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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