-€70.00
QO Race crankset
Reduced price:
€479.00
Tax included
QO RACE Crankset – Black
Light, stiff, and aerodynamic — the QO RACE crankset is a fully integrated system built for pure performance. Designed by Pablo Carrasco, the original founder of Rotor, QO fills the gap in the Rotor lineup for riders using SRAM AXS or Shimano 12-speed drivetrains who want a lightweight,
Carbon, DUB spindle, 52/36 or 54/40 with SRAM AXS: the QO RACE solves setups standard groupsets simply do not offer.
Running SRAM Rival or Force AXS and finding 50/37 too limiting? QO offers the RACE in 52/36 and 54/40 while announcing compatibility with SRAM 12-speed drivetrains. Add carbon crank arms, a 28.99 mm DUB-type spindle, crank lengths from 160 to 175 mm and true AERO chainrings: the QO RACE answers setup requirements that are difficult to achieve with a standard Shimano, SRAM or Rotor crankset.
Carbon28.99 mm / DUB
160 to 175 mm50/34
52/3654/40
Large-chainring solution for SRAM AXS
Shimano + SRAM 11/12-speed
If Shimano, SRAM or Rotor does not offer exactly the setup you want, look here
| What you are looking for | What the QO RACE offers |
|---|---|
| Carbon crank arms | Yes – Mitsubishi Pyrofil carbon fiber |
| 29 mm DUB-type spindle | Yes – 28.99 mm |
| Shimano 12-speed compatibility | Yes |
| SRAM AXS / 12-speed compatibility | Yes – compatibility announced by QO |
| 52/36 or 54/40 with SRAM Rival / Force AXS | Yes, according to QO – a particularly interesting aftermarket solution when you want to go beyond SRAM's 46/33, 48/35 or 50/37 gearing |
| 54/40 | Yes |
| AERO chainrings in 50/34 or 52/36 | Yes – you do not need a 56T or 58T chainring to benefit from a closed aero outer face |
| Short crank arms | 160 and 165 mm, plus 170 / 172.5 / 175 mm |
| Standard BCD and replaceable components | 110x4 – chainrings and spider available separately |
Running SRAM Rival or Force AXS and want something larger than 50/37? This is one of the QO RACE's strongest advantages.
SRAM officially designs its Rival and Force AXS front derailleurs around its 46/33, 48/35 and 50/37 combinations. QO takes a different approach: its RACE 52/36 and 54/40 chainring sets are announced as compatible with SRAM 12-speed drivetrains. QO is not simply increasing the tooth count: the brand works on the tooth profiles, chain pick-up and release zones, chainline and front-shifting behaviour to maintain consistent shifting with AXS.
Important: this is compatibility announced by QO, not a chainring combination officially offered by SRAM for Rival or Force. Your frame must therefore allow the front derailleur to be positioned at the correct height. SRAM RED E1 already natively accepts larger SRAM chainring combinations and is not subject to the same 50/37 limitation.
Velo-Perso.com's view
“The QO RACE is interesting precisely because it fills the gaps left by the major product ranges. Shimano gives you an outstanding drivetrain, but within a tightly defined ecosystem. SRAM offers DUB and carbon, but follows its own gearing logic. Rotor remains highly modular, but does not necessarily combine a 29 mm spindle, carbon crank arms, 54/40, Shimano/SRAM compatibility and aero chainrings even in the smaller gearing options. If you have already looked through Shimano, SRAM and Rotor without finding exactly the crankset you want, there is a very good chance that the QO RACE is the answer.”
50/34 and 52/36 AERO: you do not need pro-level gearing to improve aerodynamics
Most cranksets with a very closed outer face are associated with oversized time-trial chainrings. QO also offers this design in 50/34 and 52/36. You can therefore keep versatile road gearing while benefiting from the integration and appearance of the AERO system.
54/40: the modern gearing option missing from many setups
54/40 is particularly interesting for fast racing: the larger chainring lets you spend more time in the middle of the cassette at high speed, while the 14-tooth difference maintains a coherent front shift. QO offers it directly with carbon crank arms and a DUB-compatible spindle.
On a bike equipped with SRAM Rival or Force AXS, the benefit becomes even clearer: you can use gearing significantly larger than the 50/37 offered by SRAM for these groups without having to move to a complete SRAM RED crankset. QO announces its 54/40 system as SRAM 12-speed compatible thanks to a chainring design developed specifically around AXS front shifting.
28.99 mm spindle: check your bottom bracket before replacing a Shimano crankset
The QO uses a 28.99 mm spindle, compatible with bottom brackets designed for SRAM DUB. If you are replacing a Shimano 24 mm crankset, your existing bottom bracket will therefore generally not be suitable: you will need a DUB bottom bracket matching your frame standard.
| Frame | Bottom bracket to look for |
|---|---|
| Canyon / Scott / Van Rysel and other BB86 frames | BB86 DUB / 41-29 mm |
| Specialized Tarmac SL7 / SL8, Aethos and many threaded frames | BSA DUB |
| Recent Trek Madone | T47 DUB depending on generation |
| PF30 / BB30 / BB386 / BBRight | DUB / 29 mm version matching the exact frame standard |
Changing cranksets and not sure which bottom bracket your bike uses?
SRAM AXS: finally, 52/36 or 54/40 with Rival or Force
This is probably one of the most important arguments for the QO RACE. With SRAM Rival AXS and Force AXS, SRAM follows its 46/33, 48/35 and 50/37 gearing logic. For a powerful rider, racer, triathlete or simply someone who prefers more traditional road gearing, a 50-tooth maximum can become a genuine limitation.
QO provides a direct answer with its 52/36 and 54/40 combinations, announced as SRAM 12-speed compatible. The idea is not simply to put a larger outer chainring in front of an AXS derailleur: the chainring design is engineered to produce appropriate front shifting, with specific tooth profiles and dedicated shift zones.
| Your SRAM groupset | Standard configuration | What the QO RACE makes possible |
|---|---|---|
| Rival AXS | SRAM offers gearing up to 50/37 within this architecture | QO 52/36 or 54/40, announced as SRAM 12-speed compatible: an interesting solution for riders wanting more top-end gearing. |
| Force AXS | The same compact / X-Range gearing philosophy from SRAM | QO 52/36 or 54/40 for riders who want to keep Force AXS while running larger chainrings. |
| RED E1 | SRAM already natively offers larger chainring combinations | The QO still has strong benefits through its 52/36 and 54/40 ratios, carbon crankset, AERO system and 110x4 modularity, but it is no longer solving the same gearing limitation. |
Why can this work when simply fitting a larger SRAM chainring is not intended for Rival / Force?
Because front derailleur performance also depends on chainring geometry. QO works on tooth profiles, shift ramps and pick-up zones as well as chainline within its own system. This is precisely what separates a complete system designed for compatibility from simply increasing the chainring diameter.
More broadly, QO announces the RACE as compatible with Shimano 11/12-speed and SRAM 11/12-speed drivetrains. Compatible chains include Shimano 12-speed, SRAM Flattop 12-speed, KMC 12-speed, Shimano 11-speed and SRAM Eagle depending on the setup.
Chainline is 44.5 mm and Q-Factor is 149 mm.
Velo-Perso note: 52/36 and 54/40 compatibility with SRAM 12-speed is announced by QO. SRAM does not list these combinations as official Rival / Force configurations. Also check that your frame allows the front derailleur to be positioned at the height required for the selected outer chainring.
Mitsubishi Pyrofil carbon + 7075-T6 aluminium
The crank arms use Mitsubishi Pyrofil carbon fiber. The spider and chainrings are CNC-machined from 7075-T6 aluminium. QO also works the outer surface with its characteristic pattern of small dimples, which contributes to the crankset's distinctive visual identity.
The complete crankset is announced at 624 g in 170 mm with 50/34 chainrings.
QO RACE or QO RACE Light?
Weight first: QO RACE Light
Velo-Perso.com actually weighed a 165 mm / 50-34 RACE Light at 571 g. If weight matters more to you than the most closed AERO outer face, compare the two.
View the QO RACE Light →
Already using a 110x4 system? QO AERO chainrings are available separately
QO RACE 50 / 52 / 54T outer chainrings are also sold separately.
View QO RACE AERO chainrings →
Technical specifications
| Use | Road / racing / triathlon |
|---|---|
| Crank arms | Mitsubishi Pyrofil carbon |
| Spindle | 28.99 mm / DUB-compatible |
| Spider | CNC-machined 7075-T6 aluminium, 110x4 BCD |
| Chainring combinations | 50/34 – 52/36 – 54/40 |
| Crank lengths | 160 – 165 – 170 – 172.5 – 175 mm |
| Drivetrains | Shimano 11/12-speed – SRAM 11/12-speed; QO specifically announces its 52/36 and 54/40 combinations as compatible with SRAM 12-speed drivetrains |
| Q-Factor | 149 mm |
| Chainline | 44.5 mm |
| Claimed weight | 624 g in 170 mm / 50-34 |
FAQ
Can I fit the QO RACE in place of a Shimano crankset?
Yes from a drivetrain point of view, but the QO uses a 28.99 mm spindle. If your current bottom bracket is designed for a Shimano 24 mm spindle, you will need to replace it with the appropriate DUB version for your frame.
Is it compatible with SRAM AXS?
Yes. QO announces compatibility with SRAM 11 and 12-speed drivetrains, including SRAM Flattop 12-speed chains.
Can I use 52/36 or 54/40 with SRAM Rival or Force AXS?
QO announces its RACE 52/36 and 54/40 combinations as compatible with SRAM 12-speed drivetrains. This is particularly interesting with Rival and Force AXS, for which SRAM officially remains on combinations up to 50/37 within this architecture. QO works on chainring geometry and dedicated shift zones for front derailleur performance. This compatibility is nevertheless announced by QO and is not an official SRAM Rival / Force chainring combination; your frame must also allow the front derailleur to be set at the correct height.
Why choose 54/40?
For high-speed riding with a more favourable chainline on the smaller sprockets while retaining a 14-tooth difference between the two chainrings.
Is it available in 160 or 165 mm?
Yes. Available crank lengths are 160, 165, 170, 172.5 and 175 mm.
QO RACE or RACE Light?
The RACE shown here prioritises a highly integrated AERO outer face. The RACE Light is particularly interesting if weight is your priority; Velo-Perso.com measured 571 g in 165 mm / 50-34.
QO RACE Crankset – Black: Performance Under Tension
The QO RACE Crankset was born from a simple goal – to create the smoothest, stiffest, and most aerodynamic crank on the market. With carbon fiber arms and a 29 mm DUB-compatible spindle, it combines lightness and efficient power transfer, ideal for both road and triathlon riders.
Precision engineering. The CNC-machined aluminium 7075-T6 spider (BCD 110×4) ensures perfect chainring alignment and full compatibility with Shimano 12-speed and SRAM 12-speed drivetrains.
Main Specifications
| Total weight | 624 g (170 mm / 50-34T) |
|---|---|
| Crank lengths | 160 – 165 – 170 – 172.5 – 175 mm |
| Chainring options | 50/34 – 52/36 – 54/40 |
| Materials | Carbon + 7075-T6 CNC Aluminium |
| Standard | BCD 110×4 • 29 mm spindle (DUB compatible) |
| Q-Factor | 149 mm |
| Chainline | 44.5 mm |
| Discipline | Road / Triathlon |
| Groupset compatibility | Shimano® 12s | SRAM® 12s |
An Alternative to Rotor Cranksets
Founded by Pablo Carrasco – the visionary engineer behind Rotor – QO carries the same design DNA with a more aggressive look and broader compatibility. The QO RACE Crankset is aimed at riders seeking a lighter, more aerodynamic, and modular crankset – adjustable crank lengths and ring sizes for perfect fit and performance.
Velo-Perso opinion.
The QO brand was created by Pablo Carrasco, Rotor’s founder. It fills the gap left by Rotor’s lineup, especially for SRAM AXS users, offering a crankset that’s both lightweight, aerodynamic, and extremely stiff. It’s a top-tier solution for riders chasing marginal gains and uncompromised performance.
The QO brand was created by Pablo Carrasco, Rotor’s founder. It fills the gap left by Rotor’s lineup, especially for SRAM AXS users, offering a crankset that’s both lightweight, aerodynamic, and extremely stiff. It’s a top-tier solution for riders chasing marginal gains and uncompromised performance.
Why Choose QO RACE Crankset ?
- Clean, aerodynamic design with premium carbon finish
- Full 12-speed compatibility – Shimano® / SRAM®
- Exceptional lateral stiffness for instant response
- Ultra-low weight (624 g)
- High-precision machining and attention to detail
One system. Zero compromises. 100 % QO.
Which bottom bracket should you choose for your QO RACE crankset?
The QO RACE is a small masterpiece, designed and manufactured in Spain. With its carbon crank arms, high stiffness and smooth power transfer, it deserves a bottom bracket that matches its performance level.
You can of course choose a standard steel bottom bracket. However, in our advisory role, we prefer to guide you toward a product from an equivalent performance range. For a crankset like the QO RACE, this means choosing a ceramic bottom bracket.
CyclingCeramic is our recommended choice for riders looking for the best balance between performance, reliability and price. Its high-grade ceramic bearings offer excellent smoothness and durability.
Bikone is not necessarily superior because of the bearings alone. Its added value comes from tighter machining tolerances and low-friction seals, bringing a small but noticeable mechanical advantage. If you are ready to spend around €50 more on average, Bikone can be a very interesting upgrade.
Compatible bottom brackets depending on your frame
CyclingCeramic BB86 DUB
Recommended for BB86 frames such as Canyon, Scott and Van Rysel. The best value ceramic option for a QO RACE build.
View product →
Bikone BB86 DUB
A premium BB86 option with tighter machining tolerances and low-friction seals for riders seeking every marginal gain.
View product →
CyclingCeramic BSA DUB
Ideal for BSA threaded frames such as Specialized Tarmac SL7 / SL8, Colnago Y1RS and Cannondale SuperSix.
View product →
Bikone BSA DUB
The premium BSA choice for riders who want the highest level of mechanical precision and low-friction performance.
View product →
CyclingCeramic T47 DUB
The recommended solution for Trek Madone frames using the T47 DUB bottom bracket standard.
View product →
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