Older Quarq BB30 - still worth it?

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Clean39T
Posts: 181
Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2016 5:29 am

by Clean39T

I picked this up from Amazon Warehouse for $360 in "like new" condition. Assuming it arrives as such, is this still good reliable tech? Do I need to worry about the factory calibration being off?

Image

It's Amazon, so I have some time to try and decide whether to return..
Last edited by Clean39T on Fri May 12, 2017 2:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Clean39T
Posts: 181
Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2016 5:29 am

by Clean39T

Bump - forgot to insert the pic..

Irwinrider
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri May 12, 2017 7:32 pm

by Irwinrider

This looks like a Cinqo Saturn. I've used multiple ones but mainly had a GXP for the longest time. I can't speak to BB30 (any bike I used with BB30 had adapters to 24mm spindles.

It's generally reliable, but eventually I had some offset issues that were resolved by properly torquing the chainring bolts based on what Quarq support said. They said if it couldn't be resolved they offered me a discount on Elsa / Riken / Red. So if anything goes wrong I don't know if you'll be covered -- probably offer a discount.

The downside is the CR2450 battery that can be rare to find. It's not thermally compensated, so you have to re-zero (should) like an SRM unlike the newer Dzero or older Riken/Elsa. Otherwise I found mine reliable. It's going to lack some of the newer features but for the price you paid it's only a little more expensive than a crank and a little heavier.

Clean39T
Posts: 181
Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2016 5:29 am

by Clean39T

Irwinrider wrote:This looks like a Cinqo Saturn. I've used multiple ones but mainly had a GXP for the longest time. I can't speak to BB30 (any bike I used with BB30 had adapters to 24mm spindles.

It's generally reliable, but eventually I had some offset issues that were resolved by properly torquing the chainring bolts based on what Quarq support said. They said if it couldn't be resolved they offered me a discount on Elsa / Riken / Red. So if anything goes wrong I don't know if you'll be covered -- probably offer a discount.

The downside is the CR2450 battery that can be rare to find. It's not thermally compensated, so you have to re-zero (should) like an SRM unlike the newer Dzero or older Riken/Elsa. Otherwise I found mine reliable. It's going to lack some of the newer features but for the price you paid it's only a little more expensive than a crank and a little heavier.


Thanks for the thorough reply. I don't think I need left/right balance figures, and I like the magnet-based cadence for accuracy. I've used a Specialized Speedzone Quarq, which I think is the Riken/Elsa platform.

How would I know if it's reading accurately though? I know what 500w vs 200w feels like, but 200w vs. 225w, not so much. So whether it's initial accuracy, or day to day consistency, how do I judge it?

It is cheap, but I also don't like headaches and I'm guessing a Stages would be more idiot-proof.

Maybe I'll just see if this one works decently and save for an SRM or P2M.

simoncx
Posts: 223
Joined: Sun Nov 15, 2009 12:27 am

by simoncx

I have the elsa quarq which is just an undated version and its been reliable and as accurate as the srm on my other bike. One thing that is hit or miss is where you get batteries, it seems like 1 lasts 3 months and another 2 days. One thing to remember is if it is a cinqo Saturn it doesn't have the auto calibrate when changing rings like the newer quarq.

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