Re: [CR]Why block chain?

> One thing the guys didn't do was call you a blockhead if you rode a block
> chain.
> If you did you ended up in the ditch!
> Like mentioned both chain types were available as well as 1/2" for 100
> years or more.
> !/2 " did not come in block variety. Thats's why many people called the
> 1", skip tooth, or double link chains, because every other tooth was out,
> and the roller chains had two rollers close together.
> And the block was a block, but two rivets were close together and then the
> longer plate.
> Once you have ridden a block chain you will be a convert, if you are
> sensitive enough and appreciative of bike response and the difference in
> the direct feel to your legs.
> You get that direct metallic click in/to your legs, it's a feel like no
> other.( On the bike that is).
> That's why the track bike and it's response when you get off the seat,
> step on it, and whip the bike around either on the road or track is such a
> thrill, if your're into that kind of stuff.
> Age is no excuse, it's attitude that counts. YIPPIE, here I go!!
> If this is of no interest then shine on it, and go for the historic value
> only.
> The block chain was preferred by sprinters mostly thru the years because
> when you rode it, it had that "crisp", "snappy" feel especially when you
> jumped and accelerated quickly.
> True, you had less gear finesse selection, but the difference to sprinters
> and track riders was from 23-24-25 usually in one tooth jumps for gear
> selection and the half gear didn't seem to make enuf difference.
> As time and mettalurgy progressed, the roller chains got better and as
> riding got more detailed, the 1/2" prevailed and started to replace the 1"
> beginning in the later '50's in Europe and making it's way over here.
> The roller chain rolls much smoother and the added friction of the rollers
> didn't seem to matter as much in these newer years, so it was a
> combination of these factors that changed the equipment.
> Maybe I 'll think of more, if not, you can jump in the paceline and do
> your pull to help out with commentary.
> I rode my bike yesterday, going for a little run with Mary now, and
> tomorrow is a rest day, (Yard Work).
> Ted Ernst
> Palos Verdes Estates
> CA USA
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "John Betmanis" <johnb@oxford.net>
> To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2007 6:49 AM
> Subject: [CR]Why block chain?
>
>
>> I've been around vintage bikes for decades before they were ever vintage,
>> but I still don't know why block chains were used on old track bikes.
>> They
>> can't be stronger unless the side plates have more cross-section area and
>> I
>> can't see how they could be smoother. The gear ratios available are just
>> half as many as with regular roller chains. So what's the reason? Could
>> it
>> just be tradition, or that's how all chains were before the roller chain
>> was invented?
>>
>> John Betmanis
>> Woodstock, Ontario
>> Canada