Originally Posted by
T-Mar
Simpson claimed a mechanical advantage over traditional chains. The benefit reportedly came from driving at two different levels, at two different pitchs, as a result of the triangular links. The inner pins at the base of the triangle were driven by the chainwheel while the outer pins, at the peak of the triangle, drove the cog on the rear wheel.
that is one of the best crazy ideas in the history of bikes, imho!
It combines unnecessary mechanical complexity with a fairly ludicrous claim of improved performance. At least as good as oval chainrings, curved crank arms, etc.
For some reason, it brings to mind the amplifier with the knob that goes up to eleven.
I'd seen the part of The Dancing Chain that discusses it, but don't think I'd seen a modern photo of one. Very cool!
Steve in Peoria