Whats the difference between Rotor Cranks RS4X and Q-Rings?
Many people have asked us what the real difference in performance and functionality is between the RS4X and Q-Rings since launching Q-Rings. Q-Rings were designed to emulate the biomechanics of the RS4X, without the independent crank arm movement. This way you receive some of the benefits of the RS4X for a lower price tag, and the weight weenies can still sleep well at night knowing that Q-Rings wont make their bike heavier. Both systems orient the maximum effective gear ratio in approximately the same position, a few degrees past the horizontal, in order to benefit from both muscle strength and leg inertia. Both Q-Rings and the RS4X can be adjusted for different riding styles (standing sprinting or seated spinning, for example), bike geometry and terrain requirements. Q-Rings cannot not apply the same degree of variance in effective chainring diameter as the RS4X does, as this variance applied to two legs simultaneously would effect the cyclists spin negatively.
