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Quarq Power meter - speed ?

O2BFastO2BFast
in General Training Discussions

 I was considering buying a new bike and adding the Quarq power meter to it.   I currently use the Powertap and it works good.   I was kind of wondering with the Quarq, how do you get the speed reading ?   I guess if you used a Garmin computer, you'd have the GPS, but what do you do inside ?   The Powertap has everything magically contained in that hub, but I wonder what else you used on the bike for speed with the Quarq ?

 

 

Comments

  • Jeff UnruhJeff Unruh
    Curious for the answer as well -- assume the speed is from a wheel sensor like a Garmin 305 with speed/cadence sensor when used on the trainer.
  • KitbooKitboo
    I have a Quarq and Joule---for speed, ride time, and distance I had to buy a separate sensor from Saris. It mounts on the chainstay.
  • steveperxsteveperx

    There are three that I know of.

    • iBike speed sensor: ~$30
    • Garmin speed/cadence sensor: ~$36.
    • PowerTap speed/cadence sensor: ~$50

    I have the iBike speed sensor.  I think it measures a little off, for what it's worth.

  • GMAN 19030GMAN 19030
    Speed on the trainer is kind of a hocus-pocus number anyway. It's not remotely accurate for the same power or perceived effort when compared to outdoors for a variety of reasons. After all, you're not really going anywhere so there's inherent flaws in how the computer and sensor factor speed.

    Watts, HR and Cadence are what matters when using the trainer with a power meter. I for one wouldn't waste the $40 or whatever on a sensor, unless you didn't have a GPS bike computer - then of course you would need a speed sensor of some kind.

    Just my $.02
  • Jeff UnruhJeff Unruh

    @Bob -- the Garmin is a combo cadence and speed sensor.



    I hear what you are saying about speed on the trainer. Speed is simply a factor of gearing and cadence.  No doubt power is the best measurement but I am already, just 1 week into NovOS, seeing how HR on the bike is sub optimal - especially for intervals (the lag effect). The longer the duration of the work effort the better (more valuable) the information becomes.

  • manconamancona
    I'm with Bob... i have a Quarq and did not bother with a speed sensor.

    I use an edge 500 and a forerunner 310Xt without a speed sensor. Inside I could care less about speed. Outside I only sort of care, but the GPS is more than accurate enough for me.
  • TerryOTerryO
    You need a speed sensor if you use the Joule. If you use Garmin then it computes speed by GPS data.
  • torontoquadstorontoquads
    Very curious how this works. I have a new PT wheel Pro+ and Joule 2.0 without the Speed/Cadence sensor. Yet it is showing speed and cadence, seemingly accurately. What gives? Is it accurate???

    Curious me,
    Elly
  • vabchtriguyvabchtriguy

    @Elly - speed/cadence sensor is built into PT hub

  • GMAN 19030GMAN 19030
    Posted By Jeff Unruh on 08 Nov 2010 12:08 PM

    @Bob -- the Garmin is a combo cadence and speed sensor.



    I hear what you are saying about speed on the trainer. Speed is simply a factor of gearing and cadence.  No doubt power is the best measurement but I am already, just 1 week into NovOS, seeing how HR on the bike is sub optimal - especially for intervals (the lag effect). The longer the duration of the work effort the better (more valuable) the information becomes.

     

    I know.  I used the Garmin Speed/Cadence sensor before I had my Quarq installed in February of this year.  I remember looking at the speed numbers and thinking they were easily 4 or 5 mph off.  The power meter reinforced my suspicions.  I'd ride at 220 watts and it would say I was going 18 mph.  That's about 22+ mph outside  for me in flat & calm conditions.

  • Jeff UnruhJeff Unruh
    The KKRM shows 18mph as around 210 watts. I fully appreciate that indoor speed doesn't equal outdoor speed at same watts.

    I too am going the Quarq route...
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]
    Hi. I am new to EN. I have a Garmin 310xt and a brand new Quarq so needless to say I am trying to sort out all of the information. What should I do to enter my test data if the only way I can test is indoors and I don't have a speed reading on the Garmin even though I have the speed/cadence sensor? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
  • GMAN 19030GMAN 19030
    Melissa,
    I just wouldn't concern yourself with the speed component. Power, cadence and heart rate info are what you should pay attention to indoors. You also don't really need the speed/cadence sensor if you have a Quarq. The Quarq BB magnet will give cadence and the GPS will do speed (when outdoors).

    That said, you should be getting a speed reading with that sensor and the 310. It sounds like you don't have it setup correctly. Do you have the magnets mounted correctly? Do you have the Garmin set to pick up the sensor's signal? There are two magnets for the speed/cadence sensor - one to go on the left crank arm (cadence) and one to go on the spokes (speed).
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