Q factor (bicycles)

The Q denotes a bicycle to one another to the lateral distance between the outer surfaces of the two pedal cranks.

The distance shall be composed of the distance of the left crank to the center of the frame and the distance of the right crank to frame center. Often, these two distances are equal. Sometimes, however, the right crank a few millimeters farther away from the frame to make room for a chain guard box is available. The Q factor depends on the length of the inner bearing shaft and the crank of the pedal cranks.

The larger the Q factor, the further apart are the pedals. This increases the risk that in tight and fast cornering touches the inside of the curve pedal. In interconnect recumbents a small Q factor is desirable because it allows for a narrower construction, which makes the bike lighter and more aerodynamic. In addition, a smaller Q- factor should be ergonomic.

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