I’ve been using a quarq pm for several years, and I’m happy with it and their customer service. I run Di2, so I’d like to run Shimano chainrings. They recently came out with a Shimano version, but my lbs is encouraging me to go SRM, because of the SRAM components used in quarq. SRM is more expensive, and I’m happy with the quarq pm itself. Cam anyone comment on the pros/cons or machining involved in mixing Shimano and SRAM in the quarq?
Your LBS doesn’t know what they’re talking about.
I’ve been using a quarq pm for several years, and I’m happy with it and their customer service. I run Di2, so I’d like to run Shimano chainrings. They recently came out with a Shimano version, but my lbs is encouraging me to go SRM, because of the SRAM components used in quarq. SRM is more expensive, and I’m happy with the quarq pm itself. Cam anyone comment on the pros/cons or machining involved in mixing Shimano and SRAM in the quarq?
I have ran both. I went back to SRM because I dropped a few chains in key situations with my Quarq and SRAM powerglie rings. I really like Shimano rings, but with the 4-spider version I think it might be nice to run a less expensive PM.
I run Di2, so I’d like to run Shimano chainrings. They recently came out with a Shimano version, but my lbs is encouraging me to go SRM, because of the SRAM components used in quarq.
Your wording is a little confusing here. Are you asking if you should get a Quarq with Shimano chainrings or an SRM with Shimano chainrings? In theory, shouldn’t the shifting be identical since they are using the same chainrings? I am in the same boat. I have a Quarq Riken with di2 for the rest of the drive train, but I’m upgrading to an Elsa RS because I want the Shimano chainrings. I would highly recommend that approach to you.
+1 on your LBS not knowing what they’re talking about.
I’m currently running a DuraAce Di2 shifting system with a quarq Elsa powermeter and Praxxis chainrings. I want Shimano DuraAce chainrings, my shifting has been good with Praxxis, but I believe it will be better with all Shimano.
Now that Quarq has the Elsa RS, I’m considering upgrading, but my lbs points out that they still have SRAM cranks and BB, and isn’t sure how well machined together they are. It won’t affect shifting, but the integrity of the system is what they’re worried about, and they recommend SRM instead for that reason.
I’ve been happy with Quarq as a pm, and I’m not sure I can justify the cost differential.
My main power meter is an Sram SRM built on S975 BB30 cranks. Rock solid. My last power meter was a Quarq Riken S975. The only difference between it and the Quarq equivalent is the power meter spider itself. I had plenty of problems with the Quarq but it had nothing to do with the S975 cranks. I call BS.
FYI I also run this with Di2 11 speed.
Failed to mention I’m on 11 speed.
It sounds like the system (BB/cranks with Shimano rings) is solid, as long as one’s happy with Quarq. Quarq has done me right so far, I had a problem a couple years back with water getting into the system, and they fixed it with fast turnaround and an upgrade. That’s one way to make a customer out of me! Other than that, the meter itself has been solid for me.
My bike is at the shop for a Quarq RS upgrade. 
My main power meter is an Sram SRM built on S975 BB30 cranks. Rock solid. My last power meter was a Quarq Riken S975. The only difference between it and the Quarq equivalent is the power meter spider itself. I had plenty of problems with the Quarq but it had nothing to do with the S975 cranks. I call BS.
FYI I also run this with Di2 11 speed.
Wasn’t the S975 Quarq the pre-Riken model? I believe the Riken is a completely different generation than the S975 Quarq. The older Quarqs seem to be generally regarded as a lot less reliable than the current generation Riken/Elsa/Red.
Correct. If it takes a 2450 and not a 2032, it’s the old generation spider.
My main power meter is an Sram SRM built on S975 BB30 cranks. Rock solid. My last power meter was a Quarq Riken S975. The only difference between it and the Quarq equivalent is the power meter spider itself. I had plenty of problems with the Quarq but it had nothing to do with the S975 cranks. I call BS.
FYI I also run this with Di2 11 speed.
Wasn’t the S975 Quarq the pre-Riken model? I believe the Riken is a completely different generation than the S975 Quarq. The older Quarqs seem to be generally regarded as a lot less reliable than the current generation Riken/Elsa/Red.
Yes and no. I had an S975 Quarq that was upgraded to a Riken after two S975 electronics pod failures. The Sram S975 crank is an OEM crank in the same line as the Red crank.It is a base that Quarq built its power meters on. The Riken eventually failed as well, at no fault of the crankarms. This is why I am now using an SRM.