Q rings...

ednino

Years ago i was told to use SPDs because they'd improve my cycling. I changed over, and they did.

Now im told Q rings will improve my cycling.

Anyone used them and do you think they are better than normal chain rings?

msawyer110

I just started using Oysmetric rings a couple of weeks ago. One thing I can say is I can defiantly tell that there is a longer power stroke taking place. Meaning it feels like i am able to put down power more consistently than with my round rings. My first few outings with the OSY, had me feeling a tad more depleted of energy at the end of each ride. I am not a super strong rider, i feel like im built more like a TT and these rings are taking some getting used to. I can also say with these I consistently run about 8-10 rpm higher on these around 90-92 as opposed to 82-90 before. I feel like the oval rings are harder to push at lower RPM's than with round rings. But this is all just my opinion. Going up hills i would have to say is the biggest improvment. I can signifantly determine how much less effort is required to get up a long strenuous hill; because i have been riding the exact same 40 mile route for 2 months strait with the round rings.Even my first ride with the OSY i could tell my hill climbing was less taxing on me. I also think that because im not used to such a long power phase; i have been putting out as much power as i did before, only now it is a longer lasting revolution, and draining me further of energy, because i am giving power longer(longer stroke). Im going to keep them for now as i like the changes they have made(crank feels like a more consistent rotation, never realised how big the dead spots were till these), now i just need to keep spinning. Everyone says there super hard to shift and there not. Only time i have had an issue was going from small to big with to much power going. As long as you shift smooth and let off the power they work great.

fevmeister

osymetric rings look fugly
but q rings are lovelyy

goonz

I read that its better to periodically change up between round and o rings to keep the muscles guessing and adapting, in turn making them stronger.

rozzer32

goonz wrote:

I read that its better to periodically change up between round and o rings to keep the muscles guessing and adapting, in turn making them stronger.

That's why Team Sky use them. The adaptation helps improve your pedalling efficiency apparently.

I've used Q-rings in the past. I didn't notice any improvement. The biggest change was the poor shifting, so much so that I changed back to round rings and haven't looked back.

Grill

I use Q-Rings on my TT bike. I find it helps me keep smooth cadence when I'm really pushing it.

msawyer110

According to Fevmeister we should only review products based on their looks. Im sure when he purchased his scott and 3 cervelos ill bet he didnt even test ride em. Walked into store, saw a bike that would match his kit and bought it. Im sorry if your skirt wont match these rings. Maybe buy new kit to match them? I ride because its fun, not a popularity contest.

matthew2811

I use Q-rings on my road bike and am very happy with them. I bought them because I read all the info about them and thought it made sense. I got them fairly soon after buying the bike, my only bike, so can't say whether they have made any difference to how much I've improved, or whether I'm any faster, climb better, or have a lack of knee pain because of them though. I can't say I've had a problem with front shifting either but I have 52/39 rings on the front so only having a 13 tooth difference in spacing which probably helps. Obviously I'm happy with them but for the opposite point of view, somebody else I cycle with tried a pair for a month and didn't like them/felt they made no difference, and went back to their round rings.

danlikesbikes

Have Q's on the summer bike & standards on the winter bike.

I notice a massive difference on the Q's in the feel of the pedal stroke, not sure if it gets me more power due to the shape. However do notice I find on rolling hills I can push through and carry a lot more speed on the Q's.

Before anyone jumps in I am not comparing the 2 bikes as they are total different in terms of weight as you would expect. But I do like the feel of the Q's as they fit my pedalling style & I have really got on well with them, equally I know others who have not and have gone back so safe to say I guess its down to personal preference.

HiDidleyHi

This blog post is worth a read.

http://www.bikedynamics.co.uk/blog/

Based on this I've just bought some Q rings and plan to try them during a few rides over Easter. I'll let you know how I get on.