amahana1
05-23-05, 01:26 PM
I have seen this in a number of threads. I have done a search trying to find what is it exactly with no luck. Also, I have seen BCD used, what is BCD?
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - What is Q factor
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Bikeophile
05-23-05, 01:30 PM
I have seen this in a number of threads. I have done a search trying to find what is it exactly with no luck. Also, I have seen BCD used, what is BCD?
BCD = Bolt Circle Diameter. This is the distance from bolt hole to bolt hole on a Chain Ring.
Q Factor as per Sheldon Brown:
Q-factor
In Fit-Kit © terminology, this is a factor based on the relative length of the femur compared to the rest of the leg. A large Q-factor is interpreted as an indication that the rider in question needs a frame with a shallower seat tube angle.
Also, another name for the tread of a crank set.
BCD = Bolt Circle Diameter. This is the distance from bolt hole to bolt hole on a Chain Ring.
Q Factor as per Sheldon Brown:
Q-factor
In Fit-Kit © terminology, this is a factor based on the relative length of the femur compared to the rest of the leg. A large Q-factor is interpreted as an indication that the rider in question needs a frame with a shallower seat tube angle.
Also, another name for the tread of a crank set.
bostontrevor
05-23-05, 01:30 PM
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_q.html#qfactor
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_bo-z.html#bcd
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_bo-z.html#bcd
amahana1
05-23-05, 01:39 PM
ahhhhh, i see..much appreciated!
Ken Cox
05-23-05, 01:51 PM
In its most common usage, Q-factor simply refers to the side to side distance between the pedals.
How far apart do the pedals place the rider's feet.
How far apart do the pedals place the rider's feet.
BlastRadius
05-23-05, 02:23 PM
As said above... but, the Fit-Kit definition is not commonly used.
Usually Q factor is tread.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/bridgestone/1991/pages/bridgestone-1991-13.htm
Usually Q factor is tread.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/bridgestone/1991/pages/bridgestone-1991-13.htm
amahana1
05-23-05, 03:00 PM
So am I right to assume (great article by the way) that you want your crank-arm pedal spacing, bb spindle to be as close to your natural spacing as possible? Generally speaking, a low Q factor is preferred?
BlastRadius
05-23-05, 04:37 PM
I definitely feel better with low-profile cranks than wider tread cranks.
KrisPistofferson
05-23-05, 05:07 PM
Goodness! I always thought "Q factor" was OCP related! As in: "I wanted that carbon fiber kickstand, but it didn't have a high enough Q factor." :eek:
r-dub
05-23-05, 05:40 PM
BCD = Bolt Circle Diameter. This is the distance from bolt hole to bolt hole on a Chain Ring.
mostly right. BCD is the diameter of the imaginary circle that runs through the centers of the bolt holes.
mostly right. BCD is the diameter of the imaginary circle that runs through the centers of the bolt holes.
Bikeophile
05-23-05, 06:13 PM
yeah i guess i could have been more specific...thanks!
bostontrevor
05-23-05, 09:13 PM
Generally you want a narrower Q.
Though I've got a set of old Sakae cold forged cranks that when mated to my track bike's BB seat so deep that I have to move the ring to the outside of the spider to get a proper chain line. The cranks have very little flare from the spider, so I'm basically looking at like a 45mm-from-center tread and that actually feels too narrow for me to get decent power.
Modern cranks have much higher Q factor, both because they're designed to provide clearance for bikes with wider rear triangle spacing (as much as 140mm on some mtb's) than old road (126mm) or track (120mm) bi kes. On top of that, cold forged allows for a slimmer profile than the less expensive manufacturing techniques that are popular now.
Though I've got a set of old Sakae cold forged cranks that when mated to my track bike's BB seat so deep that I have to move the ring to the outside of the spider to get a proper chain line. The cranks have very little flare from the spider, so I'm basically looking at like a 45mm-from-center tread and that actually feels too narrow for me to get decent power.
Modern cranks have much higher Q factor, both because they're designed to provide clearance for bikes with wider rear triangle spacing (as much as 140mm on some mtb's) than old road (126mm) or track (120mm) bi kes. On top of that, cold forged allows for a slimmer profile than the less expensive manufacturing techniques that are popular now.