Power meters: Quarq vs Power2Max

[Jimbo.]

My year has gone to st for various reasons, so need quite frankly all the help I can get training wise. Other than “riding more” it seems a power meter will be amongst the better training aids.

I’m after a crank-based system and and looking at a Quarq DZero or a Power2Max NG Eco.

Has anyone here any experience of either? Not fussed by weight or bling: it’s a fair outlay for me so want something that’s reliable and durable above everything else.
Cheers!

[Teebs]

Had a Quarq Dzero for 18 months and it's been completely solid in that time, numbers ok and it syncs every time - the app is useful for updating the software.

[fromage]

Both are fine though if you ever plan on having more than 1 (on multiple bikes etc) then I would go for the Quarq as it allows you to change the slope so both read the same.

[JEA1K]

I have a P2M and a Quarq .... P2M is the Rotor3D 24 version/P2M Type S and the Quarq is the Dfour version. P2M is 2 years old and Quarq is on this seasons race bike so has around 1k miles on it.

The P2M was returned after a I discovered a crack in the casing ... P2M said it wasn't anything to worry about and reckon I'd over tightened the battery cover (which I know I hadn't) so I think its probably taken a small impact against the battery cover which caused the crack. It still works fine and I've cleaned it and sealed it all best I can .... tend to be more cautious when cleaning it. P2M offered to sell me a new NGevo for £500 or something which I declined ...

So my issue would be over the build quality of the two ... the Quarq feels like its made of tougher stuff and I think the fact its a SRAM product and has UK distribution vs the P2M which is only sold direct from Germany and needs to be returned there if any issues, I would go for a Quarq product.

[JSquaredJim]

I have both.
Started with a Quarq Elsa RS. I now have a D Zero.
The Elsa broke, as did the first D Zero. This second one seems to be ok so far. A full years use including through the winter.
Warranty support has been good on both occasions.
The P2M is on the TT bike and gets less use. Zero issues with this one.
Both read within 3-5 watts based on perceived effort.
You pays your money, you takes your choice.
Quarq uses CR2032 batteries which are easier to come by, if that helps make your mind up.

[Bobley]

We've got a Quarq Elsa R and a D Zero. Both have been fine so far apart from a little glitch which we solved by putting new batteries in . The Elsa is probably 3 years old and the DZero is about 1. One or the other will get thrashed every day.

[z4RRSchris]

i have got 2 stages and a quarq dzero.

both stages broke and were repalced, the quarq has been fine so far.

[Usget]

I have an Elsa R and it's broken (possibly a stuck reed switch). SRAM won't touch it because it's out of warranty - I have to pay for them to investigate the issue which I'm disinclined to do

[okgo]

Usget said:

I have an Elsa R and it's broken (possibly a stuck reed switch). SRAM won't touch it because it's out of warranty - I have to pay for them to investigate the issue which I'm disinclined to do

Speak to cyclepowermeters they should be able to do something. Ask for Matt, he's good.

[Usget]

Cheers, I will do

Edit: Rang cyclepowermeters and spoke to Bob, who spent close to 30 minutes talking me through various different diagnostic procedures and things to try. I've not come across a shop with that level of customer service in a long time and he didn't make a penny out of it - absolutely outstanding. It's still not working, but I've got a few things still to try. Great recommendation.

Sorry for OT.

Edited by Usget on Thursday 24th May 16:07

[bakerstreet]

Jimbo. said:

My year has gone to st for various reasons, so need quite frankly all the help I can get training wise. Other than “riding more” it seems a power meter will be amongst the better training aids.

I’m after a crank-based system and and looking at a Quarq DZero or a Power2Max NG Eco.

Has anyone here any experience of either? Not fussed by weight or bling: it’s a fair outlay for me so want something that’s reliable and durable above everything else.
Cheers!

Why don't you look at the IQ2 on Kickstarter. Use the money saved to go on epic weekend away

[okgo]

Usget said:

Cheers, I will do

Edit: Rang cyclepowermeters and spoke to Bob, who spent close to 30 minutes talking me through various different diagnostic procedures and things to try. I've not come across a shop with that level of customer service in a long time and he didn't make a penny out of it - absolutely outstanding. It's still not working, but I've got a few things still to try. Great recommendation.

Sorry for OT.

Edited by Usget on Thursday 24th May 16:07

no problem. Bob Tobin a good bloke, also was Matt Bottrills coach in the glory years, so knows his stuff. Matt is Matt Clinton ex hill climb nat champ, has sorted me out numerous times. Their service is outstanding.

[Jimbo.]

Thanks all. I’m still torn.

For what is a reasonably expensive item, I can’t help but think the battery cover on the Power2Max NGEco is just plain cheap and nasty. How long before that falls off mid-ride and your battery compartment fills with water/crap?

And has there been a fix yet for the Power2Max “low battery” (false) warning problem?

[E65Ross]

Jimbo. said:

Thanks all. I’m still torn.

For what is a reasonably expensive item, I can’t help but think the battery cover on the Power2Max NGEco is just plain cheap and nasty. How long before that falls off mid-ride and your battery compartment fills with water/crap?

And has there been a fix yet for the Power2Max “low battery” (false) warning problem?

I've got 2 power2max units, and I'm happy with them. Latest is an NGeco and the cover hasn't come off in the 6 months I've had it. And yes, there is a fix for the battery warning problem. Download their app on your phone, pair to device, update firmware, job done.

[smn159]

No love for Zwatt? 20% off at the moment, although they do have a subscription based cost model

https://teamzwatt.com

[Bobley]

bakerstreet said:

Why don't you look at the IQ2 on Kickstarter. Use the money saved to go on epic weekend away

Got my order in. Going to use it on the holiday bike. Fingers crossed. Need to get on the lathe and turn down the shafts on the pedals...

[Johno]

Jimbo. said:

Thanks all. I’m still torn.

For what is a reasonably expensive item, I can’t help but think the battery cover on the Power2Max NGEco is just plain cheap and nasty. How long before that falls off mid-ride and your battery compartment fills with water/crap?

And has there been a fix yet for the Power2Max “low battery” (false) warning problem?

Because they were relatively cheap compared to others I bought 2 P2M NGeco’s for the 2 bikes I ride the most, as my first power meters to help get me back to fitness after another back crisis. To get through Roubaix and other rides this year in a short turnaround after weeks and weeks off the bikes.

I’ve done >4000kms with them now since Jan and I’ve had no issues, no battery covers falling off, no Low battery warnings and one survived quite happily doing the 175km Roubaix ride.

Completely changed how I ride to get fitter and stronger without becoming some form of data geek or nerd or obsessed with it. I’m now stronger and fitter than I’ve been in last 2yrs, just need to lose another 8kgs to be back to the weight I was for that benefit as well. Highest ever FTP with structured training to power.

I wasn’t interested in balance and pedaling dynamics etc etc.Just the power figure and it’s been invaluable. Went out for a gentle 100kms today with hill repeat at the end, went with my regular ride partner and I did 2 hill repeat max efforts 60secs at the end of the ride, he’d already gone home 15kms earlier. Suffer score 53 for me, for him 350. He was asleep on the sofa as I went out for the afternoon for a walk with the family.

3mths ago we were at a very similar level, the mileage isn’t very different, but the structured approach I have is making such a difference, which would be possible without a PM, but simply makes it so much easier.

I know it’s a luxury to have 2 identical units, it was my Christmas present, but I’m not guessing the difference between them. 1 PM is on my winter commuter bike and gets all kinds of crud thrown onto it through Jan, Feb and March. The other is on the summer bike, which gets washed probably too much. No water ingress in either unit, battery cover etc and no issues.

My only advice would be that you should pair it with a structured plan if you want to get the most from it, like any training really....

Edited by Johno on Sunday 27th May 21:52