oval chain rings

I've been using Q-rings for almost 10 years and for me, it does make a significant difference. In simple terms, it just feels more natural to me. Interestingly, the biggest advantage has actually been in running off the bike, I feel fresher and can run harder from the get-go, no dead legs the first mile.

Q-rings are not for everyone, my wife tried them and hated them. Guess the answer is try them and see for yourself.

Great thank you. From the reading I have done, most people say the same thing about their runs feeling better off the bike. I'll look into them.

Make sure you get the right chain rings for your crank. For example, on my tri bike and road bike, I use OCP3 rings (aero rings on both since they are slightly stiffer although it comes at a weight penalty) since I have a Quarq on both. On all my other road bikes, I use the 50/36 Q-rings since I do not use a power meter on those. I have Campy cranks on some of them, so those chain rings are specific, the rest are Rotor or FSA cranks, which are yet different chain rings.

Also, because the rings are oval, it takes a bit more time to set up the front derailleur. Height and yaw are both crucial to make it shift smoothly. It's really only a pain once though, but you do need patience and it can be a bit frustrating. 50/34 shifts ok, but 50/36 shifts really well.

I'll probably replace the crank arms as well. I have some unexpected overtime from shoveling at work last week so I'll treat myself. Right now the cranks I'm trying are Bontrager with 53/39. I could see going from the 39 to the 36 with the hills in New England. But, the 53 to 50, won't I lose out on the top end? Or does the oval make up for it? From your experience what would you advise for a good set up that is reliable and won't break the bank.

I've ridden a lot of miles a year, for many years; thus my screen name. I switched to aero Q-rings 2 years ago. I've logged at least 5000 miles on them and made a 4-5% improvement, AND reduced leg cramps. My power timing was off, I applied power too close to the top instead of waiting for 45 degrees. Q-rings get past the top much faster. The improvement carries over to my other road bikes which use round rings. One concept about technique cyclists should throw out the window is powering through the top and bottoms of the cycle. One should apply just enough force to get the feet past the top and bottom points. I would highly recommend them.

Why do you think you would lose top speed with a 50 vs. 53? The vast majority of us can't generate the power to really take advantage of the 53 anyways (and if you do, start racing your bike, you'll make it far!). Also, keep in mind that a 50/11 is a larger gear than a 53/12. A 50/12 would give you 30mph at 90rpm.... plenty of top end speed. 53/12 only increases that to 31mp, not much of a difference.

Never thought of it that way. When it comes to gear inches and speeds I'm not that good figuring it out. This bike has been raced a couple years now and has served me well. I'm going to try the HITS half distance half distance this June and want to make some upgrades to it.