Oval crankshaft

Technically, the arms are the cranks. The chain runs along the chain rings
which attach to the cranks at the spyder using chain ring bolts. The whole
shebang is called a chainset or a crankset. If you do not like the Biopace
chain rings, they are easily replaced with circular rings. However, I don't
think you'll care enough to bother. The rings may show more wear and tear than
the arms and this is normal. They certainly get more dirty but these are easily
cleaned. Hope this helps.

Charlie S. wrote:

No news on the bike. I called today and didn't hear back. Will let you
know what happens.

I am not clear on the bicycle terminology. From what I understand the
crank is the arm that the pedal attaches to. And, includes the chain rings?
(what the chain rests on in the front end of the bike).

I guess what I really want to know is, if I didn't like this Biopace, would
I have to replace the crank (arm) and chain rings? It is all one piece?
What is the price for a decent lower end model?

The arm or crank looked pristine as though it were well machined. I didn't
look real carefully, but the chain rings didn't look as new. (could be
wrong here)

In response to another poster, he definitely indicated it was a Raleigh....
I may be off if he said it was a super sport. Did a Google search, came up
with the Schwinn, not a Raleigh Super Sport. Maybe I didn't hear him right.

After reading all the posts and links, I get the feeling the Biopace won't
make any difference to my type of riding. (Then again, if I start passing
you all on the trail, I'll know I'm on to something:-)


"David White" wrote in message
...

The crank itself is pretty standard, it is the chain rings that are not (I
am not sure about the inner which may be circular). These are Shimano
Biopace rings and the intent was to deliver a more constant power output
through out the crank's rotation - trying to eliminate top-dead-center, I
guess. They were made for at least a few years but have since died away
(although something like them has been used recently by a couple pro
racers in specific events). At any rate, some folks love them, some hate
them. I have no personal experience. But I doubt the feel that much
different than standard, circular rings or that they would offer much
disadvantage or advantage to you in the type of riding you describe. Of
course, if you do not like the oval ring(s), you can easily replace them
with circular rings.

Charlie S. wrote:


I apologize in advance. I realize this group is not for advice about
sale
items, but I have technical question about a bike I am thinking of buying
and would like some input.

Saw a 20 year old Raleigh chrome alloy Super Sport for sale at a yard
sale
tonight for a $100. The owner recently put in an oval crank. It's a
Bio____? (Sorry, don't know the full name.)
Seemed kind of an odd set up, but he said it allowed you to put more
power
into the pedaling.
Didn't get to ride the bike as the front tire was low on air. Plan to
bring
my bike pump tomorrow to test ride it. The bike seems like a pretty good
deal as it had a nice feel, new parts, like new wheels, seat post and
this
crank. I'm going to offer $75. But, I don't know anything about these
oval
cranks. Are they any good? Do they put more pressure on your knees? Do
they feel weird riding? Or, are their any other problems associated with
this type of crank?

I don't have need for a racing type bike. All I do is go on relatively
flat
trails about 20-25 miles. I currently have a much older steel bike.
It's
starting to feel too heavy for my aging body. I've had it for 28 years.
It's served me well as I just use it to work out. Thought of getting
something lighter. But, I don't like the feel of some of these new light
bikes. I'm hoping this bike will suit my needs.

On Sat, 30 Jul 2005 23:10:04 GMT, "Charlie S."
wrote:

I am not clear on the bicycle terminology. From what I understand the
crank is the arm that the pedal attaches to. And, includes the chain rings?
(what the chain rests on in the front end of the bike).

A crank is just the arm, a crank*set*, which is what they're generally
sold in, is both crank arms and usually a set of chainrings. The bottom
bracket is the axle (or possibly spindle) that keeps both cranks together
and the ball bearings it runs on.

Jasper