Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum: PT or Quarq? Help me decide.

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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
PT or Quarq? Help me decide.

JamieJ

Aug 20, 08 3:53

Post #1 of 20 (942 views)

PT or Quarq? Help me decide.	Can't Post

Here is what I'm thinking:

PT.....easy to move between bikes but would need to change my HED tubies for races and I really like them. At very least would need a front wheel for races.
Quarq....."early adopter" makes me a little nervous. I wish they had a simpler (read cheaper) computer for it. Does that Garmin really do well in the elements? I know the PT comps have some problems too but the Garmin just looks too flashy to survive a possible 2008 LP redux. Any comments on that? Any new info on if the 2009 PT comps will support Quarq?

Any comments appreciated.

EDIT...one more question. Any problems with slapping a PT hub in a trainer all winter? I assume not but just checking.

2009 Races:
TTT, Muncie Endurathon, IMoo

(This post was edited by JamieJ on Aug 20, 08 4:55)

applenutt

Aug 20, 08 4:53

Post #2 of 20 (921 views)

Re: PT or Quarq? Help me decide. [JamieJ] [In reply to]	Can't Post

That's easy. Powertap all the way. Unless you have a Quarq given to you, I wouldn't want to be the one to test it. The PT is a proven performer with GREAT customer support. I personally hope the Quarq turns out ot be a great quality product, but I wouldn't put that much money into something that doesn't have a strong reputation.
TYBRacing.com

seebritri

Aug 20, 08 4:56

Post #3 of 20 (915 views)

Re: PT or Quarq? Help me decide. [JamieJ] [In reply to]	Can't Post

PT. Proven, easy, inexpensive (relatively). Great software, easy to link to trainingpeaks, WKO+, etc, easy to read. No frills, just effective power data. I use, sell, coach, and recommend PT exclusively after using almost everything else on the market.

Brian Grasky
Grasky Endurance: Complete Triathlon Coaching; World Class Training Camps

dtreeps

Aug 20, 08 5:22

Post #4 of 20 (881 views)

Re: PT or Quarq? Help me decide. [JamieJ] [In reply to]	Can't Post

the new wireless pt doesn't have problems with the rain. That'd be my vote unless you could wait a year on the QUARQ. What I would actually do is buy a cheap used PT for training and just use it till next year to see what shakes out with the quarq.

Dan
www.aiatriathlon.com

Kevin S.

Aug 20, 08 6:48

Post #5 of 20 (822 views)

Re: PT or Quarq? Help me decide. [JamieJ] [In reply to]	Can't Post

JamieJ,

Check with your tri pro buddies at T3 Multisport. They have the answers you are looking for and can get you set-up too!!

Kevin s.
www.roarkcycles.com

brandonecpt

Aug 20, 08 6:54

Post #6 of 20 (811 views)

Re: PT or Quarq? Help me decide. [JamieJ] [In reply to]	Can't Post

PT. I love the idea of the Quark, but the PT is just the winner right now. I have a MTB Disc PT that I train and race with in all conditions and it's never dropped. And trust me, I've done some sloppy races with it. If it can handle deep mud, water crossings, dust, dirt, etc from a MTB course, it can handle some wimpy road triathlons ;-)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
"Lemond is cycling's version of Rev Jessie Jackson." -johnnyperu 5/18/07
"Just because I suck doesn't mean my bike has to" -rickn 9/2/08

vjohn

Aug 20, 08 9:17

Post #7 of 20 (747 views)

Re: PT or Quarq? Help me decide. [JamieJ] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've been a happy PT user since 2001, even had (and sold) an SRM and a Polar during that time, but I just recently was borrowing a PT wireless setup for the first time and was dismayed at the hassle in swapping wheels with the same CPU. Definitely knocks down the versatility a bit, and most of the nice PT products going forward will be wireless (case in point, I was borrowing a PT disc).

I'm cautiously optimistic about Quark, but the current computer options (including Qranium) are all too big, feature-rich, and expensive for my purposes. Maybe if there's an ANT+ PT CPU in the next few months that's the same size as the current CPU, and if it could come in at $400 retail or less, then I'd consider a Quark (assuming there's no other fallout or issues that surface before then).

roady

Aug 20, 08 10:12

Post #8 of 20 (711 views)

Re: PT or Quarq? Help me decide. [vjohn] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

This is pretty funny to read. When someone asked the 'wired or wireless' question about a year ago, this was one of the reasons I said 'wired'. This really used to annoy me as well. After a while though, you get used to it and it's a quick operation. One thing that helps is if you have multiple wheels, write the hub ID on the wheel. The 'find' function doesn't really work in a parking lot full of bike racers, many with wireless PT's. Yes, I found this out the hard way...

To the OP, l've been using a PT slightly longer than vjohn, and I think it's the best system out there right now.

Andrew Coggan

Aug 20, 08 10:22

Post #9 of 20 (693 views)

Re: PT or Quarq? Help me decide. [In reply to]	Can't Post

Here's my only comment (directed at the general nature of the question, not the OP in particular): whatever you do, if you can afford it, buy SOMEthing, ANYthing, and the sooner, the better. I see far too many people who apparently have the means and desire to acquire a powermeter, but don't act because they hope that something newer/better/faster/cheaper will become available tomorrow/next week/next month/next year. Meanwhile, the clock on their athletic career continues to tick, and every moment that passes is a moment that could be used to collect data that could prove very helpful in improving one's performance.

Okay, rant over...we now return you to your regular programming. :-)

(This post was edited by Andrew Coggan on Aug 20, 08 10:22)

jaretj

Aug 20, 08 10:24

Post #10 of 20 (685 views)

Re: PT or Quarq? Help me decide. [JamieJ] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I think you should get some powercranks :)

jaretj

http://jaretj.blogspot.com

jotoms

Aug 20, 08 10:35

Post #11 of 20 (668 views)

Re: PT or Quarq? Help me decide. [JamieJ] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Although everyone keeps saying it's a "clear" or "easy" decision, I disagree.

I've been interested in a power meter for about 18mos now, and just pulled the trigger on a Quarq. I love it. It was a bit pricey, but they all are. For me, I love the flexibility of changing between bikes and between wheels. A power meter is great to have when training, but it's equally as important to have in a race (both for pacing and analysis).

My Quarq was $1525, plus $400 for a Garmin 705. I sold my Garmin 305 for $200, and will sell my old FSA cranks for another $200-300, so net net it cost me about $1500. You can save $200 more by buying a FSA Team crank on eBay for $150 and installing yourself. As for PowerTap, to be able to switch between bikes you need PowerTap wireless, which seems to run over $1000. Plus you're stuck with the one wheel. Plus the PT screen sucks from what I can tell.

I can switch between my Zipps and my training wheels no problem, and between my road and tri bike in 15mins. And I love the Garmin customizable screens. I have 2 screens, one for the current and lap numbers, and the other for the overall workout. Average and current Speed, HR, Cadence, POWER, all on one screen. It's awesome.

I imagine the Quarq will come down in price, but I wanted to get it before the last races of the season so I'll have data to compare to next Spring.

Just my two cents.

Andrew Coggan

Aug 20, 08 10:39

Post #12 of 20 (655 views)

Re: PT or Quarq? Help me decide. [jotoms] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

As for PowerTap, to be able to switch between bikes you need PowerTap wireless

No, you don't: just put a wiring harness on each bike.

Ti T'war

Aug 20, 08 10:40

Post #13 of 20 (654 views)

Re: PT or Quarq? Help me decide. [JamieJ] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Wahile we're talking about it, what about Ergomo?
__________________________________________________
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jotoms

Aug 20, 08 10:49

Post #14 of 20 (637 views)

Re: PT or Quarq? Help me decide. [Andrew Coggan] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I prefer no wires anyway. With my Garmin, I don't even use the speed sensor. And the cadence is calculated by the CinQo with only a small magnet stuck to the frame next to the BB.

Khai

Aug 20, 08 10:54

Post #15 of 20 (621 views)

Re: PT or Quarq? Help me decide. [Ti T'war] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I think the reason that no-one has mentioned Ergomo is that the OP is looking for something that measures power.

I'm surprised that SRM hasn't come up more though, especially when a Quark setup costs ~$2000 all in.

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slammer

Aug 20, 08 10:56

Post #16 of 20 (614 views)

Re: PT or Quarq? Help me decide. [JamieJ] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Jamie,

I vote for the PT...it survived Triple T, IMLP, I have changed the batteries, it was a previously enjoyed STer dtreeps model that has served me well.

I put a wheelcover on it for racing, my legs have thanked me many times for not being blown out on race day ;-)

Andrew

I'm racing in '09...
Miami 1/2 marathon, Triple T, ?????????

TriDave79

Aug 20, 08 10:57

Post #17 of 20 (613 views)

Re: PT or Quarq? Help me decide. [Ti T'war] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Maybe we should wait and see whats happend to the Ergomo Germany that filed for chapter eleven, three weeks ago.

BR Dave
_______________________
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FrozenCyclist

Aug 22, 08 15:27

Post #18 of 20 (449 views)

Re: PT or Quarq? Help me decide. [JamieJ] [In reply to]	Can't Post

jotoms, sent you a PM. I'm wondering how the Quarq swapover between bikes is working out for you. Seems like a good option for using with any wheel and any bike, but I'm wondering if the crankarm/bottom bracket interface will wear out over time with repeated removal & installation. I think the Shimano interface is durable enough for lots of changeovers (loosen bolts, crankarm falls off), but there's no Quarq for Shimano. I'm not sure the SRAM/FSA interface is as durable. From what I can tell the SRAM/FSA interface is very similar to the old Octalink where the crankarm is pressed on and extracted by an allen bolt. I would think with repeated removal and installation this could wear out. Maybe not?

Thoughts anyone?

JamieJ

Aug 22, 08 15:38

Post #19 of 20 (445 views)

Re: PT or Quarq? Help me decide. [jotoms] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Leaning towards Quarq. Been running the numbers with wheelsets on PT and it just keeps coming up a little cheaper. I'm not sold on the 705...wondering how it works in a long downpour like IMLP this year. IM me any other thoughts you may have to help me make my decision. How is the interface with WKO+ working out??

2009 Races:
TTT, Muncie Endurathon, IMoo

jotoms

Aug 22, 08 18:46

Post #20 of 20 (370 views)

Re: PT or Quarq? Help me decide. [FrozenCyclist] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Love the CinQo so far. Not sure how much is the CinQo vs. just having my first power meter. Love being able to throw on my Zipps for a race though...

These questions are a bit beyond me, but I can't imagine moving the crankset back and forth a few times a year will be a problem. Definitely helps to have MegaExo BB on each bike, then it's a 5min change. Just be careful pushing the spindle through so as not to damage the left side BB cup. The FSA Team crank arm is removed with an allen bolt. I know the bolt's replaceable/cheap.

As for the Garmin, I'm not sure how durable/weatherproof it is, but I read it's rated to "withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes."

The interface with WKO+ is seamless. Navigate to the Garmin on windows explorer (it shows up as a drive), then go to history and drag the file over to the open WKO+ window, and it's done.

To zero the Cinqo, when I start my ride, I pedal backwards 4-5x and I'm ready to go. I'll do it again before an interval test just to make sure.

Hope this helps.