calling all Quarq owners
Hello and thanks for your time.
I am likely going with Quarq, unless anyone reports specific complaints regarding function or reliability. The monitor will be the Joule by Saris, but in case the joule never comes, any advice on what other computer has worked well with the quarq would be much appreciated. 
Sincerely,
Gilberto
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Comments
The only problem you should have with a new Quarq is getting one, they are currently backlogged with orders. Other than that, I've been immensely pleased with my Quarq and the service that I have received from them. I had an original Quarq and it was upgraded to a Saturn for little cost to me and then to the 2010 electronics pod for absolutely free, in fact Quarq paid for expedited shipping both ways.
I mention the electronics pod because that is the only potential gripe that I've really heard about them in the past, some people reported connectivity issues between their head unit and the crank when their computer was mounted on the non-drive side base bar or far out on the aerobars. This has since been corrected with a stronger antenna in the electronics pod and should be a non-issue on any new cranks.
As far as computers go, I personally use the 310XT as my head unit because well I use my 310XT for everything, you are limited somewhat in your display area but I use it with the quick release kit and take it straight off the bike into my run. I really feel like I get my moneys worth out of it and personally while the Joule looks cool, having played with a demo model in person, I just don't know if the extra features are worth the expense to me. I don't own, but have played with, an Edge 500 and it is a cool device as well. The barometric altimeter and thermometer are nice touches, the baro alt really does make a profound difference in measuring elevation change as compared to the GPS. Of course though, what you are really getting on the Edge 500 is the ability to display 8 fields at a time versus 4 on the 310XT and the addition of 3s and 30s rolling averages.
That last thing is one thing that really ticks me off about Garmin, they have rolling averages on the Edge 705 and 500, they obviously know how to do them and why people want them, the Edge 500 uses very similar software to the 310XT, there is no reason why the 310xt should not have rolling averages. But it doesn't. They may add it, but part of me thinks they are deliberately withholding certain features to drive demand for other models.
Anyway, I know I've spent more time talking about Garmin than I have about Quarq, so if you have any specific questions feel free to fire away. Installation was a breeze, I can swap my crank to my road bike in probably 2-3 minutes, I can change between my training wheels and race wheels without losing power, life is good.
I will likely get another possibly in 170 cm for my TT bike to help my ability to get my leg over the top of the pedal stroke as I have challenges with that....amongst so many other challenges.
V
I am glad to see this thread, as I am looking seriously @ ;Quarq to replace my Ergomo. Anyone know who deep the backlog is???
Gina, I would email Rich for a quote and also email or call Quarq directly to ask about the specific model you are interested in to see what the backlog is.
I have spoke with them a few times and they have been very helpful.
As Matt said, it depends on the model, from the Quarq site:
The CinQo Saturn powermeter is in high demand, so we are now taking deposits. Most units will ship in 2-6 weeks, but some may take up to 12 weeks to ship. Deposits are fully refundable upon request, the only thing you lose is your place in line.
Any CinQos currently in stock will be listed under "Available Now".
You can fish around on the site, or give them a call/email and they'll get you taken care of.
It does depend on the model regarding the backlog. The Lightening is the lightest I believe, non-BB30, crankset/powermeter they offer. From what I understand it is the Specialized crankset without a couple of "glitz" items that Specialized added.
I have the S900 compact and it's bulletproof. I move it back and forth between 2 bikes and it takes me 2-3 mins, which isn't a lot worse than a PT. With the new Joule 2.0 you will have all the same data you are used to with the Ergomo.
Vince
But, when are we gonna really see the Joule?
outstanding! thanks very much for all the input.
how is it that you can switch from bike to bike, by switching out the cranks? i probably won't be switching out too often, but nice to know how it's done.
great feedback regarding the different computer matings with quarq as well. awesome.
G
@Gilberto
@Trevor:
thanks very much. good to know.
G
Gina, yes I am very happy with the Edge 500 and have had zero issues. I like it much more the normal saris LYC that comes wiht the power taps as I can customize the screens anyway I want, and program course and workouts in. Plus it stores months worth of data if needed.
If you go with the 500 I recomend upgarding to WKO 3.0 as it has direct download for the edge 500 which makes the process quicker and easier. It worked fine with WKO 2.0, but I had to download to garmins software, then export a file and then import it to wko.
However my decision to purchase the edge was based on two main factors, price and availability. It cost me almost exactly half as much as a Joule and I got it early December when the Joule was vaporware. The edge was already available and people were using it with WKO.
I'm still glad I got it, but if I had more in the gear budget this year, I would have liked to have the TSS/NP/IF on the Joule, it just wasn't worth another $200 and having to wait.
The GPS features of the edge at nice to have, but in no way mandatory to me.
Matt, thanks for the input. I have had an Ergomo since the outset of my power days and am used to TSS/IF/NP. That will probably push me toward the Joule. I just want to see that it is genuinely available AND that I can get a Quarq soon enough!
Gina, As a former Ergomo user, I was concerned about not having TSS, NP and IF on the ride. After about 2 weeks of riding (Quark and Edge 500), I don't really miss it. Sure it was fun to try and drive up the TSS toward the end of ride by riding your a$$ off, but I can do that without the direct feedback. I don't really miss it. I think it is all a matter of what you are used to.... As for the Quark, it is SOOOO much better than the Ergomo since you don't have to mess with the offset before every ride. I have confidence that my readings are accurate/consistent from ride to ride.
Just one note on an issue I haven't figure out yet. I can't get my Garmin 500 to download to WKO 3.0. I think it has something to do with my Garmin Training Center being messed up so the drivers aren't there for power agent. (I'm on a Mac with Parallels, so everything always seems to get a bit convoluted) I also have a Garmin 310xt that I've been using to download the data to WKO, but need to get the 500 working as I will need to use it by itself at IMSG in 5 weeks (yikes!!)
Thanks, Mark!!
Just a note to potential buyers and those needing head units. I have used the 705 garmin for 18 months now with my quarq and have had 0 problems with either. Reliable, flawless, easy it has been that rediculous. But I have a Joule coming (someday) so will sell the 705 for a great deal if anyone is interested.
I also switch the Quarq between my tri and road bikes now and it is rediulous easy too (Only need 10mm wrench and about 3 minutes to change over). It is that easy along with the easy battery change which by the way is only needed about every 2000 to 4000 miles. I'm going on 3200 miles now and haven't changed it out yet.
Trent - any chance you can do a video of yourself swapping out the Quarq between the road and tri bikes?
I have the compact Sram S900 crankset. I have the BB mounted on both bikes. They stay in place and do not move back and forth between the bikes. I put my rear deraileur on the smallest cogset and the smallest on the chainring. Then I use an 8mm hex/allen wrench and do a "lefty loosey" on the non-drive side crankarm. The crank arm comes off. Then I move to the drive side and pull the crankset out (sometimes I have to gently tap the non-drive side with a rubber mallet). Once it pulls out about 1/4" I remove the chain from the small ring with a hexkey to keep my fingers clean OR I use rubber gloves and just grab it and remove it inboard towards the bike and voila...the crankset slides out.
To put into the other bike I just slip the axel into the BB on the drive side, put the chain on the small chainring and make sure the axel goes in all the way. Then I switch to the non-drive side of the bike and put that crank on (make sure it is 180 degrees from the drive side crankarm) and then tighten by hand firmly (40 foot lbs I believe is the torque setting but firm...not joe gorilla tight). 2-4 mins is all it takes.
If I knew how to do video...I'd shoot it for you but it really is simple. If you get a Cinqo...just watch your LBS install it once and you will see the process.
Vince
Here is how to do it fast
It is very straight forward and just about as easy and changing a rear wheel (sometimes easier).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibycOXD-Mw0
As far as swapping, as others have said it takes 2 to 4 minutes, there's a video somewhere of someone doing it in a minute flat, it is really easy to do. Mine goes between my tri bike and road bike, same BB on both, easy-peazy.
Found it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibycOXD-Mw0
great info. thanks to all. sent Rich my deposit today!
Thanks for the link Matt & Jorge, and it probably is easier than the rear wheel on a Specialized Transition!
Vince
Ok, I have a few questions. Will be getting Pm in next month or so. Really seriously going in direction of Quarq. I'm not good with mechanical stuff sooooo.
Right now both road bike and tri bike have Shimano ultegra components. Road bike has a triple. If I go with the quarq, I'll have to get a new rear cassett, derailer, and BB etc? What system would you recommend?
vs if get Power tap, I have a Zipp 404 wheel that I would put the PT on, but if I wanted to switch between bikes, would have to update components on road bike cause I plan to get a compact.
Sorry for the basic ?'s, but new to understanding the mechanics of it all
Thanks
Not basic at all.
To go Quark: For the Bike with the triple, you'd need a new left hand shifter (a double shifter). I believe the Cassette & rear derailleur should be fine, you might want to get a short cage derailleur (the long cage derailleur is designed to accommodate triple cranks).
If you go PT/Zipp: the wheel should go back and forth between bikes w/o an issue (providing their both 9sp. or both 10sp.).
Shhhhhhhh. I got email comfirmation mine is on the way. Thanks Rich!! Oooops or was I not supposed to tell.