[CR]Narrow chains, old cranks/rings

(Example: Framebuilders:Doug Fattic)

From: "Mike Self" <self@fuse.net>
To: <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Fri, 5 Jul 2002 23:26:34 -0400
Subject: [CR]Narrow chains, old cranks/rings

If this has all been discussed before or I'm getting too far off the CR topics, just tell me.

What are folks experiences with using older cranks & chainrings w/ narrow 9 speed chains? I thought this would not work because the chain would not seat properly on the chainring.

On my Waterford I have a mix of old & new parts. My wheels are built up with MA2 rims & a Phil Wood cassette hub. I use a 9 speed 11-34 cassette & a Stronglight 93 crank w/ a single 40t ring (go ahead & laugh - I was inspired by my Moulton's single chainring). It gives me 33-97 inch gears (thank you for your gear charts Sheldon). The ring is an old Stronglight ring not the much less substantial new one that is still available. The chain seats fine on the chainring.

I'm thinking of going to a double or triple TA or Stronglight 99 & using a smaller cassette. I have both older versions of these cranks. The TA is still produced and Stronglight again has a 86mm bolt pattern crank - both are made to be used with narrow chains.

Is the potential problem with the old cranks the spacing between the rings, the width of the rings or both?

I love that polished aluminum.

Mike Self
Cincinnati, OH