The Q factor?

ghostynlr

Anyone ever heard of it when it comes to Hollowtech Bottom Brackets? I bought a Specialized FCR XC Pro with a hollowtech BB, the main problem bascially is it hurts my left hip when i cycle it. I should tell you i broke my hip when i was 16 and it's out of alignment slightly because of this. I have flat pedals on my bike and still get the pain.

I spoke to my LBS who informed me of the 'Q' in terms of width of the BB and how far it throws your hips apart when it comes to Hollowtech BB's.

The only way round this is to buy a standard Un51 BB and Chainset and see if that will bring my legs in the desired amount, is this a viable option anyone? I've been told it would bring my hips in about 20mm, but that 20mm could cost me £90 for decent cranks and BB.

1 more thing, i have a Specialized Allez Pro with hollowtech BB and cranks and i don't have this problem at all.


Any helpful comments would be grateful.

nicklouse

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_q.html#qfactor

is it a new bike?

ghostynlr

Brand new yes.

nicklouse

ghostynlr wrote:

Brand new yes.

thought so.

Q factor is not really something that rears its head in MTB as we dont sit down for long times.

I would just get used to the bike as i think changing the cranks will 1 cause contact issues with the frame (rings and/or arms) 2 will not change a thing.

try moving your feet inboard on the pedals for a while.

ghostynlr

nicklouse wrote:

ghostynlr wrote:

Brand new yes.

thought so.

Q factor is not really something that rears its head in MTB as we dont sit down for long times.

I would just get used to the bike as i think changing the cranks will 1 cause contact issues with the frame (rings and/or arms) 2 will not change a thing.

try moving your feet inboard on the pedals for a while.

I know what you're saying about the bike being brand new, problem is though i already have a hollowtech BB on my road bike and don't have a problem at all. I'd love to get used to the bike, but i've ridden it twice now and the pain is unbearable, i'll have to sell it if i can't get it sorted.

nicklouse

then the bike is not correct for you.

measure the width of the cranks on both bikes.



i have a feeling that they will be the similar.

ghostynlr

On the Allez, the cranks are 150mm, on the FCR they're 170mm. If it means anything the Allez has FSA carbon cranks that are quite straight, the FCR shimano cranks do branch of at a severe angle.

The external size of the cups is the same at 95mm.