SRAM Apex Cranks Q-Factor?

Terrarium

Active Member
Hi Folks - I just finished switching out the stock microshift on my 2023 S40 to Sram Apex 1. At first I found these cranks way to narrow, did other people find it restricting? My 16mm pedal extenders get my stance back where it used to be what was curious if anyone tried anything else.
 

Always-Learnin

Vendetta Love
I have a stock 2021 S40 with SRAM Apex 1. I added 20mm pedal extenders (as a test). Cleared up my hip discomfort in short order.
 

Always-Learnin

Vendetta Love
Gotcha, but didn't you immediately notice something was off before adding the extenders. It's just SO narrow.
Yes, my hip hurt but I primarily ride indoors so I am not getting the normal inputs I would if I were outdoors. I had no problem riding all day long outdoors.
 

rfneep

Well-Known Member
I've had a few Apex cranks and they have a SRAM standard 145 q-factor. Pretty narrow, but made for road bikes and not so out of the norm for those. For some reason, I find myself more sensitive to q-factor/stance on a recumbent than an upright diamond frame. The Apex 145 width gave me severe thigh cramps on long rides with my S30 or other high racers; very unpleasant! I think that narrow q leads to lots of knee movement unless your hips are pretty narrow.

Ray
 

Terrarium

Active Member
I've had a few Apex cranks and they have a SRAM standard 145 q-factor. Pretty narrow, but made for road bikes and not so out of the norm for those. For some reason, I find myself more sensitive to q-factor/stance on a recumbent than an upright diamond frame. The Apex 145 width gave me severe thigh cramps on long rides with my S30 or other high racers; very unpleasant! I think that narrow q leads to lots of knee movement unless your hips are pretty narrow.

Ray
What cranks are you running now?
 

rfneep

Well-Known Member
I try to get a q-factor of about 160 mm with short cranks. I’m using Origin8 cranks with light square taper bottom brackets (Omni Racer). I’ve been running anywhere from 140 to 155 mm cranks arm lengths.

Ray
 
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