Need help with power outputs of quarq crank power meter and smart trainer showing on bike computer

Equipment
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1

Hello!

my setup: a wahoo kickr snap and wahoo karoo3 bike computer, and quarq crank power meter.

i always calibrate my smart trainer and crank power meter before training rides.

what starts happening is on my bike computer itll show a different reading than the output on my trainer road display. for example if the effort im on it 175 w, my bike computer will show 120 w or something like that.

any suggestions on what might be happening here? i just did a ride today without the crank power meter and the effort at 175 seemed harder than it was when i would pair both my crank power meter and smart trainer simultaneously.

thanks for the help!

2

Hey!

That sounds frustrating. Let’s get to the bottom of it and get everything working smoothly again!

You’ve got quite a few devices in the mix, and from what you described, it sounds like some of the issues may stem from interference or conflicting connections between them.

No Need for a Head Unit/ Bike Computer Indoors
When training indoors with TrainerRoad, there’s no need to use a separate head unit. The TrainerRoad app acts as your head unit, and it’ll take care of recording and syncing your workout to other platforms (like Strava or TrainingPeaks) if you’ve connected them in your Connection settings here. Running both simultaneously can sometimes lead to conflicts.

Powermatch: How It Works
If you’re using PowerMatch, TrainerRoad uses the power readings from your power meter to control your smart trainer’s resistance. This helps ensure you’re training with consistent power numbers indoors and outdoors.

It’s important that:

  • Your Quarq power meter is selected as the power source.
  • You’re not pairing to the trainer’s internal power meter, which is already included when connecting to the trainer itself. Make sure your trainer is only paired once.

Strengthen Your Device Connections

We’ll want to make sure you’re devices are only paired to the trainerroad app, and not to any other app or device. When your devices are connected to other devices or apps, it will weaken the connection. Unpair your trainer and power meter from any other apps or devices (Karoo, Wahoo, etc.).

This setup ensures TrainerRoad is receiving a strong and direct signal from both devices.

Check Power Meter Functionality
Great job calibrating your Quarq before each ride—that’s a solid habit. Let’s also make sure it’s running the latest firmware:

  • Wake up the power meter by spinning the pedals.
  • Open the SRAM AXS app on your phone:
  • Log in and tap ‘Search for Parts’ under ‘My Bikes’.
  • Select your power meter and check if a firmware update is available.

Check the Trainer Functionality
To keep your trainer running smoothly:

  • Check for firmware updates via the manufacturer’s app.
  • Unplug the trainer when not in use to prevent any weird data behavior.
  • Calibrate before each ride, just like you’ve been doing—this helps ensure accurate readings.

Let us know how it goes once you’ve had a chance to try this out! If you havce any questions, just give us a shout :slight_smile: .

1 Like
3

this is an amazing response! thank you so mich.

one quick question, as far not pairing to the trainers internal power meter, how do i ensure that doesnt happen?

thank you again!

4

I’m glad you found it helpful! :heart_hands: It’s a lot of information so just shoot any questions you have this way :slight_smile: .

Aaah yes, good question. Just make sure your trainer is only paired to the TrainerRoad app once, as the trainer (and not also as a power meter). Let me know how you get on!