Re: [CR]Early 60's Gearing

(Example: History:Ted Ernst)

Date: Fri, 02 Jan 2004 19:58:10 -0700
From: "Chuck Schmidt" <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR]Early 60's Gearing
References: <20040102195551.14608.qmail@web40710.mail.yahoo.com>


David Feldman wrote:
>
> Except for really small-wheeled bikes like Moultons,
> chainrings over 52 teeth in the vintage era (say, pre
> 1985) appear to be a peculiarly American preference.
> Any historical evidence to give or take credibility
> for this idea?
> David Feldman
> Vancouver, WA

I remember reading an interview with John Howard in VeloNews around 1977(?) where he said a 53 tooth chainring was mandatory for racing at the top level in the US. I believe the use of a 53 was fairly unique in the US in 1977. I think they became fairly common in the US in the very late 70s and early 1980s

I believe Pros in Europe were using the 53 before the mid 1970s.

Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California

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