Rotor Q-Rings, Gaining Acceptance ?

[JoeOxfordCT]

Hi All,

Currently running a SRAM Force BB30 compact with 50/38 in the front combined with an 11-28 in the back on my CAAD9. Shattered my heel in 2002 in an auto accident and now my right calf/foot is weaker and less flexible. When I get really tired my pedal stroke can become pretty choppy. However, it does improve in both areas as my summer mileage increases. I've been reading alot about Q-Rings and how they help you spin better, lessen cramping & fatigue on longer rides, better power, etc. I am thinking that perhaps they might help someone like me even more than your regular weekend warrior. I can pick up the 50t for $125 from PBK. 38t inner ring is harder to find but can be had for approx. $90. I've read alot of positive things on the interwebs but I worry about front shifting quality..... ?

 

[fatandfast]

Dude sorry about your heal. 38x28 is not your heal or any accident. If you need a water mellon chain ring then do it. Where is this 38x28 everyday climb? mph..w a 38x28? if you can get out of the saddle in this gera you are 150rpms better than most at 10-12%g

 

[JoeOxfordCT]

Here in western CT we have lots of climbs of 250'-400'+ @ 7-15+ percent. The longer climbs I try and stay seated for. Any short & steep I'll stand for....however, there are some monsters out there that are too steep to sit but longer than I can comfortably stand.....a typical ride here yields approx. 1000' of climbing per 10 miles.....ie; 35 mile ride, 3500' of climbing, etc. You can find flatter routes but it's not hard to find hillier ones too....point is I like climbing.

I am looking at the Q-rings because I think I they may help my spin, lessen cramping on longer rides, (something that is an issue with me), and maybe help me push out a few more watts. I am interested in hearing other folks experiences with them...

BTW, here are some of my local rides both long & short...regardless of what others think, I feel they're plenty hilly....

Dude sorry about your heal. 38x28 is not your heal or any accident. If you need a water mellon chain ring then do it. Where is this 38x28 everyday climb? mph..w a 38x28? if you can get out of the saddle in this gera you are 150rpms better than most at 10-12%g

 

[TexasTom]

I probably have 15,000 - 18,000 on my q-rings (have them on all my bikes) and I love them.

Theoretically they will help with power output because they help getting through the "dead spot". But I don't have analytical measurements to substantiate that position.

I will tell you that without a doubt they do help with pedaling technique, especially after several hours of hard riding when tired legs tend to get sloppy. It is much easier to keep more consistent pressure through the entire pedal stroke. So from that perspective I would suggest they do help with endurance and power.

Now Tapeworm will take issue with the subject of pedaling technique and it's impact on performance. And I would say the biggest indicator that may be right is I don't think you see them on the pro-tour bikes.

 

[JoeOxfordCT]

I would agree with you there however, and I'm no expert, but they seem to be developing more of a following with the off-road & tri-riders where there is less of a "tradition" to fight against.

...I would say the biggest indicator that may be right is I don't think you see them on the pro-tour bikes.

So how was your adjustment period when you first starting riding with the Q-rings ? What position are you currently riding in ? Their site says to start with position #3. If I understand correctly positions < 3 put the emphasis higher on the pedal stroke (two o'clock ?) while positions > 3 put it lower in the pedal stroke....?

 

[brianf7]

I still had a set of the shimano bio pace rings hanging up in the garage so I thought i will try them ounce again on my old bike with a power meter and see if anything changes.

Still same problem with front mech shifting but will overcome that and see what happens.

They didnt catch on is the 1990's

 

[Greyhound Velo]

I've been using Q Rings for about 6 years and have found that they definitely help smooth out your pedal stroke in higher torque situations such as climbing and pedaling hard on the flat (time trialing or into a headwind). It's a subtle difference, and I can switch between bikes with Q Rings and round rings at will without needing to "get used to it", but I prefer Rotor rings over standard round rings on all my bikes. That includes road, mountain, and even track/fixed gear (Rotor makes track and single speed rings too). My advice would be to give them a try. If it turns out that you don't like them, they are easy enough to sell on Ebay and get most of your money back.

As far as which position to use, you should start with #3 and experiment later once you know that you like them. I never moved mine though, 3 works well for me in all situations.

Finally, as long as you set up your front derailleur correctly you should have no problems with shifting. Many of the pros on the Cervelo Test Team use Q Rings, but you can bet they wouldn't if the shifting was any worse.

I still had a set of the shimano bio pace rings...

Just to clarify, Rotor Q Rings are the exact opposite of Shimano Biopace chain rings, they are not the same thing at all. Rotor rings are designed to decrease the effective chain ring size when your pedals are in the non-power section of your pedal stroke (roughly at 12 and 6 o'clock) in order to help you speed through that part and apply power where it counts, while Biopace rings increase effective chain ring size when the pedals are in the "dead" zone of your pedal stroke. If you want to find out whether or not you like Q Rings, using Biopace rings is NOT the way to do it .

 

[marathon marke]

Just to clarify, Rotor Q Rings are the exact opposite of Shimano Biopace chain rings, they are not the same thing at all. Rotor rings are designed to decrease the effective chain ring size when your pedals are in the non-power section of your pedal stroke (roughly at 12 and 6 o'clock) in order to help you speed through that part and apply power where it counts, while Biopace rings increase effective chain ring size when the pedals are in the "dead" zone of your pedal stroke.

Exactly. From what I remember, Shimano's explanation was that the faster movement going through the power section was supposed to provide momentum to carry you through the non-power section.

 

[TexasTom]

I would agree with you there however, and I'm no expert, but they seem to be developing more of a following with the off-road & tri-riders where there is less of a "tradition" to fight against.



So how was your adjustment period when you first starting riding with the Q-rings ? What position are you currently riding in ? Their site says to start with position #3. If I understand correctly positions < 3 put the emphasis higher on the pedal stroke (two o'clock ?) while positions > 3 put it lower in the pedal stroke....?

Getting used to them was no problem.

I have tried moving to different positions in both directions and after doing some power tests moved back to #3. I would say however it may entirely be the placebo effect here because I was more comfortable with the original setting.