SRAM and Quarq make power meters for road, MTB, Gravel and CX bikes. Both companies (SRAM purchased Quarq in 2011) have been making power meters for well over a decade. Most SRAM/Quarq power meters measure power at the spider. This is an ideal place to measure power as spider-based designs measure power from both legs. In addition, they are very accurate and often allow you to keep your current cranks. They offer power meters as stand-alone spiders or as complete cranksets (power meter plus cranks). They also offer some left side power meter crank arms which is an affordable, easy way to add power to your crankset. Most models are accurate to within 1.5% and feature ANT+ and Bluetooth SMART technology.
Additional SRAM/Quarq Power Meter Info:
Installation
If you purchase a stand-alone SRAM or Quarq power meter spider, installation requires that you remove your current crankset, replace your spider with the SRAM or Quarq and reinstall your crankset. If you purchase a complete crankset, you remove your current crankset and install the new one. The crank arm options are the easiest to install as you just swap out your left side crank arm, however they only measure single-sided power. Please note most units also require the use of a SRAM DUB Bottom Bracket.
Weight
SRAM and Quarq spiders weigh around 125-165 grams depending on the version and the BCD size. When purchasing a power meter, we recommend you focus on added weight. Therefore, simply subtract the weight of your current crank spider in order to determine the added weight of the power meter. You’ll likely find the weight added by the power meter spider is minimal as you are basically just adding some electronics and a battery.
Power Measurement
Most SRAM/Quarq power meters measure power at the spider. This is an ideal place to measure power. These units are able to measure power from both legs, as opposed to left leg only like some other power meters. They can also provide left/right power balance data. In addition, spider-based units are accurate, reliable and durable.
SRAM and Quarq also offer some left side crank arms that measure power in the spindle. These power meters might not be quite as accurate, but they are very popular due to their affordability and ease of installation.
Special Features
Based on the model, features include SRAM AXS, MagicZero and DUB (Unified Bottom Bracket) technology. These are features made to ensure your power meter is highly compatible and simple to use.
Batteries
Most SRAM and Quarq power meters use a CR2032 battery, common among many power meter brands. Replacement batteries are cheap and easy to install. Please note some units use AAA batteries.
Communication Protocol
These power meters transmit data via both the ANT+ and Bluetooth SMART wireless protocols. Therefore, they are compatible with any bicycle computer, smart phone or tablet.
Accuracy
SRAM and Quarq power meters spiders and cranksets are accurate to within +/- 1.5%. Most crank arm power meters are accurate to within +/- 3.0%.
Cadence Detection
Like most power meters, these power meters use an accelerometer to measure cadence. An accelerometer is an electronic device that is housed inside the power sensor and measures your pedaling rate.
Warranty
SRAM/Quarq power meters come with a two-year warranty which covers the product from defects in material and workmanship.
Please see our SRAM/Quarq FAQ for more information on SRAM and Quarq power meters and accessories.