Rotor Cranks USA, Q-Rings, Rotor System


Q-Rings


Ágilis and SABB


RS4X


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How are Q-Rings different than other non-round rings such as Biopace and O.SYMETRIC?
Rotor Q-Rings help to minimize the time spent in the dead spot while pedaling. While oval chainrings have historically been controversial, we believe that allowing a rider to fine tune the chainring position offers opportunities to minimize the dead spot never before realized with conventional chainrings. The Q-Rings are elliptical; the Biopace and O.SYMETRIC chainrings are asymmetrical. The specific elliptical shape of the Q’s provide a very smooth uniform pedaling stroke; there is no sudden acceleration movement. Biopace chainrings are designed so that the maximum equivalent tooth size is at the dead-spot. Q-Rings have the minimum equivalent tooth size at the dead-spot which enables you to pass through the dead-spot quicker and with less stress to your knees. Q-Rings take into consideration static forces from your legs and the inertia of the cyclist and the bicycle. This maximizes the efficiency and comfort of conventional cranks. The Rotor patented OCP System enables you to customize the position your Q-Rings to suit your individual riding habits, body geometry, strength and position on the bike.

Q-Rings O.SYMETRIC Biopace
Q-Rings O.SYMETRIC Shimano Biopace

Can I get them in black, like the AERO version?
Q-Rings are nickel plated (silver color) for durability. Only the 54T AERO version comes in anodized black.

Will they work on my MTB singlespeed, or track bike?
Yes. MTB Q-Rings can be used for MTB singlespeed applications. We are testing this system right now for use on track bikes.

I have a FSA carbon crankset, will they fit?
Yes. The new version of Q-Rings have a bevel to allow a better fit.

How about Stronglight, pre-2005 FSA, Zipp 300, Dura-Ace 7800, and Campy Record (135BCD), etc.?
Yes. The new version of Q-Rings have a bevel to allow a better fit, and work on most 130BCD and 135BCD cranksets like Shimano Dura-Ace 7800, FSA-SLK, Zipp 300, Truvativ, etc. They may or may not work on certain versions of Stronglight cranksets.

All models of road and compact Q-Rings are compatible with both Shimano and Campagnolo drivetrains, 9/10 speed, and are specially beveled to fit most cranksets such as Dura-Ace 7800, Ultegra, FSA SLK, FSA K-Force, Zipp 300, Truvativ, and most other models. One exception being that the outer 50T 110BCD compact Q-Ring does not fit the Campagnolo or Shimano compact cranksets without excessive machining, however it does fit FSA, Truvativ and other compact cranksets. Weights are 153g for the 53/40T Q-Rings set, and 152g for the 54T AERO Q-Ring. The 53T Q-Ring measures 231mm at the major dimension, equivalent in size to a standard round 56T chainring. The 54T AERO Q-Ring measures 234mm at the major dimension, equivalent in size to a standard round 57T chainring. Road Triple Q-Rings use the same standard 130BCD size as the Road Double sets, size 54/53/52/50/48/46T. There is presently only one size middle and inner in the Triple Q-Rings.

To check compatibility, place a thin ruler, or something similar along-side the Right crankarm and slide it down until it makes contact with the spider surface (please see photo below) if the ruler makes contact with the crankarm below the two mounting holes, then the Q-Rings should fit. If the ruler makes contact before being below the mounting holes then Q-Rings may not fit your crankset.

  • Campagnolo Compact cranks: At this point in time, only the 41t inner road double chainring for Campagnolo will fit the new compact crank. If demand is sufficient, we will design a specific Q-Ring for these cranks.
  • Stronglight compact cranks: A number of Stronglight compact cranks have been known to pose problems in installing Q-Rings because of carbon fiber reinforcements that interfere with the OCP ring behind the crank arm.
  • FSA pre-2005 Carbon cranks: A ridge on the back of the crank arm on 2004 and earlier FSA carbon cranks prevents Q-Rings from being installed on these cranks.
  • New Shimano Compact cranks: Q-Rings will not fit the new 2006 Shimano compact road cranks.
  • Dura-Ace 9-speed Triple cranks: The inner small Q-Ring will not fit the 130/92BCD Dura-Ace FC-7703 9-speed Triple Crankset. The middle and outer rings will fit.
  • SRM Dura-Ace Compact cranks: You can use Q-Rings on the 110/130BCD SRM Dura-Ace Compact cranks. Just order the 36T 110BCD inner and 50T 130BCD outer Q-Rings.
  • Ritchey Compact 110BCD crankset: See the chart below.


Why don't they work with Shimano and Campy Compact cranks?
The inner compact Q-Ring will fit on Campy and Shimano compact cranks, however the spyder on these two compact cranksets does not allow a proper fit for the Q-Ring. No solution is available without excessive machining. You can order and use the inner 36T Q-Ring combined with your current standard round outer 50T chainring. You can use Q-Rings on the 110/130BCD SRM Dura-Ace Compact cranks. Just order the 36T 110BCD inner and 50T 130BCD outer Q-Rings.

How long does it take to get used to riding the Q-Rings?
One or two rides. Seriously.

What OCP position should I start with, do you have any tips or tricks?
We generally reccomend starting with OCP #3 (inner/outer) for road bike use and OCP #4 for time trial/triathlon. Your Q-Rings will include an installation guide and instructions. See the Q-Rings information page for more tips on set up.

Are they hard to install?
No more difficult that installing standard round chainrings. It is simple, in most cases all you need is a 5mm Allen wrench.

Are Q-Rings UCI legal?
Elliptical chainrings have been used in Pro Tour races for many years. The Rotor System was authorized by the UCI (International Cycling Union) for professional road bike competition in October, 2000.

I broke a tooth of my Q-Ring chainring, can I get a replacement? Is there a crash replacement program?
Contact the tech center at rotorusa@rotorbike.com first. If the tooth broke off while normal riding (not making contact with a foreign object such as a rock or root) it is covered by the guarantee. After we inspect the conditions of the chainring we will be able to make a decision. Please send the chainring to Rotor USA for inspection (click here to print a warehouse return label); we will replace it if qualifies for replacement. If it does not qualify for free replacement, we will notify you and replace it for a nominal cost including s/h/i. Include your contact information in the package.

I am having some rubbing issues, is there a proper way to set up the front derailleur?
1. Make sure the front derailleur is high enough to clear the chainrings.
2. Angle the back of the front derailleur inward (toward your rear wheel).
about .5-1mm. This may solve and rubbing problems you may encounter.
3. Be sure to use your half gear on the front shifter. Even with round rings, once you get below the 16t cog, you'll have to shift the large lever halfway which will move the front derailleur but not enough to shift onto the big ring.
4. Avoid using a 54/40T combo. Use 54/42T instead if possible.

If these items do not solve any rubbing issues you may have encountered, please give the Tech Center a call at 719-302-3437 for support. There should be no shifting issues at all, so there is a solution out there. We have many pros riding Q-Rings and they certainly would not if there were any shifting issues.

What's the difference between Rotor Cranks RS4X and Q-Rings?
Many people have asked us what the real difference in performance and functionality is between the RS4X and Q-Rings since launching Q-Rings.

Q-Rings were designed to emulate the biomechanics of the RS4X, without the independent crank arm movement. This way you receive some of the benefits of the RS4X for a lower price tag, and the weight weenies can still sleep well at night knowing that Q-Rings wont make their bike heavier. Both systems orient the maximum effective gear ratio in approximately the same position, a few degrees past the horizontal, in order to benefit from both muscle strength and leg inertia. Both Q-Rings and the RS4X can be adjusted for different riding styles (standing sprinting or seated spinning, for example), bike geometry and terrain requirements. Q-Rings cannot not apply the same degree of variance in effective chainring diameter as the RS4X does, as this variance applied to two legs simultaneously would effect the cyclists spin negatively.

The advantages of Q-Rings, in general:

  • Makes pedaling more efficient, and climbing much easier.
  • Reduce lactic acid level production and reduces heart rate demands.
  • Low weight.
  • Simplicity.
  • No extra pivots and bearing races, so maintenance is zero.
  • Less intense dead point than standard chainrings.

The disadvantages compared to the RS4X:

  • The Dead point is not eliminated: only it's intensity is reduced.
  • Biomechanical gains are less than those of the RS4X.

Do Q-Rings work for Single Speed or Downhill use?
The 34t or 38t will work without the need for a tensioning device, but here are a few things you should note: If using the 38t DH ring on a DH bike, you will have to use a chain guide such as the MRP System 1 (World Cup 36t-40t model) http://www.mrpbike.com/product-system1.php, in order to avoid the chain from falling off.

If using either the 34t or 38t on a single speed bike, position the crank between 3 & 4 o’clock (largest part of the Q-Rings will facing up) and then tighten the chain the same as you would on a round ring. Because the effective tooth size is a gradual change, and not that extreme, you will be able to ride in tough terrain without the chain failing on you.

You will obviously have a small change in tension if you’re feet are at 12 & 6 o’clock, but when going downhill you’re feet will likely be positioned at 3 & 9 o’clock (highest tension). Therefore, the only time you’ll be at 6 & 12 o’clock is when you are pedaling, which means that you will be applying pressure on the chain at this point.

Why is the oval positioned differently for the inner and the outer Q-Ring?
The orientation of the oval is positioned differently for the inner and the outer ring because each ring serves a different purpose: inner for climbing and outer for time trialing or sprinting. We changed the orientation for the inner as your geometry, body position and pedaling changes when you are climbing (front wheel is up).

OCP settings changes: hardest part of the pedal stroke per each setting; measured in degrees below 3 o’clock. Most studies show that we generate the most amount of power about 18º below 3 o’clock.

Setting #
#1…………… 08º for the 53t…………… 13º for the 40t
#2…………… 13º for the 53t…………… 18º for the 40t
#3…………… 18º for the 53t…………… 23º for the 40t
#4…………… 23º for the 53t…………… 28º for the 40t
#5…………… 28º for the 53t…………… 33º for the 40t

I recently purchased a set of Q-Rings. Some of the teet have machine tool marks which look like machining imperfections. Is this intentional, or is it a machining problem?
The machine tool marks and cut-outs on the teeth are intentional and part of the design which helps the chain to shift better. They are referred to as a teething profile.

Will Q-Rings work with Schlumpf-drives?
Rotor Q-Rings can not be combined with Schlumpf-drives because the chainring and crankarm do not rotate at the same speed.

What's the difference between the Ágilis and RS4X cranksets?
Many people have asked us what the real difference in performance and functionality is between the Q-Rings/Ágilis and RS4X cranksets since launching the Ágilis.

The Ágilis (with SABB cupset) is a cost-effective traditional crankset which allow riders to use standard round chainrings or use Q-Rings chainrings, and configure a system that comes stock with Q-Rings, instead of having to purchase a new crankset and remove the round chainrings. Q-Rings were designed to emulate the biomechanics of the RS4X, without the independent crank arm movement. This way you receive some of the benefits of the RS4X for a lower price tag, and the weight weenies can still sleep well at night knowing that Q-Rings wont make their bike heavier. Both systems orient the maximum effective gear ratio in approximately the same position, a few degrees past the horizontal, in order to benefit from both muscle strength and leg inertia. Both Q-Rings and the RS4X can be adjusted for different riding styles (standing sprinting or seated spinning, for example), bike geometry and terrain requirements. Q-Rings cannot not apply the same degree of variance in effective chainring diameter as the RS4X does, as this variance applied to two legs simultaneously would effect the cyclists spin negatively.

The advantages of Q-Rings/Ágilis/SABB, in general:

  • Makes pedaling more efficient, and climbing much easier.
  • Reduce lactic acid level production and reduces heart rate demands.
  • Low weight.
  • Simplicity.
  • No extra pivots and bearing races, so maintenance is zero.
  • Less intense dead point than standard chainrings.

The disadvantages compared to the RS4X:

  • The Dead point is not eliminated: only it's intensity is reduced.
  • Biomechanical gains are less than those of the RS4X.

What crank length should I choose?
Many people have asked us what crank length they should choose, or whether they should change their current crank length.

The following article on crank lengths found on http://www.cptips.com discusses the topic in detail.

So, how does the RS4X work?
Simply put, the RS4X increase your bicycle's gearing, slowing the power/downstroke while reducing the gearing and speeding the recovery/upstroke. The action is very brief, and hardly noticeable in your first 20 minutes of pedaling, fading into a normal feel within the first 30 minutes of riding. This gearing change allows for the removal of the dead point, increasing the time that you are "pushing" down on the pedals, and reduces the physical demand on your body, lowering your lactate production. It also allows you to ride longer with less fatigue, climb easier, and reduce the stress on your knees.

Will using the RS4X really improve my performance?
We guarantee it. The RS4X mechanism improves the performance of a cyclist in two ways: (1) riders get more power (the energy that the rider exerts is enhanced by the RS4X more than with a traditional crank/chainwheel set, and (2) the riders bodies do not suffer as much, and they recover faster, even performing at top levels. This has been proven in several scientific studies, which resulted in very favorable physiological results. Especially relevant are the tests by Professor Francesco Conconi (trainer of Moser, Pantani,...) and Alfredo Córdova (currently Medical Director of the professional road team Kelme).

Will the additional weight of the RS4X slow me down?
Manufacturer's listed weights for the complete new RS4X system, including BB and chainrings is 1190g for Titanium and 1270g for Steel/CRMO. The Ti System weighs only about 380 grams more than Dura Ace. Weight is mainly relevant in cycling when pedaling uphill, that is, when the combined weight of the cyclist and bike ascends against gravity. The dead point is most detrimental when pedaling uphill, so often times cyclists stand up on their pedals to remove the dead point. Otherwise legs can easily lose their regular pedaling speed (cadence) and start a jerky pedaling motion. This is exactly the kind of situation when the RS4X performs the best, by doing away with the dead point, obtaining a more continuous and efficient pedaling. The minimal extra weight is more than offset by the decisive efficiency and advantage of the RS4X mechanism, obtaining a net performance well over that of a bike fitted with a traditional crank/chainwheel set. To prove this, one of the Rotor factory cyclists, Julián Adrada won, with a ROTORIZED bicycle, the 1999 and 2000 uphill race "Gamonal" (also known as "L'Angliru"), where there are road stretches with up to 23.5% grade.

Will it take me a long time to become accustomed to the RS4X pedaling cadence?
There are two adaptation processes: Technical adaptation: as with any “different” feeling mechanism, the RS4X requires some miles for adaptation. Some technical aspects change, such as balancing the bike while pedaling through curves, and pedaling downhill. The RS4X alters the point of balance when standing on pedals, or pedaling cadence, but after a few initial miles, the cranks will feel normal, and pedaling becomes uniform and comfortable. Muscular adaptation: the RS4X makes muscles work differently, in a more natural and ergonomic way. The RS4X applies all muscular potential, so ROTOR riders normally increase their quadriceps volume. Muscles need time to cope with this. Even if the benefits are noticeable from the first ride, a complete muscular adaptation takes at least several days, depending on the rider's level.

Will the RS4X fit my bike and/or my recumbent??
Our product is technologically optimized; it has been developed with the cooperation of the School for Aeronautic Engineers at the University of Madrid. Only materials (7075 aluminum and aeronautic titanium) of the highest quality are used in the production and assembly of the RS4X. All required materials are CNC machined. The RS4X bottom brackets are based on a variable transmission ratio (not fixed at 180º) during a pedal cycle, so that cranks turn at different angular speeds, and they may make an impression of tightness compared to a traditional bottom bracket. This is not due to friction, but due to this geometric layout. The minimal friction is already accounted for in the studies, since all ROTOR performance figures are net.

Hasn’t this concept been tried before?
Several commercial firms have unsuccessfully attempted to eliminate the dead point in the pedaling cycle by using oval and/or elliptical chainrings. After 200 years of pedaling with the dead point, this Spanish breakthrough has managed to eliminate the traditional inefficiency in pedaling.

Is the RS4X UCI legal?
The Rotor System was authorized by the UCI (International Cycling Union) for professional road bike competition in October, 2000.

What are the regulation points, and how do they work?
The RS4X is designed with several regulation points that vary the amount of muscular force required to move the cranks. A user has the ability to determine the correct regulation point, depending on their physical characteristics or the conditions in which they are going to use the RS4X. These different regulation points are marked on the power plate in front of the right crank. The middle regulation point is recommended for the majority of users, however, it may be necessary to adjust or change the regulation point, especially for competition. The RS4X is correctly regulated when the individual user feels most comfortable.

Keep in mind the following points when regulating the Rotor System: a) The correct point is that which feels most comfortable and maintains maximum performance in all riding conditions for each individual user; increased speed or eased climbing. b) If improved performance while climbing is desired, the RS4X should be regulated one point lower, permitting stronger abilities in climbs. c) If improved performance on flat terrain or increased speed is desired, the RS4X should be regulated one point higher, permitting higher speeds.

What about RS4X installation, maintenance, and lubrication?
Detailed instructions are available in the RS4X Installation Manual.

Will the RS4X fit my Cervelo P3C, Look 496, or comparable carbon TT bike?
What we have designated as a solution is to remove the spider inner plate and four torx bolts. This piece serves as a preventive dust cap, if your system bearings fail due to heavy contamination resulting from this procedure (e.g. you ride underwater or into bad road conditions over a period of time), and you use a P3C, we will replace your bearings at no cost to you. The plate is not a vital component. For information on removing this plate, see the RS4X Installation Manual, spider inner plate figure 7.4, available as an image here.

Can I upgrade the bearings in my RS4X to ceramic?
While we do not sell ceramic bearings for the RS4X, detailed diameter specifications are available here if you wish to install your own.

What crank length should I choose?
Many people have asked us what crank length they should choose, or whether they should change their current crank length.

The following article on crank lengths found on http://www.cptips.com discusses the topic in detail.

How do Identify differences between the RCK, RS03, RS4 and RS4X?
The RCK was the first production Rotor System, released in 2002, followed by the RS03 in 2003, the RS4 in January 2004, and the current model RS4X in late 2004.

Is your shipping really FREE?
Yes. We ship FedEx Ground, or USPS, at no cost to you. FedEx 2Day and FedEx Priority Overnight costs more however.

How long will it take to get my package?
FedEx Ground takes 3-5 working days. USPS can be even quicker, depending on your location, for small parts. All Q-Rings and RS4X systems are shipped FedEx. Prices are set for FedEx 2Day and FedEx Priority Overnight, with Hawaii and Alaska delivery shipping either FedEx or USPS.

What other shipping methods do you offer?
For RS4X systems, we ship FedEx Ground at no cost, and can ship FedEx 2Day for $36.00, or $55.00 for FedEx Priority Overnight with Saturday delivery extra. For some RS4X small parts, we use USPS. For Q-Rings we ship FedEx within the lower 48, and USPS or FedEx to Hawaii and Alaska.

What payment methods and credit cards do you accept?
Visa and MasterCard online and by fax, personal checks (10 day hold), money orders, cashier's checks, and bank wire transfer.

Do you accept American Express or Discover?
No.

Can I fax in my credit card number or mail in a money order?
Yes, you may fax or mail in your payment and order. The mailing address and fax number for Consumer Web Sales can be found on the Contact Us page.



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