We’ve covered the Quarq Qollector before. We first saw it just over a year ago at Eurobike 2015, and then our own Jayson O’Mahoney used one to live stream his progress on this summer’s Dirty Kanza. But up until now it has been pretty much unobtainable, really only being loaned out to a select few at events supported by SRAM’s Quarq team. Well now it is coming to consumers with a new QuarqNet web platform that will seamlessly sync your ride. Hop past the break for real-world pricing and availability…
Aimed at endurance athletes who want to share their position and performance in real-time with friends, family, and even fellow riders, the Quarq Qollector is a simple stand-alone GPS tracking device that uses its built-in mobile phone network data connection to upload data at regular short intervals (10-60 sec) to Quarq’s new QuarqNet web platform. Using ANT+, the Qollector can collect ride metrics from paired devices like heartrate monitors, power meters, even electronic gear selections and add that to the live data stream.
The new QuarqNet takes all of that live data and when your ride is done will effortlessly sync it with popular 3rd-party tracking sites Strava, TrainingPeaks, and more. QuarqNet itself uses a mobile-friendly website design that will let users see the live tracking and performance data, even on the go, making it easy to connect up with others while out on a ride.
The device itself is both impact resistant and waterproof, and is a similar size to many full-featured cyclo-computers, with easy to use multi-color LED function indicators. We used it in its case zip-tied behind the seatpost. The Qollector claims a 24-hour battery life, meaning it might make it through your next 24hr solo attempt. It weighs 115 grams (plus the mounting setup), and requires an up to date mobile data plan.
We’ve had fun playing with it, and now we can all get ahold of the Qollector outside of a predefined cycling event environment. The Qollector will go on sale in the US on October 11, direct from Quarq’s website for $350 including the first 6 months of mobile data service. After that you’ll have to pay $100/year to keep uploading and syncing to QuarqNet. Based on AT&T 3G connectivity, even international roaming outside of the US is provided for no extra costs. The Qollector is anticipated to go on sale worldwide in 2017.
