# Re: Dotek cranks - flared?

**URL:** https://unicyclist.com/t/re-dotek-cranks-flared/53876
**Category:** Unicycles and Equipment
**Created:** [December 28, 2002, 6:58am UTC](https://unicyclist.com/t/re-dotek-cranks-flared/53876 "2002-12-28T06:58:13Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1

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### Author: ![system](https://unicyclist.com/uploads/default/original/3X/d/4/d44cf5a6365651cf6b50671d1ff0c84adf0c7726.png) [@system](https://unicyclist.com/u/system)
#### Post date: [December 28, 2002, 6:58am UTC](https://unicyclist.com/t/re-dotek-cranks-flared/53876/1 "2002-12-28T06:58:13Z")

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I believe this flare is called a “Q-Factor” and I’m not quite sure what the  
reason is for it. It seems the bigger the “Q” the easier it is to wobble while  
riding. But, with an increased “Q” comes an increased stability for gapping,  
hopping, and dropping. The profiles also flare out quite a bit.

Dylan

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### Author: ![Drewnicycle](https://unicyclist.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/d/6de8d8/32.png) [@Drewnicycle](https://unicyclist.com/u/Drewnicycle)
#### Post date: [December 28, 2002, 7:24am UTC](https://unicyclist.com/t/re-dotek-cranks-flared/53876/2 "2002-12-28T07:24:25Z")

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For bikes I think the larger Q factor is for large chainstay widths. Bikes that have the ability to fit large tires (downhill etc.)tend to have cranks with a larger Q factor.  
Why unicycle cranks have this I dunno 🤔

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### Author: ![m\_extreme\_uni](https://unicyclist.com/user_avatar/unicyclist.com/m_extreme_uni/32/81_2.png) [@m\_extreme\_uni](https://unicyclist.com/u/m_extreme_uni)
#### Post date: [December 28, 2002, 8:09am UTC](https://unicyclist.com/t/re-dotek-cranks-flared/53876/3 "2002-12-28T08:09:39Z")

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I agree, i think the added Q-factor in the profiles gives you much more control when landing drops and gaps.  
however, there is a trade-off, because it would take away from your ability to do flows and rails. for comuting/freestyle a low Q-fartor would be good, but for MUni, Bad.  
Just my thoughts,

-Ryan