Have you ever heard someone mention the Q-Factor of a specific
What is Q-Factor?
Greg Petersen, the founder of Rivendell Bicycle Works, first coined the term Q-Factor in 1990, which relates to the distance from the outside of one crank’s pedal hole to the outside of the other crank’s pedal hole. He describes Q-Factor in greater detail in his book Just Ride, where he shared, “Crank makers talk about Q-Factor, but few know that the Q stands for “quack.” Ducks waddle with their feet far apart relative to their leg length, and thus have high Q-Factors.“Q-Factor is measured in millimeters. For example, road bikes have an average Q-Factor of 150mm compared to 170mm for mountain bikes.
Why Does Q-Factor Matter?
If you like to ride multiple times per week on your indoor cycling
Finding the Correct Q-Factor for You
Ideally, your knees should align with your ankles when the pedals are parallel to the floor. However, if your knees are too wide or too narrow, this potentially increases the possibility of knee pain. One of the best ways to determine which Q-Factor is best for you is to get on the different bikes you are considering and see which one feels the most comfortable while checking your knee and ankle alignment before purchasing. A few fixes can be made post-purchase to remedy an incorrect Q-Factor, but we recommend doing your research first to save yourself a headache later.
As you can see from the graph below, a wide range of Q-Factors is offered for indoor cycling bikes. However, many of the most popular indoor cycling bikes have a q-factor range between 155 mm – 175 mm.
Indoor Cycle Model | Q-Factor |
---|---|
Spinner S5 | 147 mm |
Life Fitness IC7 | 155 mm |
MYX II | 165 mm |
Peloton | 170 mm |
Bowflex C6 & Schwinn IC4 | 190 mm |
Keiser M3i | 197 mm |
Echelon EX3 | 202 mm |
How to Adjust Your Q-Factor
For most indoor cyclists, the Q-Factor on a commercial-grade
Is Q-Factor the Only Thing to Consider?
While Q-Factor matters, it is also essential to discuss “stance width.” Stance width on a
FAQ
- Is a Narrow Q-Factor Better?
- It comes down to your anatomy and what best fits your frame, but a narrower Q-Factor will provide a more comfortable ride for most people. Just remember to select a
bike that allows proper knee and ankle alignment.
- It comes down to your anatomy and what best fits your frame, but a narrower Q-Factor will provide a more comfortable ride for most people. Just remember to select a
- What is
Bike Crank Q-Factor?- The
Bike Crank Q-Factor, also referred to as tread, is the distance between the pedals’ attachment point on each crank arm.
- The
- How Do I Lower My Q-Factor?
- To lower your Q-Factor, the most accessible place to start is adjusting your cleats and pedals before looking into changing other
bike components.
- To lower your Q-Factor, the most accessible place to start is adjusting your cleats and pedals before looking into changing other
The Bottom Line
The Q-Factor is a vital component to consider when making your final decision on which