I’m looking to make the switch from a Powertap to a Quarq. I know that there were some issues with initial models can someone break down the versions out there, used and new, with pros/cons? It would be greatly appreciated!
Why not power2max? Just curious
They work. Measure both legs.
I use Stages. Wish I kept my Quarq on the tri bike.
I have both a quarq riken and stages dura ace. They both work great although I’ve had to return both of them for replacements (within warranty). Both companies have very good customer service.
The main criticisms of quarq are/were temperature drift which I think has been addressed somewhat with software revisions, the need of a magnet which is no longer needed with the newer models, and the fact that different chainrings will change the slope and cause the power to be off (you need some type of ant+ dongle on your phone or computer to re-adjust the slope).
If you want to swap your power meter out to different bikes, I personally think shimano is a pain in the ass and sram is the way to go. I can swap the quarq from my road bike to TT bike in a minute or so.
Riken is the new base model and with new firmware is 100% fine as far as i can see. The nicer Elsa offers a few higher end analysis options including left right balance. I have had issues with my first Riken and water damage, which was very quickly replaced by Quarq (less than 5 days). The unit seems to be pretty steady on long riders and the zero offset does not drift around that much. I also like that you can now change the chain rings and no have to do a calibration with weights, though i am sure that would be ideal. I had doubts at first but their customer service has kept me interested and my second unit will most likely be another Quarq unless SRM comes down in price a bit. I stayed away from P2M simply because i was not sure how good their service/warranty would be down the road. I stayed away from stages because i do not see the interest using an incomplete product to dictate my training. I used to have a powertap, but the quarq is so much easier when you are swapping lots of different wheel sets out.
I use the stages because it’s easy (stupid easy according to DCrainmaker) to swap between bikes. No magnets and this B- mechanic can use it on any of 4 bikes w/ 175mm Shimano cranks in a few minutes.
I bought a used S975 on BB30 spindle, and it suffered heinously with zero offset drift. It was under 2 yrs old and they sent me a Riken under warranty (replacement spider on the original cranks and chainrings) which is awesome, much more stable. I still get around 10 points drift (on zero offset) from start to end of a turbo workout but it’s no biggie. I found the magnet placement challenging with the new Riken spider on my Cervelo P3, but I suspect this is particular to my setup which is a BB30 chainset with Rotor adaptors in my BSA frame.
I’m looking to make the switch from a Powertap to a Quarq. I know that there were some issues with initial models can someone break down the versions out there, used and new, with pros/cons? It would be greatly appreciated!
I’ve got a Quarq on my tri bike and a Power2Max on my road bike.
I wouldn’t have any issue buying another one of either.
Howdy,
There are some really good answers on here but I understand there is typically some confusion with power meter specifics. All Quarq models are available in either GXP or BB30 Spindle. Choosing the correct spindle type is typically the most confusing bit but, with a bit of background knowledge, this is very easy to determine. Once you know this, you can choose model depending on price and a couple of features, crank length (typically what you are currently using), and BCD, which will determine the range of ring size you are using or would like to use.
We encourage you to call anytime at 800-660-6853 with ANY questions. There is no phone tree, just real people with answers.
Cheers,
Rob Bee
Quarq Tech Service
I bought a Cinqo Saturn when they first came and never had an issue. I loved how when the battery died I could pull over at a store, buy a new battery and be back up and running. I raced and train in very hot conditions and never saw any issues. Also raced it in Switzerland where it rained and hailed all day and not a problem. For me the only con with Quarq is the price of their spider only solutions. Because I bought a new bike with different BB I sold my Quarq and as much as I like their product and company I am going with Power2Max since their spider only solution is so much cheaper.
-Jeff
I’ve got a 3 year old GXP975 on my tribike with about 9,000 miles on it. Perfect and never touched the firmware.
I’ve got a 1.5 year old RIken on my road bike with about 4,000 miles on it. Perfect and never touched the firmware.
I can’t say enough good things about them. Through rain, cold weather and 100 degree summer temps, they spit out the same data.
Thanks for all the responses everyone! I think what would be extremely useful is if someone could tell me about all the model out there, starting from oldest to newest and the notable features and drawbacks to each one. I remember reading that some required the unit to be sent back for re calibration after chaining the chain-rings. I’ve read about magnets, battery replacement, etc. It’s a bit overwhelming, so any more info would be greatly appreciated!
Originally there was the Cinqo model which was either on SRAM cranks, Rotor, or FSA. This model used a CR2450 battery and would require a weighted calibration to adjust the slope for different rings.
In 2012 we came out with the RIKEN, ELSA, and RED models. These feature a CR2032 battery, LED for visual confirmation, and OmniCal which allows you to swap chain rings without the need of recalibrating the slope. The RIKEN is the only current model that does not show Power Balance. There is also now the ELSA RS which is designed to fit DA9000 rings and the XX1 for mountain bikes. These both feature 10K Active Temperature Compensation. All newer Quarq units (CR2032 battery) allow the user to update the firmware via Qalvin and a USB ANT+ stick and the latest firmware allows for AxCad which is accelerometer based cadence.
MSRP on new models with cranks is $1200 to $1650.
www.Quarq.com is laid out very well to describe the features of each model and you can simply call us at 800-660-6853 to discuss any questions over the phone. All powermeters have a two year manufacture warranty from the manufacturing date or original purchase date from an actual dealer.
Cheers,
Rob Bee
Quarq Tech Service
I have/had one of the very first Cannondale Quarq powermeters that worked perfectly until several months ago. It was out of warranty and I got a new (current) replacement at a very good and low price. I am very happy with this brand and will stay loyal.
Hi Rob, I currently have the older Cinqo model with SRAM which still works and I’ve been pretty happy with. I’d be interested in Rt/Lt balance. Are there any upgrade options or do I have to purchase a complete new set?
Thanks in advance!
There was an Upgrade Program run earlier this year and it was highly successful. We will likely be running another Upgrade Program for older Cinqo units before the end of the year.
I know this will open TON of questions so before anyone asks for more details… I do not yet have them. If you sign up for email notifications at http://www.quarq.com/contact/ you will receive an email when this is available.
Rob
Quarq Tech Service
Thank you, I’ve added myself to the contact list
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I have to put my 2 cents in about Quarq service. They have been fabulous to work with. Real people answer the phone with real answers, and their service turnaround is super fast. For me, that’s an important part of the equation when purchasing electronics that I depend on.
I have to ask: other than L/R data, what is the reason to switch from Powertap to a crank-based measurement? I’m sort of in the same boat: my Powertap 808 rear has >20k miles, so I’m torn between another Powertap-based wheel or a Quarq. I’m rather indifferent to the logistical differences (swapping wheels vs. swapping cranks), so what are the technical reasons to switch?
I have to ask: other than L/R data, what is the reason to switch from Powertap to a crank-based measurement? I’m sort of in the same boat: my Powertap 808 rear has >20k miles, so I’m torn between another Powertap-based wheel or a Quarq. I’m rather indifferent to the logistical differences (swapping wheels vs. swapping cranks), so what are the technical reasons to switch?
I’m in exactly the same siutation. I think it comes down to whether you want to used different wheels from time to time.
As I am doing road racing more than tri these days I’m thinking of moving to a power2max,srm or Quarq so I can used different wheels for racing. The other thing which is inconvenient with a Powertap is if I want to do a session on the wind trainer I either have to wear out my nice but expensive tyres or change them (which I never get round to doing). Plan B would be to get another Powertap for racing built into a faster, lighter wheel but I have a hunch overall cost would be more as I would not be able to sell the old Powertap.
I remain confused about bottom bracket and crank standards and this is one of the main obstacles to me moving forward with a change. I’m not sure what I have on my Cervelos (2010 P2 and 2009 S2).