Rotor

3D Crankset with Q-Rings

The Rotor 3D Crankset with Q-Rings continues to be the choice of many professional cyclists due to their Trinity Drilling System. This is a proprietary process that involves drilling out the center of the aluminum crankarms after they've been extruded into shape. Three parallel bores are made into the length of each arm — the center bore from the spindle end, and two outer bores from the pedal end, towards the spindle. Through this process, Rotor eliminates excess weight while maintaining the stiffness and strength that you need for competitive road racing.

Early on, the Cervelo Test Team worked in conjunction with Rotor's engineers to co-develop the 3D crankarms. In addition to passing the scrutiny of the Test Team, Rotor's Spanish-made components meet all of the stringent CEN safety standards. Rotor makes its 3D Road crank with two spindle options. This one features a 24mm hollow steel spindle that's pressed into the drive side crankarm. On the left side, the crankarm attaches to the splined end of the spindle and is secured with a pinch bolt.

By mounting the Q-Rings onto the 3D crankset, you're getting the full package as Rotor intended. Far from feeling like you're pedaling squares, as old elliptical rings used to proximate, the Q-Rings smooth out your pedal stroke, optimizing the power by minimizing any dead spots. Rotor quantifies this by explaining that a 53-tooth Q-Ring around the upper dead-spot is equivalent to a 51-tooth, but as the pedal goes down and more strength is applied, the equivalent chainring tooth size reaches 56. This increase in power with the ease of a normal pedal stroke also helps save wear and tear on the knees, which is particularly important if you already have existing knee issues.

The Rotor 3D Crankset with Q-Rings comes is available with an anodized Black finish and with standard 53/39t chainrings. Additionally, you have the choice of 170, 172.5, and 175mm crankarm lengths. Please note that the alloy spider attaches to the splined base of the drive-side crankarm and is secured with a lock ring. It's able be removed and swapped for another with a different BCD should you make a switch from standard to compact gearing or vice-versa. Chainrings are included with the system. It's also able to be used with the Rotor SABB, or any other 24mm external bearing bottom bracket system that's built to Shimano's specs. The Rotor 3D crankset has a 147mm Q-Factor.