Re: [CR]WTB: cranks

(Example: Framebuilding:Restoration)

Date: Tue, 01 Nov 2005 14:55:14 -0600
From: "John Thompson" <JohnThompson@new.rr.com>
Organization: The Crimson Permanent Assurance
To: Kendra Coatney <masi3vgirl@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]WTB: cranks
References: <f6a5a5da0510312242x3814dcc3td8567649ac40ca68@mail.gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

Kendra Coatney wrote:
> I need cranks for my 1970 Raliegh Grand Sport which I will be building
> into my first fixed gear. I would like to find something close in
> year to my bike but nothing in perfect condition is needed. I don't
> have much money to spend. Max $40.
> Any recommendations on chainring size is welcomed (Seattle is a bit
> hilly and I have no idea what gearing I should start with)

I have a 144mm BCD Maxy 170mm right arm only (no rings, but Campy and Campy-copy fit) if you're interested, but all you need do is remove the outer ring from a double crank and the inner should be just about right. Use BMX chainring bolts to replace the double-length bolts. BMX chainring bolts are the same as track chainring bolts only much cheaper, and you can often find them in funky colors if that's your thing.

Regarding gearing -- something in the region of 60-70 gear-inches is a good place to start. If you had a 52-42 crank and removed the 52 tooth ring, an 18 tooth cog in the back matched with the 42 in the front gives a 63 gear-inch ratio. A 17 tooth cog would give you 67, and an 16 would be 70 gear-inches.

--
John (john@os2.dhs.org)
Appleton WI USA