Component maker Rotor is rolling out new direct mount chainrings as well as a pair of modular cranksets for trail and enduro riding.
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Direct mount Q and QX chainrings
Rotor’s direct mount rings build on the success of the company’s often imitated ovalized chainrings. The Spanish company will offer direct mount versions of its Q-Rings for SRAM as well as Race Face, and a new QX version that works with Rotor's new direct mount interface.
Not content to stop at creating aftermarket options, Rotor has developed its own direct mount standard, which brings a new level of adjustability to its oval rings by allowing the user to clock the chainring to maximize the position of the chainring relative to their pedal stroke.
Rotor’s splined interface bears a close resemblance to the direct mount standard Shimano uses for its brake rotors. This design allows the new QX chainrings to be adjusted incrementally to maximize power transfer.
According to Rotor, riders can use the company’s Torque 360 app to help fine-tune the chainring’s position, provided they are using a crank equipped with a power meter.
Pricing for the new direct mount Q and QX chainrings is set at US$79.99. (UK and Australian pricing TBC)
Hawk and Raptor cranksets
On the crankset side of things, Rotor is adding a pair of cranks to its off-road collection.
Both cranksets are compatible with the new direct mount QX chainrings and offer a user-friendly interface — the chainring can be quickly changed by loosening the driveside crankarm with an 8mm Allen wrench.
Rotor uses a modular design with interchangeable 30mm spindles to accommodate different bottom bracket standards and widths.
The US$49 bottom bracket spindles are offered in versions for 164mm, 170mm (Boost) and 179mm (DH) Q-factors.
The Hawk and Raptor build on the company’s lightweight cross-country focused REX cranks by offering riders two options for trail riding and enduro racing at different price points.
The top-end Hawk crank arms are CNC machined from 7055 aluminum. Rotor will offer the Raptor in 165, 170 and 175mm lengths. The claimed weight for the 175mm arms, plus the spindle and a 30t direct mount QX ring, is 665g.
Pricing for the Hawk crankarms is set at US$219.99. (UK and Australian pricing TBC)
The budget-minded Raptor crankarms are forged and CNC machined 6082 aluminum. There’s a bump in weight to 715g for a comparable set up, as well as a drop in price to US$144.99. (UK and Australian pricing TBC)
So what’s up with those colorful crank covers?
While many companies (finally) offer crankarm boots, Rotor went the extra mile to offer rubberized guards on the sides of the arms for additional protection. Riders can even customize the colors to suit their tastes
Visit rotorbikeusa.com for more information.
