Repaired PM...now riding significantly different wattage

Dawn Cass

My power meter failed about a month ago (quarq elsa) and was sent in to be repaired or replaced. Turns out they were able to repair and they have just sent it back...first ride in a month today with power.

When I would calibrate it before it failed, the calibration figure was around 200...never really thought to much about it. Now when I calibrate it, figure is just under 100. Quarq say anything plus or minus 1,000 (I think) is ok.

So my question....today's ride had me ~25 watts lower than I am normally riding at. Similar conditions, terrain, elevation, etc as previous rides.

I am hoping I haven't lost that much fitness in the last month....especially considering race day is 2 weeks away so I wonder if the repair/reset has done something.

I plan to call quarq in Monday...also after seeing how the next 2 rides go but wonder if anyone has experience with something similar?

thanks!

Brad Marcus

Dawn- I also have. Quarq. I had a similar experience last year when I was experiencing some issues and Quarq had me do a firmware upgrade. The upgrade caused my known power numbers to be way off. At the time, they had suggested that I reinstall the old firmware version, which solved that problem. This may or may not be the issue. However, when I train indoors, my Wahoo gives me power numbers vastly different than what my Quarq reads outdoors, so it's important that I know the differential so I can be accurate when racing. If Quarq cannot solve the issue for you, I suggest you do an FTP test and use those numbers. At the end of the day, it's just a number and although your "real power" may not have dropped, it's important that you go by the number that your PM is giving you.

JeremyBehler

Plug in your route and power into bestbikesplit.com and see if the new wattage is similar to the projected finishe time. That way you will know if it's your new one or old one that is off.

But it's not the number itself that matters....as long as you use the same device the relative impact of your workout will be fine.

You should probably do and FTP test with the new PM to establish a new benchmark.

Shaughn Simmons

I would also add to the thoughts below, this close to the race, focus on your last two long rides this weekend which I saw you post on Strava.

What was your 5 hour power and avg HR for those rides?  That right there is most likely your fitness level relevant for race day.  Using the 5 hour NP/Avg Power, IF and HR data for those 2 rides should give you a very clear idea of what you are targeting for the race.

SS

stephanb

I've had a similar issue lately.  I replaced my stages with a Garmin Vector (left only) and I'm averaging 40 watts lower than I used to on long runs.  Took an FTP test, but I'm really fatigued so I didn't totally trust the numbers, but they confirmed that I've either lost a lot of fitness or the power meters register differently. Thanks for the post and the advice below.  

Trish Marshall

Stephen, I am pretty sure the devices measure differently. You could do a power test instead of the wednesday work to get a better number and of course, follow Shaun's advice. I know my pt hub numbers...been riding it 5 years. BUT...they are lower than computrainer and my kickr. And my friends who ride quark, and stages. Its just a number as said above..but pretty key to your race day, so get the number!

Dawn Cass

Thanks all for the advise. I did 3 rides on the PM now and all readings are very low. Talked to Quarq and they said that sometimes there is a "settling down" period....which honestly to me sounds odd. They said 2-3 rides should be the settle. I talked to them today and told them no change.

They suggested two things....new FTP test...as some of you suggest below. It's the reference number that is important at this point for race day. I just hope if by testing (or using the last long rides as per Shaughn's suggestion), that the PM doesn't decide to "settle" in for me before race day and throw those numbers off.

Second suggestion is to manually change the PM's slope using the Qalvin software. They explain if I know I am xx% out when I can manually push the PM to read that. Issue I have with that is it's a guess...am I 20% off....25%. I can push the value to be anything however how that compares to my actual FTP/fitness may not be the same as I have been measuring for years now.

Very stressed about this issue so close to race day.

robin sarner

yes stressful.

maybe consider :::        getting a completely new Quarq.        ask Quarq for a discount with sending the old one back.     my latest Quarq is finally solid and reliable.          I would demand that this exchange happen for very low cost.          the crap they are giving you about having to use Qalvin, adjusting, etc.  is nonsense.           your newish Quarq should work without fiddling. 

Brad Marcus

Dawn - suggest not using Qalvin to mess with slope, etc. That stuff in there gets hairy and is not consumer friendly! Although I agree with Robin, not sure you have time to mess with an exchange this close to MT. As long as you are getting a constant power reading, YOU WILL BE FINE. You can either go by Shaughn's advice, and use a 5 hour number (I'd correlate your HR to that from a prior ride to make sure its close), or do a simple FTP test. If you decide to test, I suggest you do it Tues or Wed of this week to get it out of the way so you can taper effectively. You can deal with the knuckleheads at Quarq after the race. Going back to what I said, you will be OK....Breathe....

Dawn Cass

Thanks Robin/Brad - appreciate the additional comments. I could think about a new Quarq however as mentioned, not going to happen before MT. Will think about doing an FTP test this Wed or Thurs and see what I get. I will then have the 5 hour power information and also the test and will at least have some data in front of me.

Brad - I would agree with you...I don't want to mess with Qalvin...seems a guessing game which doesn't guarantee I get the right readings anyway.