[net.bicycle] elliptical phrases

king@kestrel.ARPA (10/14/85)

Can anyone comment on elliptical chainwheels?

I wonder about deurailler wear with one of those, since I understand
your mechanism would flex twice every revolution.

-dick

eirik@tekchips.UUCP (Eirik Fuller) (10/16/85)

In article <1836@kestrel.ARPA> king@kestrel.ARPA writes:
>
>Can anyone comment on elliptical chainwheels?
>
>I wonder about deurailler wear with one of those, since I understand
>your mechanism would flex twice every revolution.
>
>-dick


I have never held one in my hand, but I've seen one up close, in
action. Surprisingly, the derailleur pulleys move only during
shifts. (I never did get around to formulating a mathematical proof
of this, but I've seen it happen).

Needless to say, a front derailleur is out of the question, though
the same is not true of Biopace chainwheels, the 'other' odd-shaped
chainwheels.

By the way, I have wanted an elliptical chainwheel for some time. Is
there anybody out there who knows where I can get one to fit a TA
bolt circle (five holes, very close together)? I want one for my
Hypercycle, which has no front derailleur anyway. (It has a
crossover gearing setup with two chains, two rear derailleurs, and
twenty-five speeds). Not to be too picky, but about 40 teeth would
be nice. I've been too lazy to write to Durham to ask if they make
them anymore.

wagner@uw-june (Dave Wagner) (10/18/85)

> >Can anyone comment on elliptical chainwheels?
> >
> >I wonder about deurailler wear with one of those, since I understand
> >your mechanism would flex twice every revolution.
> 
> I have never held one in my hand, but I've seen one up close, in
> action. Surprisingly, the derailleur pulleys move only during
> shifts. (I never did get around to formulating a mathematical proof
> of this, but I've seen it happen).

It seems rather obvious to me, that at any point in time the chain is wrapped
around exactly half of the teeth on the chainwheel, regardless of its
orientation.   Think about it.


			Dave Wagner
			University of Washington Comp Sci Department
			wagner@washington.arpa
			{ihnp4,decvax,ucbvax}!uw-beaver!uw-wally!wagner

"The surest thing there is is we are riders,
 And though none too successful at it, guiders,
 Through everything presented, land and tide
 And now the very air, of what we ride."
	- Frost

craig@hp-pcd.UUCP (craig) (10/24/85)

I suggest that you watch the rear derailer on a Biopace equipted bike
because it does move.