As I had been told by Quarq techs, the Cinqo was a “Saturn” model power meter. \u00a0This means that the electronics pod was attached to the strain gauge containing spider via a 12 pin connector, offering a conduit for moisture to get into the crank and ruin the unit. \u00a0The Red model is based upon the new “Mercury” platform, which encloses all the electronics into a CNC\u00a0machined spider. \u00a0This means there are far fewer points of failure: the only real place moisture can enter the spider is through the battery cover (unless there's a physical crack or other failure in the spider.)<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Quarq, this new design will solve all the issues that cropped up with my\u00a0<\/span>Cinqo units. \u00a0Supposedly the Mercury platform has been out for a couple of years, being the platform of choice for Cannondale and Specialized branded Quarqs. \u00a0I have to say, throughout my testing, they appear to be correct in their assertions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Crank Technology<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Since SRAM purchased Quarq, it's only fair to assume that SRAM would be using their top of the line Red cranks on this model. \u00a0The arms are hollow-formed carbon arms similar to the new Exogram crankset, but with a couple of important differences. \u00a0There's no moulded spider on these cranks, nor does the Quarq\u00a0unit use a true “hidden bolt” design. \u00a0Obviously there can't be a moulded spider, otherwise the power meter unit wouldn't be able to fit onto the crank arms. \u00a0In terms of the lack of “hidden bolt”, you may be confused and saying “but there IS a hidden bolt.” \u00a0Well, you're partially correct. \u00a0The chainrings do not bolt into the back of the actual crank arm itself, again because of the separate Quarq spider. \u00a0If the chainrings bolted into the crank arm itself, power measurement would be compromised, if not completely impossible. \u00a0The crank arms are rotated around 30 degrees to take advantage of the new timing of the Red chainrings.<\/p>\n