Lifestyle: Opinions differ on oval chainrings. Some like them, others think the use of them is absurd. Still, there's no denying that the leaves can bring an advantage.
The Spanish company Rotor believes in terms of their Q rings to a paradigm shift. The developer Christie O'Hara tried to prove this scientifically. Her study on this topic was published in International Journal of Sports Science and Engineering published. [Link] The result: In a 1000-meter time trial, the Q rings, compared to traditional round blades, not only reduce lactate output, but also lower heart rate. It is also more exciting that the test subjects all put more watts on the pedals and were therefore significantly faster in the end.
“We did the time trials after a warm-up phase of 45 minutes. We also built intervals into these, after all we wanted to create a race-like situation.", said O'Hara when we met her in Mallorca. "So the subjects were anything but rested when they really had to step on the gas."
Since last year there has even been an increase that QXL rings. But what makes them special? According to O'Hara, they promise Q rings a watt advantage of 6.2 percent. The much more oval ones QXL should offer a similar benefit. However, the corresponding study has not yet been published. But who are they for? O'Hara has an answer ready: “The use of the QXL depends on the type. There are riders who, in terms of pedaling ergonomics, get along better with the much more oval blades. However, these riders should be used to pedaling at high frequencies – even in thick gears.”
A special feature of the oval blades is that they can be mounted in different positions on the crank. The orientation is based on the individual requirements of the user. Because only if they are really correctly attached, they help to improve pedaling ergonomics and thus to more efficiency.
That's the same with them QXL so. "The design is an important aspect in the manufacture of the QXL rings"says O'Hara. The highest level of precision is therefore required when milling. We were allowed to get an impression of it, which we don't want to withhold from you.
# With all aerodynamics, weight also plays a role. The cutouts save a few grams.
# The finished milled blanks are stored in boxes.
# These QXL are just waiting to be painted.
# The shape is undoubtedly striking.
After milling, the blades get their well-known black look. Some riders can also look forward to individually designed blades - Ironman Hawaii winner Fred van Lierde, for example, or perhaps the most well-known user of Rotor's oval blades at the moment: Rui Costa. The Portuguese, who became world champion last year, has only trusted the hidden power of oval rotor blades since his move to Lampre-Merida.
# Rui Costa gets his analysis firsthand: developer Christie O'Hara helps him find the right hand position.