I think, yes. You must have a very robust construction which must be able to withstand heavy kicks. Also certain crahses must be taken by the contruction when the pedal "touches" the asphalt in curves or during harsh handling. So you need a frictionless guide for the pedal movement which is free of play and can accept shear forces.

On the other hand you need an elastic holding fixture for the strain gauge which can pick up the pedal forces and transform it into stretch. The elasticity must be very high even linear up to the highest forces without any fatigue for months or even years. At the same time the rider must not feel this elasticity but the kick must be hard and direct.

I think to find a satisfying solution will be a hard and long way. This must be a very accurate construction and the used materials must be high-quality as well. Yes, I think this will become very expensive.

Kai Klaas