The second, and more important(???), rationale for Pino Morroni's left hand drive track bike configuration is that, since all track races are run counter clockwise, the heavier drive side crank arm is moved for a smaller distance than the right arm thus effectively lightening the virtual bicycle somewhat. Interestingly, this "advantage" becomes greater in inverse proportion to the length of the track since the distance (and thus weight) saving is constant for any single lap. The more laps per race, the more savings. Incredible!
Martin Needleman Annapolis, MD
HM & SS Sachs wrote:
> Derek Willburn asks:
>
> How about putting the drive side on the left for a track or fixed gear
> bike -anybody ever try it? I know, it just looks wrong but any reason it
> would not work?
> ------------
> Pino Moroni did just that on some of his track bikes. His rationale
> seems to have been:
>
> 1) side with chainring sticks out a bit farther from the center line.
> 2) On conventional track bike, moving conventionally (CCW), the right
> side is "uphill" and closer to the track. Pedal clearance can be an issue.
> 3) Ergo, put the drive stuff on the left, and gain a bit more clearance!
>
> One would gather that it made more of a distinction than a difference,
> since not widely emulated. But, would be a clever use for that pair of
> arms. Particularly for one of us lefti-handed people... Nice idea!
>
> harvey "left-handed people are out of their right minds" sachs
> mcLean va
>
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