Review: the QUARQ Red DZero power meter crankset
QUARQ is known for their reliability & precision. Their current DZero version is no different, with it helping to take your training to the next level.
QUARQ has been producing power meters for the last ten years. In 2011, they became a brand under the SRAM umbrella. Since then, QUARQ’s power meters have been integrating into SRAM groupsets in a very elegant way as well as being known for their top quality. For these reasons, I am very excited to be able to ride one of these spider-based power meter cranksets during my various sportives this year.
The KONA Bike Count indicator
For years, the KONA Bike Count has been documenting the top winning components during the Ironman in Hawaii. Their list shows exactly what the crème-de-la-crème in the triathlon world are riding. Although triathlons aren’t my thing, the components those athletes use can be depended on, and the QUARQ power meters are always at the top.
Only Q lets you know that it's a power meter.
DZero & DFour
The current generation of DZero QUARQ power meters are available in both GXP and BB30 axles, in aluminium or carbon, in a Hidden or Non-Hidden Bolt version, with a 110 mm or 130 mm BCD and a matching version for the SRAM Red groupset.
There is also a Shimano version, DFour, which matches the aesthetic and 4-arm construction of the Japanese manufacturer.
After getting through the sometimes overwhelming amount of options, it is clear that QUARQ offers a power meter for almost every bike. I’ve been riding the Red DZero BB30 power meter crankset for over 1,700 km (roughly 60 hours) on my FOCUS Team bike. I use the Hidden Bolt version, which means that the chainring bolts are screwed into the back of the crankset where they can’t be seen. Here, only certain chainrings can be used and if you want to have more options open when using third party rings, then check out the Non-Hidden Bolt version.
During long sportives, the DZero helps keep me right in my watt range.
Spider-based measurement
The strain gauges of the QUAQ cranks are located in the spider. Putting the gauges in the spider keeps them protected and makes the crankset perfect for street and criterium use. The spider is also IPX7 approved, which means it is extremely waterproof. I’ve spent some time riding the DZero crankset in norther Germany’s wettest weather and have never had a problem. When riding, the DZero connects to head units via ANT+ and uses Bluetooth to connect to tablets or smartphones where virtual training programs can be connected to it. The firmware is also updated via Bluetooth and the Qualvin app, which works great.
The DZero supports both Bluetooth and ANT+
Behind the Q hides the battery.
See?
Compact cranksets all day!
The power meter is run with on CR2032 cell battery hidden behind the Q on the drive-side. QUARQ claims that is should last for 200 hours. I’ve been riding for roughly 60 and my Garmin tells me that DZero still has 80% battery left. A nice plus, is the integrated motion sensor that eliminates the need for a magnet on the frame to measure cadence.
Cutting edge
QUARQ has already proven with their Cinqo and Riken series that they can make reliable power meters. With the current DZero, they have done the same with it meeting every creiteria that one can expect from a power meter today. Combined with a competitive price for a high-quality device like this only give me more reason to recommend to all that are looking for to start structuring their training.
