Hi JMatroni,
I decided on the ELSA and will be buying it soon. Reasons are: it’s lighter, though not by much. The Left Right data is basically useless. If you want true left/right data, go with the vectors. The ELSA just reads the right leg power from 0-180 degrees of the crank and the left leg from 180-360 degrees. Therefore, it’s not a “true” measurement as the Vector’s would provide. Buy the ELSA for the weight savings, that’s basically it
Hi JMatroni,
I decided on the ELSA and will be buying it soon. Reasons are: it’s lighter, though not by much. The Left Right data is basically useless. If you want true left/right data, go with the vectors. The ELSA just reads the right leg power from 0-180 degrees of the crank and the left leg from 180-360 degrees. Therefore, it’s not a “true” measurement as the Vector’s would provide. Buy the ELSA for the weight savings, that’s basically it
The biggest reason to buy the Elsa over the Riken is the far greater range of crankarm lengths available.
Yeah it’s a tough choice. I just want the weight savings.
is the 90g savings worth 230?
well…to me it is. I know if I don’t buy it, I’ll hate myself later. James made a good point too. If you change crank lengths later, you can with the ELSA. The RIKEN is limited in that area. Either one is good, just how much do you want to spend? That’s the name of the game in tri world…more money for marginal gains. Kinda like those water bottle discussions we had at IOS onetime…remember?
Lol, yes based on name i know who is this. Yeah man idk so i could change the crank length of both sides or just initially after buying it?
I think you would have to send the unit back to Quarq but I don’t know. I plan on sticking with the same crank length that is on my 2011 P2. I don’t plan on changing cranks, but it’s nice to know the option is there. Look at it like this, buy the best that you can and plan on keeping it for a while. I want the ELSA just because it’s their top unit, has multiple crank lengths I may never use, and has the L/R leg data even though its useless. Saving weight on rotational objects is always a good thing. Your call man, your discount is nicer than what I can get.
Hi - i got a great deal on one also which is the only reason why I bought the Elsa over the Riken.
Agree with others - if you want true L/R data the vectors (which I also have) are better.
Power data differences between the two are negligible as has been shown in many different reviews.
If I had to do it all over again, I’d go for the Riken. As you already said, negligible weight difference and even if you get a discount, why not save more money overall for basically the same performance.
Since you have both an Elsa and a set of Vectors…which do you like better? Why have both?
Fair question.
Got the Elsa about a year before the vectors came out. As I mentioned got a really good deal on them and coach was keen on having me train with power so pulled the trigger and have been very happy with it. That said, the Elsa did fail on me the day after Honu 70.3 last year rather than day of. Quarq was excellent about taking care of the shipping, sent me a new unit (even overseas) and haven’t really had any issues since then. Battery life seems as advertised and as long as you initialize with your head unit before a ride, backpedal periodically during longer rides/turbo sessions, I haven’t seen the power drift dramatically.
Vectors I got as a “hey wife, you can use these also!” birthday present. Wife placed very well in our local duathlons and she was very keen to keep improving and since the BB of my TT bike is different from hers I didn’t want to fuss with moving a crank back and forth. Plus that meant we couldn’t both train or ride with power.
Having said all of that, we just had our first kid a few months ago so her and I riding together doesn’t really happen so I’m looking to sell the Elsa and just keep the vectors.
I also have a Red Quarq (165mm) and Vectors (172.5mm) on road bike.
The Vectors are really, really nice. Some of my earlier misgivings about the pedal system have been proven misguided.
What about the Vector were you concerned about?
Ok, i think i will probably go with the Riken then,
I was looking at vectors another fear was getting stolen. 1 pedal wrench and both can be off in a minute or so when on back of car.
I have both the Riken and the Elsa. I use the Riken on my training bike and my TT bike (GXP) and the Elsa on my race bike (BB30). If I had it to do over again, I would probably just buy (2) Rikens. While it’s nice to periodically refer to L/R power balance data on the Elsa, it’s not that important to me. I’d have a difficult time justifying the price premium of the Elsa over the Riken next time.
I could take your quarq just as quickly. Maybe quicker.
don’t ever leave your tri bike unattended and on the back of a car
.
Race/shopping after a group rode. Taking it to work to ride after work.
Take the front wheel off, take the back wheel off, buy one of these http://www.pro-bikegear.com/en-gb/catalogue/accessories/97/chainstay-protectors/pr100509_main/chain-tension-device and put the chain on it to prevent damaging the frame. Then put the bike in the trunk and no one knows it’s there
James, would you choose Vectors over Elsa? If so, why?
That is a good question. I am fortunate enough to have both (for now).
I guess it would depend on what type of crank I already had on my bike. If, for example, I had a cheaper crank then I may be more inclined to get the Quarq. If I had a nice crank then I may be more inclined to get the Vectors.
Ultimately, the most important question is: are you happy with your current fit and, as a follow up, your crank length? (generally, not to YOU specifically).