oval chain rings

t0pc4t

my bro loves to ride but his knees are totally shot, the cartilege in them is totally done and dusted. So riding is very painful for him.

I read an article about Fabien Barel and it said he ran oval chain rings as he'd had a knee injury. Does anyone know if they're easier on the knees? Anyone got any experience of using them?

keef66

I'd suggest if he's in that much pain he'd be better off with knee replacements and then he'll be able to ride what he likes.

t0pc4t

helpful, cheers.

replacement knees have a working life of about 15 years max and you can only have it done twice so it's an option he's trying to put off for the moment.

Chip \'oyler

Rotor Q rings are supposed to be easier on the knees.

This shop runs a demo trial on the Q rings - that way he can try them without stumping up loads of cash

http://www.echelon-cycles.co.uk/qrings.html

t0pc4t

thanks buddy

keef66

My orthopaedic surgeon tells me I'll need knee replacements next cos there's precious little cartilage left after his last bit of trimming and hoovering. Didn't know they only lasted 15 yrs though :shock:

I'm now determined to get more use out of the OEM parts before they finally pack up

t0pc4t

the replacements themselves last for ever, what goes is the attachments to your body

because of this they will hold off replacing until there really is no other option, so at the moment they're trying to manage the pain with my bro.

If you have private health they can do an op where they graft in cartilege from another part of your body, my bro had this about 5 years ago but at the time it was pretty cutting edge and although it gave him a few more years ultimately he's also looking at a new knee next. But that may well be some way off yet.

paddlemyowncanoe

I have sh*gged knees and now use Rotors. I like them. It feels like I have a longer bite, if that makes sense, so presumably peak forces are lower. Could this explain some people's reduction in knee pain?

That that try-before-you-buy offer is a gem. By the third or fourth ride your bro will be used to the feel and should be able to feel some benefit. If not, don't buy I'd guess?

MichaelW

Are Rotor rings and different to Egg?
Highpath have been making them for years.
http://www.highpath.net/

Chip \'oyler

MichaelW wrote:

Are Rotor rings and different to Egg?
Highpath have been making them for years.
http://www.highpath.net/

Yes because you can fine tune Q rings to suit your pedalling style using their Optimum Chainring Position system.

spanielsson

I've moved over to using Rotor Q Rings in the last few weeks. I've been using a 39/53 set on my bike on the turbo, they feel great. Some of my turbo sessions are big gears and low cadence for the best part of two hours, previously what would leave me with a painful right knee has not troubled me since fitting the Rotor Q Rings.

I've been out on my other bike this weekend (that is awaiting the delivery of Q rings) and I felt discomfort in my right knee due to the extra stress, the wattages were similar or in excess to what I've been doing on the turbo.

For me they have been a worthwhile upgrade, just expensive doing it on all of my bikes!

peter101cycle

I can remember using Ovalised rings fairly soon after starting cycling seriously 20 years ago, when Shimano were marketing them quite heavily......

All they have me was knee pain & swapped for a standard chainset / rings......but then again, this was 20 years ago.

IMHO, unless you have a specific need to go for ovalised, just use standard.

cougie

I think Shimano biopace got it the wrong way round ? Must admit I had a pair on an MTB - I didnt notice much difference anyway.

I'd avoid big gears if I had a knee injury more than anything else I think./

Chip \'oyler

peter101cycle wrote:

I can remember using Ovalised rings fairly soon after starting cycling seriously 20 years ago, when Shimano were marketing them quite heavily......

All they have me was knee pain & swapped for a standard chainset / rings......but then again, this was 20 years ago.

IMHO, unless you have a specific need to go for ovalised, just use standard.

IMHO they are a great investment. As someone has mentioned - Shimano didn't get it right. Rotor have really developed the concept, and in the 3 weeks since I've fitted them I'm really noticing a difference.