In a message dated 1/7/2004 2:48:19 PM Eastern Standard Time, classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org writes: Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 13:07:47 EST From: ABikie@aol.com To: steve@velochrome.com, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]Out of round (was L cranks) Message-ID: <59.2b61cf0.2d2da4f3@aol.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Precedence: list Message: 10
Steve, etc. There were way mopre than two non round rings. The earliest were from pre-1900. The next I remember was the Durham Bullseye elliptical. I have several. Maruishi re-intro's the oval in the late 70's. Then the biopace 'revolution' brought the Biopace, SakaeOvaltech, Biopace 2,and Sugino Cycloid. While visiting friends in Cal last week, i borrowed an older bike with Bio. After a few minutes, it's imperceptible, and round rings feel a tad odd for a few minutes when going back. What worked well for me and many customers, especially those that preferred slower spinning, touring, and climbing in low gears was bio inner and center on the triples, and round outers for 'sprinting'
Larry Black Mt airy, Md
In a message dated 1/7/04 12:17:12 PM Eastern Standard Time, steve@velochrome.com writes: There were two versions of the oval rings. One was oval, and one was Biopace. Tried both of them back in the 1980's. I recall not liking the feel of the Biopace, but don't recall any shifting problems. It's my opinion that it was a lazy way to spin circles. Sort of like "dumbing down" a rider. The oval rings would tend to throw the chain on a fast shift. That made it dangerous for any aggressive rider. Was probably okay for a casual cruiser. To my recollection, there weren't any pros using either of these, though pros will use what pays the best (that's why they call them professionals!).
Steve Dahlquist
Velochrome Frameset Painting
Larry,
I couldn't agree more about the virtues of Biopace rings on a
touring-oriented bike. For three years I've owned a mid-eighties Trek 520 we'll call a 1985
to stay on topic. Lugged, with S.I.S. bar-ends, it's become my favorite ride.
Maybe it's the Biopace set-up or maybe it's the half-step with granny rings,
but when I just want to burn some carbs in the hills of Long Island's North
Shore, it's the elegant way to go. Only threw the chain once to the outside of the
big ring, otherwise it shifts flawlessly. In no way though, has it ever
tempered my love for round chain rings!
Dan Kretzer
Lazy Spin Ranch
Centerport, NY