Hi,
As a recent user of osymetric chainrings, I have had the opportunity to feel the benefit of a “dead-spot minimizing” option.
I am still waiting for my defective osymetric chainrings to be replaced (they did wear out in a few months and less than 1000 miles) but this is another issue (Michel Sassi, the Inventor, was very friendly on the phone and was adamant that Bobby Julich’s osymetric chainrings usually last twice as long as round ones, i.e. two pro seasons).
Apart from this issue, I feel these chainrings make a real difference, and, although i cannot bring you accurate data (I used them in the pre-season, so it is difficult to draw comparisons), I am certain they did improve my cycling.
The thing is, I am rather curious kind of guy, and I wondered whether some of you have had the opportunity to test both osymetric chainrings and other “dead-spot minimizing” (think austrian bikedrive) or “dead-spot eliminating” (Rotor) systems.
How do these systems compare in your experience?
…and if I am not mistaken, a fellow Frenchman and long-time poster on this forum did use the osymetric chainrings a while ago and is now rotorized.
François, can you confirm? I sure would appreciate your input 
Stéphane
( a long time passive viewer of this forum and newly registered)
bump bump bump… (sounds desperate, I know )
The thing is, I have been pretty happy with the osymetric chainrings, but would like to know whether the RCs would be even better performance-wise…
C’mon guys, I need valuable input to convince my wife I need rotorcranks (although I would be prepared to accept that they offer no real advantage vs. my osymetric chainrings…I can live with that and find other toys to be dreaming of!)
What’s the relative price ratio of the Osymetric rings to the RC?
Well, that’s tricky part, if i were to try and convince my wife that i have to go the RC way:
A set of osymetric chainrings costs about EUR 120 or around USD 155, if I am not mistaken.
I think I could get a set of RC O4 for around EUR 500 or USD 650.
Can you put Osymmetric rings on rotor cranks? I want to use them with my Power Pedals as well. Then I won’t even have to pedal.
yep…
adv. of osymetric: price, weight
However, I don’t think they make the same difference as the rotorcranks, I feel RC are much more efficient. Besides, if you like pushing big gears or ride with 650 wheels, you may have some problems with OS as you need to get enough clearance on the long axis with the front derailleur which may be tricky on some bikes and impossible with others.
so, I definitely prefer the RCs
Well, that’s tricky part, if i were to try and convince my wife that i have to go the RC way:
A set of osymetric chainrings costs about EUR 120 or around USD 155, if I am not mistaken.
I think I could get a set of RC O4 for around EUR 500 or USD 650.
With the other bits of sarcasm floating around this thread, I’m not sure if you are seriously considering these or not, but the RS4 Rotors are currently on sale for a pretty killer price, as far as Rotors are concerned anyhow. Still double/triple the cost of many cranksets unfortunately, but I can assure the quality of construction is pretty damned impressive.
I am indeed seriously considering buying one set of RS4, 'cause i can get a RS4 (steel) set at EUR 381 in France. Pb is I now I’ll have to do some convincing with my significant other, and here I am even more serious…
I do not care about sarcasm, I only wish to ride faster, longer, with less pain (boy it was so good on the knees climbing with the osymetric chainrings!). If some disagree, well I’m afraid they shall have to petition the UCI…anyway, most of them will always be faster than me, even on conventional chainrings.