Rotor QX1 Chainring

Rotor QX1 Chainring Info

Going the single ring route is simpler, lighter, and with the Rotor QX1 Chainring, more efficient.

Rotor applies 12.5% ovality to the rings. This means that if you install a 36-tooth ring, your virtual chainring size varies by 12.5% over the course of the stroke. That’s like having a slightly larger than 38-tooth ring at the most powerful point in your stroke, and a slightly lesser than 34-tooth ring at the least powerful point. And, because it’s a Rotor ring, you can tune the ring so the greatest virtual size occurs at the moment of your greatest power.

They do this by drilling extra holes into the chainring plate. There are three settings to choose from. The ring comes with a guide to tuning the position. Start off at their neutral, and then you adjust forward or back, depending on how you pedal.

The Rotor Q-Ring theory is fairly simple to state. As your legs neither push down nor pull up with constant force through the pedal stroke, oval chainrings make more sense than round. By varying the gear through the pedal stroke, you can produce more power by getting through the dead spots faster with less effort and then having more power when pushing through the sweet spot of the stroke.

By reducing the chainring size at the weakest point and increasing it at the strongest, you’re not only putting down more power overall, but also improving traction, as the power turning the rear wheel is effectively more even, reducing the spikes and dips that could cause the tire to lose grip on the ground, no small deal on a slippery course.

As usual, the chainring is CNC-machined out of 7075 aluminum. This time, no shift pins are inserted, as none are needed. Nor is there a chain-catching peg as this isn’t designed for use with derailleurs. Likewise, the teeth are taller and possess alternating thick and thin teeth to make sure they hold the chain securely, regardless of gear and without a concern for bumpy terrain.