a departure from traditional offerings. The pedal's profile features a short, open front section in front of the axle, while the rear section boasts a larger profile.

As cycling enthusiasts await more information on Ekoi's revolutionary pedal system, the question arises: would you stray from the tried-and-true Shimano/Look style clipless systems for the potential eight-watt performance boost? Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.