FasterNearGirls

I have received a great offer for a Quarq Cinqo.
What are its limitations and downsides when compared to the current/latest models?

I've been in the market for a power meter for a while, specifically a Quarq, and this seems like a great deal even though I am broke right now.

Thanks in advance.

canam73

For one thing it uses the less common and more expensive CR2032 battery, and mine eats them like candy. I've taken to removing it between rides which helps a lot. It will go in under warranty this fall when I am using it less.

I don't have a newer model to compare with, but I do have PT. Even with an occasional in-ride re-zeroing it's readings appear less stable than the PT. It's nothing I can't deal with, but it could be improved on.

Those are my only complaints. Over all though I like it and would buy it again.

FasterNearGirls

Sounds pretty negative
Most surprising about it being less stable than the Powetap...
And the battery issue as well.
Maybe yours needs servicing, and should be good afterwards.
I hope.

Thanks.

Anyone else can comment?

FasterNearGirls

Ok, let me rephrase this.

The LBS is offering me a Quarq Cinqo / crankset just the way I need it (53/39 172.5 BB30) for $600.
I've wanted a power meter for a while, now I just got my Cat 2 upgrade, and this seems to be a good opportunity.

My concerns are regarding whatever downsides this outdated model may present.
And I'm considering the recent drop in prices of all power meters including newer models.

But still, $600 bucks! Sounds like a good opportunity! ?

Silvercivic27

Then buy it! 600 bucks is a pretty damn good deal.

FasterNearGirls

That's what I'm thinking! So I came here for opinions and reviews on the Cinqo and so far got one negative response..

canam73

As I said, I would buy it again, and I paid almost double for mine. I was just being critical.

i believe the battery problem is uncommon, other people I know with them do much better. The 'drift' in reading seems more common, but it's not that bad. I'm just not gonna be one of those guys who says everything I bought is perfect and everyone should get one too.

FasterNearGirls

Appreciate it. Thanks.
Looks like I'm getting it!
I'll call the LBS to determine exactly what it is. If I search Cinqo on ebay I get so many variations from Saturn, S975.. it gets confusing. And the prices will vary from 1200 to 2100.

Silvercivic27

Honestly, for 600 bucks, if it sucks, you can probably still sell it for 400-500 pretty easily. I have 2 elsas and they're great. I don't think the cinqos are that much different. My Elsa's eat the 2032s like tic tacs compared to srm battery too, but it takes about 3 seconds and no tools to change it.

canam73

I had it wrong above; the new ones use the CR2032, the Cinqo uses the CR2450.

jsutkeepspining

I loved my cinqo. ZO was rock solid, slope was rock solid, everything worked really well until a month ago it bit the dust (1.5 years after buying it), and Quarq sent me a riken for free. I would say go for it.

merlinextraligh

I've got a cinco, and a new Quarq. Other than power balance, I don't see any obvious difference in the data.

I think the newer Quarqs are built a little better, and there's an easier to find battery.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a cinco.

Grambo

I have two Quarqs (one on my MTB and an Elsa on my road bike) and one point worth mentioning is their outstanding customer service. A few weeks ago I did some serious damage to my S2275 on my MTB riding some very technical single track (sheared off the battery housing compartment). I contacted Quarq the next day to inquire about repairing the unit and to my surprise they opted to repair the unit free of charge and also paid for 2 day shipping to and from Spearfish S. Dakota (had the unit back in < 1 week). The rationale behind the free repair was that when I purchased the power meter (used) several months ago I was getting very high calibration readings and I contacted them to try to resolve the issue. They informed me that the unit was still under warranty and that the warranty was transferable so I could immediately send it back to them service if I wanted but they suggested that I try to re torque the chain ring bolts to see if that would resolve the issue. The re torque of the bolts did not work but I decided to live with the issue until winter and then send it back for service (the power readings were only a bit higher than the readings off my Elsa). Bottom line is that when I contacted them about the damage to the S2275 they had a record of my initial issue and they right out of the gate offered to repair it FOC. No haggling, negotiating period. I wish all manufacturers operated that way. I'm actually now considering buying a third for my CX rig and would not hesitate to buy a slightly used one off Ebay if I can find a good deal.

FasterNearGirls

Awesome! Thank you very much for all the feedback!

FasterNearGirls

I stopped by the LBS today to check out the quarq.
It's a lightly used demo without any significant wear and in perfect working condition.
Quarq Cinqo Saturn FSA SL-K Light Hollow Carbon cranks and FSA Chainrings. Like this one: https://advanced-cycles.com/product/q...ainrin-923.htm

I should have asked about the warranty!! If I'm going to be covered, I'm pretty sure I'm getting it.

Vetboy

The only thing not covered here so far was the water issues many people (including me on the two units I had - original and one replacement from Quarq) had with the Cinqo. It was a common problem for the zero offset to become pretty unstable when the unit was wet (riding in rain, or for a couple days after washing). I suspect it has something to do with the change in friction between the spider and the chainrings when water got between them. I tried friction paste as suggested by Quarq, but it didn't seem to help in my case. Finally, my cinqo started eating batteries (needed a new one every few days) and Quarq replaced it w a Riken. No more water issues.

chiefDave

CG on your cat 2 upgrade!

I have about 10 months and 4k on my Riken and it has been flawless. It needed a new battery at about 3k but I had a low battery warning on my edge 500 and got through ride w/ power, no worries. Great deal and I would grab it in a heartbeat. Good luck man!

FasterNearGirls

Thank you, thank you!!
I called the shop. They're going to get back to me regarding whether there will be warranty coverage. If there is, I will absolutely get it, if not, I probably still will! Given the above mentioned good customer service from Quarq, I should be ok in case I run into a problem.

Psimet2001 

I was wondering there for a second when you posted the 2032. My first thought was, "I can find 2032 anywhere". Correct though - 2450. I can usually find them within a minute or two drive from my house, but definitely not as common.

I have sold a ton of them and used one for 3 years or so... Also a dealer/although I just don't move them like I used to but mainly because of choice due to the politics involved since the SRAM buyout.

Some people have no luck with them it seems. I have one guy that has exchanged 2 or 3 of them with Quarq. The vast majority of my customers have never had an issue though. I personally have never had an issue and I have used it on probably 5-6 bikes, swapped out crank arms to longer lengths for cross and TT's. I have changed rings and re-calibrated multiple times. I have run it as a 1 chainring setup for cross and 2 ring on the road....never misses a beat.

At $600 it's a STEAL. buy it. Think about it later.

Psimet2001 

You'll get full coverage. Quarq is A1 on their service and as of now it is still handled out of Quarq HQ in South Dakota. GREAT family of people there. SRAM - if it fully takes over warranty and service - has been known to go in waves. They seem to cover almost anything unless its a known issue (their warranty costs have gotten too high on a product) then they'll drag their heels.

FasterNearGirls

Thanks Psimet!
I called the LBS again to follow up on my question regarding the warranty. They're going to research further with the SN to see if it's still covered. I'm starting to think that this unit could be older and more used than they first implied.... But I guess as long as it's under warranty I'll quickly test it out and take advantage of the mentioned good service from Quarq. But it would suck to start using it and have to send it to the factory in a hurry.

Will I need to re-calibrate and reset the slope with a calibrated weight like in the video I was watching, just for peace of mind even though I'm not swapping cranks or rings? Probably wouldn't hurt, and you've obviously done this a few times.

Thanks.

FasterNearGirls

OK, I got a detailed VoiceMail from the LBS:

Turns out this unit is outside of the warranty period.
They would install and make sure it's functional.
If I do run into a problem, there is no warranty and Quarq doesn't service the Cinqo any longer, HOWEVER I could upgrade to a Rikken for another $500. So $1100 for a Rikken, if needed. This is how he put it.

I think I need everyone's advice more than ever now! Is it worth going into this? Thanks!

Silvercivic27

I'd still take a chance and get the cinqo for $600. It really does not seem to me like the shop is being shady at all.

Grambo

+1 -Stop fence sitting and just buy the Cinqo. Enough hand wringing already. It seems abundantly clear from this thread that Quarq stand behind their products so just pull the trigger.

SpeshulEd 

Regarding battery...

https://www.amazon.com/CR2450-Lithium...eywords=CR2450