I’m in the business of getting a powermeter. I would like it to be a crank base meter as I would like to be able to both train and race with it with little fuss. Looking for direction to a decision on a purchase. Also, because of having an engineering background I am the curious type. Maybe someone can enlighten me to what specifically makes one the preferred choice. Also, I wouldn’t mind hearing personal opinions as well. Cheers!
I have Quarq current model - GXP. I use Garmin 500 computer.
On roadie I have full SRAM Red setup. On TT I use the Quarq SRAM cranks with Shitmano shifting and derailed etc.
I chose it because it does everything easily for a LOT less $ than SRM.
Easy to setup, easy to use, no issues at all so far.
Easy to change battery - big plus over SRM.
Looks great too with the black chainrings!
The new Quarq looks brilliant, has more BB options and also does left/right balance as well as being smaller and has battery indicator.
Personally, I would go Quarq.
I don’t have a PM yet but I plan on buying a quarq just because it is cheaper.
FYI you spelt quarq with a “g” in the title.
I’ve had a Quarq for close to two years now.
Never had an issue. Was attracted Quarq over SRM based on cost.
I’m not one to cry search but this has been discussed in hundreds of threads. FWIW after doing the research I went Quarq and have been very satisfied for almost 2 years.
I’m in the business of getting a powermeter. I would like it to be a crank base meter as I would like to be able to both train and race with it with little fuss. Looking for direction to a decision on a purchase. Also, because of having an engineering background I am the curious type. Maybe someone can enlighten me to what specifically makes one the preferred choice. Also, I wouldn’t mind hearing personal opinions as well. Cheers!
I have been very pleased with the SRAM Quarq. There have been no issues with about 1000 miles to date.
To be fair I have never owned or used an SRM. But I can’t figure out why anyone would ever buy one over a Quarq.
I purchased one of the very first Quarq’s available. I have only had one issue which was only with the very early units. The initial units did not have as a strong signal receiver as now so it would not talk to a Garmin 310xt on your wrist at the end of the aero bars. They upgraded mine no question. Otherwise this thing has been perfect.
Customer service is incredible. Was in Florida and forgot my magnet as I had switched the Quarq to a different bike. The Quarq customer service people searched me down a local replacement magnet. They basically insisted on doing this for me.
Very easy battery replacement. Which I have only had to do twice. Mine seems to last longer than they should. Works with multiple head units easily. Easy to reset back to zero. It really goes on and on.
I believe that it is mostly based on cost, as others have already mentioned.
First Quarqs are cheaper. You can get two for close to the price of one SRM.
I owned an SRM for a few seasons when they were still wired. They are great and performance wise both Quarqs and SRM do the job.
I went with Quarq for three reasons:
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You can replace the battery yourself with a battery from the drug store or amazon for about $1 or less if you buy them in bulk.
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You can recalibrate your Quarq with your iPhone.
SRM requires you to send you crank into Colorado to conduct those two services and charges over $100 for them.
- You can swap chainrings with Quarqs due to the ability to recalibrate them with the iPhone app.
Again SRM will do this for yu but you have to send it in.
I appreciate all of the great input that you guys have given to me. I have done some more research on the subject ( you were so right Juanmoretime, there is so much already out there that I wonder why I couldn’t find before. This one was a big help: http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...t_reply;so=ASC;mh=25;) and have come to the conclusion that I will be purchasing a Quarq over the SRM due to many reasons (especially cost), and I just get the sense I will be happier with the Quarq.
Plus their customer service is A++++
I had an issue with mine, and after an email they called and set up the shipping labels; they replaced the unit and paid for shipping both ways no question ask…
I will def buy from them again!
SRM, 'cause it’s more aero?
Set the stage: I’m an authorized retailer for PowerTap, Quarq, SRM, Garmin, and a certified PowerTap Power Test Center and demo center. I’m also a coach and power training guru and have been for a while. I’m also a mechanical enginerd so I dig into the science.
Most of my athletes use Quarq. It’s easy, reliable, (relatively) inexpensive. I’m personally on an SRM. I’ve used Polar, Ergomo, PowerTap, Quarq and SRM power meters. My favorite crank-based system is the Quarq.
(Yes, Quarq, not SRM.)
I find the Quarq less persnickety than the SRM. I have mine paired to a CycleOps Joule 2.0. That might be some of the persnickety-ness, but I like the real-time TSS on the Joule. I see not reason to spend the $$ on an SRM over a Quarq.
Contact me and we can chat more or see if I can get you a good price on a power meter. My PM sales come with free instruction, setup, and/or coaching.
I chose Quarq over SRM because of cost - and the fact that I could change the battery myself. Within a month, something happened and the unit started burning up batteries. Sent it back. Replacement was giving funky (all over the place) power readings. Sent it back. Replacement worked fine for 2 months. Now it’s burning up batteries again - swapped out battery morning of Alcatraz, was dead by the next weekend (without riding). It is a pain (and a cost) to remove/reinstall so I’m debating whether or not to just take battery out after every ride and not ship it back. As others have said, customer service is great - just wish I wouldn’t have had to deal with them 3 times in less than a year.