Tri-Sports-Plus stocks Rotor Q-Rings and soon Rotor Cranks.

Why use Q-rings
In every pedal stroke there are two problem areas where the power delivery hesitates, causing changes in chain tension and, as a result, uneven power delivery. This is at the top of the pedal stroke and at the bottom – as the foot changes direction. Most riders suffer from this and the slower your average cadence, the more the effect will occur. Faster average cadences, say over 95 rpm, tend to move through these transition phases more smoothly, hence most coaches pushing exercises to increase rider’s natural cadence on the bike, however learning these drills and increasing your natural cadence can take years of training and exercises.

Q-rings work by smoothing out the power pulses at the top and bottom of the pedal stroke and, if like most people, you’re more diesel than turbine, you will feel almost instantaneous improvements (you do have to go through the acclimatisation period first, as you will be more muscles than you would normally use.

Q-Rings are oval-shaped chain rings which replace the standard chain rings on your bike. They are NOT the same as Shimano’s  ill-fated Biopace chainrings of the last century – Q-rings do work! – just look at the amount of pro-riders who use them . Q-rings have been used to win the Tour De France, Paris-Roubaix, countless  IronMan’s – the list is endless (well, almost).

When your pedal is at the top and bottom of the stroke the Q-Ring is in the smallest-radius position which means your foot can more easily make the transition. When in the power position at 3 o’clock the radius is at its greatest length which gives you more leverage and therefore more power.  For example, a 53-tooth Q-Ring is the equivalent of pedalling a 51 tooth at the top and bottom (for faster transition) and a 56 tooth at 3 o’clock (for higher power output). They are also adjustable (up to five differing Optimum Crank Positions (OCP) except for rings marked OCP3, which can only be used in the standard position 3). This gives you the opportunity to change this short-long radius position slightly for time trialling, climbing or riding on flats or to purely to suit your preferred pedalling style.

Which Q-rings do I need:
Your selection of appropriate Q-rings depends upon the crankset fitted to your bike. The list below should help you, but if you have any questions please phone us and ask.

Campagnolo  Compact (113BCD):
You must ensure you order Campagnolo Compact rings – only 50/36 are currently available as the BCD measurement means that 36 teeth is the smallest that will fit the spider).

Campagnolo  Standard (135BCD):
You must ensure you order Campagnolo specific rings – only 53/40 are currently available as the BCD measurement means that 40 teeth is the smallest that will fit the spider.

Shimano Ultegra R7000 Compact (110BCD) (or any Compact (110BCD) crankset with a Quarq Cinqo powermeter fitted):
Can only use OCP3 (as opposed to OCP) outer rings. Note that OCP3 rings can only be used in the ‘standard’ 3rd position.

All other Shimano or compatible (SRAM, FSA, Truvativ etc):
Can use all OCP Q-rings, 130BCD for Standard cranksets, 110BCD for Compact cranksets.

As used by many of the top professionals, Rotor Q-Rings remove the 'dead spot' by use of an oval shaped chain ring and so increase the efficiency of your pedal action.  Not sure which Q-Ring you need, give us a ring at TriSportsPlus on 01480 454183 or email, sales@TriSportsPlus.co.uk.