overview

The best way to understand ROTOR Q-Rings unique physiological profile is to comprehend the dynamics of a cyclist's pedal stroke. The powerstroke (most powerful zone of the revolution) is where 90% of the power is exerted while the 'deadspot' is the transition zone that cycles back to the powerstroke.

The Q-Rings prolong the powerstroke and smoothly accelerate the cycle through the deadspot of the revolution. Subsequently the chainring diameter expands and shrinks in conjunction with the power dynamics of the pedal stroke therefore taking full advantage of the powerstroke (unlike traditional round chainrings). For example: The '53T' Q-Ring, is equivalent to a 51T around the upper dead spot, but as the pedal goes down and more strength is applied, the '53T' Q-Ring becomes a 56t! Studies have found that the Q-Rings provide a 3% increase in max wattage, a lower heart rate of 3-4 bpm, and ultimately a 9% decrease in Lactic Acid concentration. Additionally the Q-Rings provide a noticeable decrease in patella (knee) joint pressure for those cyclists with recurring knee injuries.

Available in various configurations for road, cyclo-cross, and mountain bikes.

Not compatible with BB30 cranks, requires upgrade to 3D+ cranks for BB30 frames.

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Product Rating: (4.67)   # of Ratings: 3   (Only registered customers can rate) (Only registered customers can rate) 1 - Terrible 2 - Bad 3 - OK 4 - Good 5 - Great 0% 50% 100% Sort: New to Old RE-SORT COMMENTS: Helpful to Less Helpful Less Helpful to Helpful New to Old Old to New High to Low Rating Low to High Rating Showing comments 1-3 of 3 1. Road Bike Action on 12/27/2011, said: We definitely feel that the Q-Rings can improve pedaling efficiency, resulting in a slight power increase. Racers have the most to gain from the Q-rings, because a small percent increase in power can be a huge difference on the race course. While it’s not going to make a new rider out of you, it can help you get every extra bit out of your pedal stroke. Was this comment helpful? yes no   (1 people found this comment helpful, 0 did not) 2. BikeRadar on 12/13/2011, said: Q-Rings have been making quiet headway into the mainstream of bike racing in the past few years thanks in part to their sponsorship of a number of successful professional riders. These elliptical chainrings claim to increase power generation, reduce fatigue and help prevent injury by varying the effective size of the chainring throughout the pedal stroke. If you'e ever used the now defunct Shimano BioPace chainring system that was prevalent on bikes in the late 1980s you'll know what to expect here in terms of sensation but the crucial difference is that Rotor have sought to avoid the knee problems associated with the Shimano system. The 'Q-Ring' is based on a simplified theme of the same company's Rotor cranks that seek to minimise the inertia that happens after 20 degrees of crank rotation through what is commonly termed 'the dead spot'. The larger diameter of the ellipse is positioned to coincide with the down stroke of the pedalling cycle, increasing the gear ratio just when the leg is best able to provide maximum force. The positioning of the smallest gear ratio coincides with the pedal reaching the ‘dead spot’ at the bottom of the pedalling cycle. Published scientific data and anecdotal evidence on the whole support Rotor’s claims, and we did get increased readings on our power meter – around three percent. However, we didn’t notice any less muscle soreness after long rides. The location of the maximum gear ratio is adjustable between five settings according to personal preference, so it's worth following the instructions available to get your ideal setting, as the setup for standing sprints is not the same as that for long rides. The carefully designed chainring shape ensures the variation of gearing throughout each revolution doesn’t destroy the sensation of smooth spinning. Because the elliptical chainring moves the chain away from the front derailleur the Q-Rings do slightly delay shifts compared with other good quality aftermarket offerings. For riders willing to commit the money to trying something outside the norm, it could be worth putting up with the slightly slower changes. Q-Rings are available in various sizes to fit road, track and mountain bikes. You'll need to raise the front mech to account for the ovalisation and shifts between the small to the large chainring. While there were no problems on a bike fitted with a band-on front mech it may not be possible to raise the mech sufficiently on frames with a braze-on front mech mounting point. Was this comment helpful? yes no   (1 people found this comment helpful, 0 did not) 3. Gene on 7/29/2011, said: Amazing. I was unsure of the switch as I had a BioPace setup a long time ago and remember the jerky feeling. But with the Q-Rings there is none of that, in fact from the very first ride they felt very smooth. The hype is true, I can ride farther and faster without fatigue. I have also noticed that hills in which I would normally have to drop onto the small chain ring, I can now stay in the 53t and easily get over. Bottom line, they work. Was this comment helpful? yes no   (1 people found this comment helpful, 0 did not) Showing comments 1-3 of 3