What Is Bike Q Factor
It s poorly understood can be difficult to change and is dependent on what type of frame crankset and.
What is bike q factor. Although q factor has become a universally recognised measurement other people in the bike trade prefer to use a value for stance width which refers more directly to the distance. Stance width is a combination of two essential measurements. In general a narrower q factor on a bike allows a narrower pedal stance which is better for power transfer and handling. This is especially obviousâ on the keiser m3 and what causes their 197mm q factor.
A term coined by grant peterson during his tenure at bridgestone bicycles. For the spinner sport is 6 7 64 inches and spinner nxt is 6 7 32 inches. The q factor of a bicycle is the distance between the pedal attachment points on the crank arms when measured parallel to the bottom bracket axle. The q factor of your bike is largely determined by your bottom bracket frame design.
Interference from the frame guarding or other component requires the pedal crank arms be spaced further apart. There are a number of design factors that determine q factor on an indoor cycling bike. The q in q factor relates to the waddling gait and wide stance of ducks. Meanwhile those thinking of buying a new bike could do well to add a low q factor design to their wish list of requirements.
The q factors are. Stance width is important for a proper pedal stroke. The term was coined by grant petersen during his time at bridgestone bicycles. It may also be referred to as the tread of the crankset.
Q factor is one of those metrics on the bike that people aren t sure what to do with. Depending on your personal hip and leg anatomy. Simply put q factor on a bicycle is the distance between the outer surfaces of the crank arms. For some narrower q also reduces strain on the knees and other ligaments and muscle groups involved in pedaling.
Unfortunately you can t easily change this but you can still tinker with the cranks and chainset. For many people using a spin bike the q factor is may not be a huge factor in getting the bike to fit them properly to avoid injury and increase performance. This affects how far apart the pedals are which in turn affects the biomechanics of pedaling and the handling of the bike. So why should we be concerned with the quack factor.
The q stands for quack a reference to the wide stance and waddling gait of ducks. Q factor is the horizontal distance between the inside points of the crank arms on your bike.