Road Cycling - Q Factor

:beer: What is a good Q factor.?
On my Mercian Audax bike,the distance between the inside face of the cranks is 150mm.Is this excessive?

Hi,
that is kinda like asking what a good shoe size is. Depends on your hips. If it's too narrow, you can run into trouble. Personally, I like it wide, so I would kick up a fuss. A small Q was traditionally considered a good thing. But having suffered on a bike like that; I came to disagree. I see it as part of the fit of the bike.

Small Q was the secret of Greame Obree's hr record bikie (the steel Superman position one.) It can greaty improve aerodynamics. The comfort part is a matter of hip width. Most modern cranks tend to be on the wide side.

Originally posted by MichaelW
...It can greaty improve aerodynamics. The comfort part is a matter of hip width...

I think a correct "Q factor" setup goes a long ways in preventing knee pain/injuries as well.

Now that I think of it, I may need to readdress my cleat adjustments since I have changed from a triple crank setup to a double. :confused:

Generally speaking, compared to road bikes, MTBs have wider Q factors. I guess it all depends on crank design. You can't simply install a different length spindle in hopes of altering your Q factor......then your chainline will be screwed.

the smaller Q-factor is a reason why the campy camp loves their stuff over shimano. the campy cranks have a narrower...what would you call it...gap? space?

Q, the gap is called the Q.