Quarq vs SRM
03-26-10, 08:09 AM
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Is he running a SRM head unit? My guess is that the difference might be with the refresh rate on the Garmin, with a Garmin/Quarq combination.
In my experience running a Pt and a Quarq side by side, the Garmin/Quarq combo is a little slower to react, which can be good or bad depending on how you look at it.
In my experience running a Pt and a Quarq side by side, the Garmin/Quarq combo is a little slower to react, which can be good or bad depending on how you look at it.
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03-26-10, 08:25 AM
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I bought an SRM before the Ant +Sport stuff came out. $4800, and it included a frame, fork, Record (-cranks of course), Fulcrum 1 wheels, etc. Would I buy a fresh SRM? Prob not. Quarg? Probably.
I'm starting to consider a second BB30 powercrank, and probably an Ant +Sport type.
The huge thing I like about the SRM I have is that it takes about 5 minutes to swap crankarms (Cannondale SI version). I dunno anything about the Quarg versions.
cdr
I'm starting to consider a second BB30 powercrank, and probably an Ant +Sport type.
The huge thing I like about the SRM I have is that it takes about 5 minutes to swap crankarms (Cannondale SI version). I dunno anything about the Quarg versions.
cdr
03-26-10, 08:43 AM
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never had an srm
just got a cinqo w garmin 500 to replace powertap
ptap - lots of data dropouts, didnt work if it was <32 deg, or wet, or the wind blew, somebody sneezed too loudly, or whatever
quarq - after an initial calibration problem due to improperly installed crankset, it has worked like a charm
the garmin 500 is a fred machine with all the useless datapoints and the download to garmin fit or whatever it is, but it can be downloaded directly to wko to avoid all the noise.
cost for everything including SRAM S975 w BB30, quarq cinqo, and garmin 500 was a little under $2k; so compared to SRM it's a value no brainer. although the SRMs look a little more pro.
just got a cinqo w garmin 500 to replace powertap
ptap - lots of data dropouts, didnt work if it was <32 deg, or wet, or the wind blew, somebody sneezed too loudly, or whatever
quarq - after an initial calibration problem due to improperly installed crankset, it has worked like a charm
the garmin 500 is a fred machine with all the useless datapoints and the download to garmin fit or whatever it is, but it can be downloaded directly to wko to avoid all the noise.
cost for everything including SRAM S975 w BB30, quarq cinqo, and garmin 500 was a little under $2k; so compared to SRM it's a value no brainer. although the SRMs look a little more pro.
03-26-10, 11:15 AM
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never had an srm
just got a cinqo w garmin 500 to replace powertap
ptap - lots of data dropouts, didnt work if it was <32 deg, or wet, or the wind blew, somebody sneezed too loudly, or whatever
quarq - after an initial calibration problem due to improperly installed crankset, it has worked like a charm
the garmin 500 is a fred machine with all the useless datapoints and the download to garmin fit or whatever it is, but it can be downloaded directly to wko to avoid all the noise.
cost for everything including SRAM S975 w BB30, quarq cinqo, and garmin 500 was a little under $2k; so compared to SRM it's a value no brainer. although the SRMs look a little more pro.
just got a cinqo w garmin 500 to replace powertap
ptap - lots of data dropouts, didnt work if it was <32 deg, or wet, or the wind blew, somebody sneezed too loudly, or whatever
quarq - after an initial calibration problem due to improperly installed crankset, it has worked like a charm
the garmin 500 is a fred machine with all the useless datapoints and the download to garmin fit or whatever it is, but it can be downloaded directly to wko to avoid all the noise.
cost for everything including SRAM S975 w BB30, quarq cinqo, and garmin 500 was a little under $2k; so compared to SRM it's a value no brainer. although the SRMs look a little more pro.
03-26-10, 11:25 AM
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03-26-10, 11:27 AM
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From their website:
Do I need to send in my CinQo if I swap chainrings?
The stiffness of the chainrings can affect the CinQo calibration. For example, if you switch from standard road chainrings to bigger time trial rings, the calibration of your CinQo is likely to be affected. If you do that, we recommend you send the new setup in for re-calibration.
I run my SRM on several different bikes and change rings a lot from course to course, or even as conditions change. I'm guessing Quarq, which requires you to send the unit in for recalibration if you change the rings, isn't going to have a tech on site at most of my races. According to their website there's a fee for calibration.
No Dura option, which is the easiest crank to swap around on multiple bikes. The Quarq drowns. There's no proprietary head unit and at last count there were a bunch of firmware upgrades for the Garmin/Quarq thing to work. I like making one call if I have an issue, not going back and forth between two companies. My ex 8 year old SRM is still in service under JRennie; most of the cranks Quarq uses will probably fall apart in that time (I can give you my history with some of them). I've had 4 different SRM's and never had a problem with any of them. And I've gotten 2+ years of service out of the head and lower unit batteries in daily service; I finally had them replaced because I was going to have some downtime.
Is that stuff worth $500? It is to me. Quarq is fine. I know people that love theirs. I also know people who have had them just stop working. Pfttt. Quarq replaced the unit no q's and no hassles.
Last edited by Racer Ex; 03-26-10 at 11:38 AM.
03-26-10, 11:33 AM
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I don't understand how the slope can change with different chainrings. ZO maybe, but slope?
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03-26-10, 11:42 AM
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If you can't swap chain rings without sending it in that's a deal breaker for me. Using my SRM on my TT rig and RR rig is job 1. Now the cost of a Quarq would be double so not such a great deal anymore.
03-26-10, 11:53 AM
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Quarq doesn't allow the user to change the slope, I know that much.
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03-26-10, 12:05 PM
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just not tightened properly causing back and forth movement and skewing the reverse pedal calibration. it's an mdcatv screwed it up and didnt realize it kind of thing that any competent mechanic would not consider possible.
03-26-10, 12:12 PM
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So who has the best deals on SRMs?
Love my PT wheels, but flexibility in which bike and wheelset I'm using would be a huge plus.
Love my PT wheels, but flexibility in which bike and wheelset I'm using would be a huge plus.
03-26-10, 12:23 PM
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FWIW, I sent a guy I'm working with to Competitive for their $600 wired Powertap deal. For price it blows anything else new out of the water.
03-26-10, 12:34 PM
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Slight correction Ex, your 8 year old srm is still working just fine under another rider now. I got a SRAM SRM after being so satisfied with my first one.
03-26-10, 01:02 PM
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The advantages/disadvantages have been discussed numerous times and starting yet another thread where the premise is why pay more for an SRM is shillilicious. Shillistastic. Shillimonium. Shill we discuss this further? What specifically shill we discuss?
From their website:
Do I need to send in my CinQo if I swap chainrings?
The stiffness of the chainrings can affect the CinQo calibration. For example, if you switch from standard road chainrings to bigger time trial rings, the calibration of your CinQo is likely to be affected. If you do that, we recommend you send the new setup in for re-calibration.
I run my SRM on several different bikes and change rings a lot from course to course, or even as conditions change. I'm guessing Quarq, which requires you to send the unit in for recalibration if you change the rings, isn't going to have a tech on site at most of my races. According to their website there's a fee for calibration.
No Dura option, which is the easiest crank to swap around on multiple bikes. The Quarq drowns. There's no proprietary head unit and at last count there were a bunch of firmware upgrades for the Garmin/Quarq thing to work. I like making one call if I have an issue, not going back and forth between two companies. My ex 8 year old SRM is still in service under JRennie; most of the cranks Quarq uses will probably fall apart in that time (I can give you my history with some of them). I've had 4 different SRM's and never had a problem with any of them. And I've gotten 2+ years of service out of the head and lower unit batteries in daily service; I finally had them replaced because I was going to have some downtime.
Is that stuff worth $500? It is to me. Quarq is fine. I know people that love theirs. I also know people who have had them just stop working. Pfttt. Quarq replaced the unit no q's and no hassles.
From their website:
Do I need to send in my CinQo if I swap chainrings?
The stiffness of the chainrings can affect the CinQo calibration. For example, if you switch from standard road chainrings to bigger time trial rings, the calibration of your CinQo is likely to be affected. If you do that, we recommend you send the new setup in for re-calibration.
I run my SRM on several different bikes and change rings a lot from course to course, or even as conditions change. I'm guessing Quarq, which requires you to send the unit in for recalibration if you change the rings, isn't going to have a tech on site at most of my races. According to their website there's a fee for calibration.
No Dura option, which is the easiest crank to swap around on multiple bikes. The Quarq drowns. There's no proprietary head unit and at last count there were a bunch of firmware upgrades for the Garmin/Quarq thing to work. I like making one call if I have an issue, not going back and forth between two companies. My ex 8 year old SRM is still in service under JRennie; most of the cranks Quarq uses will probably fall apart in that time (I can give you my history with some of them). I've had 4 different SRM's and never had a problem with any of them. And I've gotten 2+ years of service out of the head and lower unit batteries in daily service; I finally had them replaced because I was going to have some downtime.
Is that stuff worth $500? It is to me. Quarq is fine. I know people that love theirs. I also know people who have had them just stop working. Pfttt. Quarq replaced the unit no q's and no hassles.
1) Swapping chainrings by yourself on the Quarq is no problem. The only issue is that calibration might be off if there is a "flex" difference in the rings. In speaking to someone at Quarq, they noted that this difference would likely not be great unless changing from a standard ring to a TT ring, as the TT ring is probably stiffer.
2) At the moment, although alluded to on their site, there is no cost for recalibration other than shipping to/from. They may in the future charge, but they are currently offering as a free service. There are also "field" (read "home") tests that you can perform to see how far the calibration is off.
3) With respect to units failing, I heard the largest issue was with pre-Saturn Quarq Cincos. Apparently the issue, mostly due to moisture, has been fixed.
4) With respect to swapping cranksets, the Rotor 3D and Truvativ cranksets are no harder to swap than Dura Ace (or Shimano in general). With respect to the Quarq crank choices failing, we can go back to pcad's DA failure (although it was not equipped with the SRM guts as I remember). Stuff fails. Chances overall that a significant percentage of people on this forum will make a crank fail is likely pretty slim.
I think Quarq makes a quality product with great customer service from what I've personally seen. I can't imagine SRM being much different, either...seemingly great product, and great customer service.
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03-26-10, 01:23 PM
#41
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I appreciate that you are not downing Quarq, and are stating what you know about SRM from personal experience. Just a couple of pro Quarq items to help correct some misperceptions.
1) Swapping chainrings by yourself on the Quarq is no problem. The only issue is that calibration might be off if there is a "flex" difference in the rings. In speaking to someone at Quarq, they noted that this difference would likely not be great unless changing from a standard ring to a TT ring, as the TT ring is probably stiffer.
2) At the moment, although alluded to on their site, there is no cost for recalibration other than shipping to/from. They may in the future charge, but they are currently offering as a free service. There are also "field" (read "home") tests that you can perform to see how far the calibration is off.
3) With respect to units failing, I heard the largest issue was with pre-Saturn Quarq Cincos. Apparently the issue, mostly due to moisture, has been fixed.
4) With respect to swapping cranksets, the Rotor 3D and Truvativ cranksets are no harder to swap than Dura Ace (or Shimano in general). With respect to the Quarq crank choices failing, we can go back to pcad's DA failure (although it was not equipped with the SRM guts as I remember). Stuff fails. Chances overall that a significant percentage of people on this forum will make a crank fail is likely pretty slim.
I think Quarq makes a quality product with great customer service from what I've personally seen. I can't imagine SRM being much different, either...seemingly great product, and great customer service.
1) Swapping chainrings by yourself on the Quarq is no problem. The only issue is that calibration might be off if there is a "flex" difference in the rings. In speaking to someone at Quarq, they noted that this difference would likely not be great unless changing from a standard ring to a TT ring, as the TT ring is probably stiffer.
2) At the moment, although alluded to on their site, there is no cost for recalibration other than shipping to/from. They may in the future charge, but they are currently offering as a free service. There are also "field" (read "home") tests that you can perform to see how far the calibration is off.
3) With respect to units failing, I heard the largest issue was with pre-Saturn Quarq Cincos. Apparently the issue, mostly due to moisture, has been fixed.
4) With respect to swapping cranksets, the Rotor 3D and Truvativ cranksets are no harder to swap than Dura Ace (or Shimano in general). With respect to the Quarq crank choices failing, we can go back to pcad's DA failure (although it was not equipped with the SRM guts as I remember). Stuff fails. Chances overall that a significant percentage of people on this forum will make a crank fail is likely pretty slim.
I think Quarq makes a quality product with great customer service from what I've personally seen. I can't imagine SRM being much different, either...seemingly great product, and great customer service.
03-26-10, 02:08 PM
#42
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I understand that it could cause an issue. If you are seriously interested in both units, I would recommend a call to Quarq. I don't think they would give you information to steer you towards their product just to make a sale; they can likely give you exactly the issues they've encountered, and how to address them if possible.
If they can't give you real world solutions that address your concerns, then you know that SRM is the best/only choice that will work you.
Best of luck,
Tom
If they can't give you real world solutions that address your concerns, then you know that SRM is the best/only choice that will work you.
Best of luck,
Tom
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Last edited by tjspahr; 03-26-10 at 02:18 PM.
03-26-10, 02:08 PM
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@ EDR & Ex- On your SRM's it sounds like your swapping from 53 to 55 big rings for your TT set-ups? I've been wanting to do this, but was worried it would affect slope/calibration, is there not an issue with doing this? Thanks!
BTW, not knocking the other systems, but my SRM has been trouble free for 2 years and there customer service is great.
BTW, not knocking the other systems, but my SRM has been trouble free for 2 years and there customer service is great.
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03-26-10, 02:42 PM
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@ EDR & Ex- On your SRM's it sounds like your swapping from 53 to 55 big rings for your TT set-ups? I've been wanting to do this, but was worried it would affect slope/calibration, is there not an issue with doing this? Thanks!
BTW, not knocking the other systems, but my SRM has been trouble free for 2 years and there customer service is great.
BTW, not knocking the other systems, but my SRM has been trouble free for 2 years and there customer service is great.
03-26-10, 02:53 PM
#45
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I understand that it could cause an issue. If you are seriously interested in both units, I would recommend a call to Quarq. I don't think they would give you information to steer you towards their product just to make a sale; they can likely give you exactly the issues they've encountered, and how to address them if possible.
If they can't give you real world solutions that address your concerns, then you know that SRM is the best/only choice that will work you.
Best of luck,
Tom
If they can't give you real world solutions that address your concerns, then you know that SRM is the best/only choice that will work you.
Best of luck,
Tom
seriously? Why wouldn't they, that is what they are in business.
03-26-10, 02:54 PM
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@ EDR & Ex- On your SRM's it sounds like your swapping from 53 to 55 big rings for your TT set-ups? I've been wanting to do this, but was worried it would affect slope/calibration, is there not an issue with doing this? Thanks!
BTW, not knocking the other systems, but my SRM has been trouble free for 2 years and there customer service is great.
BTW, not knocking the other systems, but my SRM has been trouble free for 2 years and there customer service is great.
03-26-10, 03:01 PM
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Another plus to the SRM is that it only takes 5 minutes to swap from bike to bike.
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03-26-10, 04:00 PM
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03-26-10, 05:37 PM
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I'm probably going to wait until Metrigear either comes to fruition or folds before I get a non PT system.
Meh, I'll probably get a set of Psimet aero tubs with a SLC+.
Meh, I'll probably get a set of Psimet aero tubs with a SLC+.