A new Rotor INspider Shimano direct mount spider can turn your existing XTR, XT, or even SLX cranks into the sleekest-looking MTB power meter. Made in Spain, this is one of the lightest powermeter solutions we’ve seen from Rotor yet. And thanks to the new 4-bolt 100BCD, you can go as small as 30T with round or oval 1x chainrings…
Rotor InSpider Shimano MTB power meter cranksets
We last saw the lighter, sleeker new INspider MTB powermeter for Rotor’s own carbon crank arms this past spring. Now, those same upgrades come to any mountain biker riding a modern Shimano 1x direct mount crankset.
What’s new? And how does it work?
This new CNC-machined 7075 aluminum Shimano powermeter spider version is even 6g lighter than for Rotor’s own crank arms, shaving it down to just 99g claimed. The power meter’s electronics are housed in an IP67-sealed alloy body with a gel impact protection layer. Both ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart handle universal communication. Then, a magnetic charging port makes recharging it quick and easy, with Rotor claiming 350 hours of run time per charge.
And it does that without paring down the features, offering combined dual leg power measurement with +/-1.5% accuracy and sending power, cadence, and L/R balance to your cycling computer. Open the app and it’ll show you a 360º pedal stroke analysis with torque vectoring, and even guide you toward the optimum chainring angle if you’re running their Q-Ring oval chainrings.
This new Shimano INspider also comes with Rotor’s new MTB 100×4 BCD chainrings, offered in 30/32/34/36 tooth counts in both round and oval shapes. The rings feature Rotor’s Universal Tooth Design to work with 11- and 12-speed chains from both SRAM and Shimano.
Rotor InSpider Shimano power meter – Pricing, compatibility & availability
The new Rotor InSpider Shimano power meter is available now for a debut price of $499 / 449€. That’s the same price as InSpider for Rotor’s own crank arms when it debuteed. Which has since gone up almost 20%. The new InSpider power meter is directly compatible with the latest Shimano SLX, XT & XTR direct mount 1x crankarms. Then you just need to pick your preferred chainring.
For now, it seems chainring options are relatively limited due to the unique Rotor 4-bolt 100mm bolt circle diameter. Which aren’t even currently available separately from Rotor. But when you buy the power meter, Rotor lets you select a 30-36T round ring included in the price. Or a 30-36T oval Qring for an additional 10€.
