New Quarq+Garmin Edge 500 or Used Wired SRAM SRM Powermeter?

[teetopkram]

Hi all -

Looking for a power meter, and have two options I am considering. Am interested in your opinions on pros/cons of each in terms of reliability, better value, warranty concerns, performance, etc.

SRM: 1 year old SRAM SRM wired powermeter with PCV computer, everything included, very good condition, just got back completely serviced, calibrated, and new batteries from SRM - $1750.

Quarq: Would be buying new, using the Garmin Edge 500 for the computer. Advantages are wireless and get a warranty. $1795 for crank/quarq, and $400 for Edge 500 with HR/Cadence/Speed = $2195 total.

Any thoughts...would reliability of SRM be a concern given it would come without warranty? Is one more easy to maintain (e.g., change batteries) than the other?

Thanks for your opinions!

 

[dkrenik]

They are both good ways to go. My impression is that implementation of ANT+ can vary some between head unit manufactures. It's my understanding that even how Garmin manages files between the 705 and 500 is different.

Having said that, I obviously prefer a more "system-like" approach in having both PM and the head unit from the same manufacturer. I've no doubt that some of the quirks in ANT+ implementation will be effectively addressed. As I'm not an "early adopter" I'll wait with my wired SRM in the mean time.

My 0.02,
Dave

 

[jk9270]

I use a Quark with a 705 computer. It works great. I had a Powertap wireless before, but found myself wanting to use different wheels. I think the end results for both of your options would be very similar, but for me wireless would be the way to go.