Peter the answer is no. "L" shaped and curved cranks were used in the late Victorian and through into Edwardian times. Don't ask me the makes you need a proper cycling historian such as Hilary to furnish these. They gave the same reasons and theories way back then to prove why they were superior. Sorry this is a bit vague but will set you on the right path to research these. They did it all then anatomical saddles, elliptical chain-wheels and the cranks already mentioned.
Pete Geurds <raleighpro@dejazzd.com> wrote:
Thats all for now. Keep those wheels spinning, in your memories if not still on the road. Be lucky Mick Butler Huntingdon UK.