I have noticed that when I switch back and forth between riding a fixed crankset with the Q-rings and normal round rings with PCs that there is not a “This feels weird” transition. On the odd occasion that I ride with round rings and fixed crankset it is quite noticeable and uncomfortable. Anyone else noticed this?
This is purely speculation, but I wonder if, given the opportunity to operate independently, your legs do not sinchronize at the polar ends of the pedal stroke.
Chad
I have noticed that when I switch back and forth between riding a fixed crankset with the Q-rings and normal round rings with PCs that there is not a “This feels weird” transition. On the odd occasion that I ride with round rings and fixed crankset it is quite noticeable and uncomfortable. Anyone else noticed this?
This is purely speculation, but I wonder if, given the opportunity to operate independently, your legs do not sinchronize at the polar ends of the pedal stroke.
Chad
Whatever you do, DO NOT put the Q-rings on the PC cranks! Doing so will cause a matter-antimatter type explosion!
Sorry…couldn’t resist 
I wonder if, given the opportunity to operate independently, your legs do not sinchronize at the polar ends of the pedal stroke.
Chad
Not sure what you mean by the above. I do think it is natural that the legs synchronize at 180º. And, I see no incompatibility between the two products (unless they are used at the same time). My only question is whether, after one becomes fully PC adapted such that the forces at the top and bottom of the stroke are substantially greater than “normally seen” is Q-rings (or Rotor cranks) would off any advantage. Seems that Q rings would only have an advantage for the heavy pushers, not the spinners.
Doing so will cause a matter-antimatter type explosion!
I think I read about that in a book by Alan Dean Foster called The End of the Matter. Of course, it was not the end because he has written about five more books about that character. As I recall, the matter/anti-matter conflict was created by a peculiar device that created a hole between the matter/anti-matter universes. The hero used it to suck up a black hole that was about to devour a planet. Not something I wish to undertake.
Chad
…Seems that Q rings would only have an advantage for the heavy pushers, not the spinners.
Hence, my “matter-antimatter” joke…
.
Not sure what you mean by the above. I do think it is natural that the legs synchronize at 180º. And, I see no incompatibility between the two products (unless they are used at the same time). My only question is whether, after one becomes fully PC adapted such that the forces at the top and bottom of the stroke are substantially greater than “normally seen” is Q-rings (or Rotor cranks) would off any advantage. Seems that Q rings would only have an advantage for the heavy pushers, not the spinners.
I just wondered if your legs go through a RotorCranks type of motion-- ie, accelerate through the upstroke and spend longer on the push-- if they are left to their own devices. Thus when I go back to the q-rings from the PCs it is a smooth transition.
By erasing the noticeable dead spots, Q-rings may actually help you spin faster. At least, that is what I have found and I am certainly no masher.
Chad
Well, I can’t answer your question exactly, but I can tell you that I have NEVER felt weird switching between PCs and Q-rings, and I haven’t ridden a “traditional” ring/crank setup in about two years.
-C
Not sure what you mean by the above. I do think it is natural that the legs synchronize at 180º. And, I see no incompatibility between the two products (unless they are used at the same time). My only question is whether, after one becomes fully PC adapted such that the forces at the top and bottom of the stroke are substantially greater than “normally seen” is Q-rings (or Rotor cranks) would off any advantage. Seems that Q rings would only have an advantage for the heavy pushers, not the spinners.
I just wondered if your legs go through a RotorCranks type of motion-- ie, accelerate through the upstroke and spend longer on the push-- if they are left to their own devices. Thus when I go back to the q-rings from the PCs it is a smooth transition.
By erasing the noticeable dead spots, Q-rings may actually help you spin faster. At least, that is what I have found and I am certainly no masher.
Chad
Well, I can’t for the life of me theorize why Q-rings or rotor cranks would help one to spin faster. I can theorize why they might increase power, but spin faster? Makes no sense to me physiologically or mechanically.
To me spinning faster is a matter of balance and coordination around the circle. I don’t see q-rings as enhancing that but, rather, allowing you to get more out of what you do have by emphsizing the output from the big muscles and minimizing the losses at the weaker spots of the circle.
I have never used Q-rings, but I train on powercranks and do road races on regular cranks with ROUND chainrings.
How do you feel weird when changing to regular cranks? I feel SUPER smooth and really do not feel weird - as long as I stay SEATED.
Standing on regular cranks still feels a little funny the first couple of minuttes when back on regular cranks.