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Old 06-07-09 | 06:21 AM
  #12  
Garthr
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Right where I'm supposed to be

Bikes: Franklin Frames Custom, Rivendell Bombadil

Originally Posted by meb
That's a mixed blessing though- the triple will have kinder gear ratios but a higher Q-ratio. The wider stance of the triple puts more lateral stress on you knee. Some people that becomes an issue, others not.
Yeah .. . it would be nice to see lower Q triples. I think a DA triple is about the same 156mm Q as a TA Zephyr/Carmina , which are the lowest of recent make. (I don't count the Cyclotourist model, as it's tiny BCD make the rings flex too much)

The doubles these days are even wide. The Sugino AT from the 80's has Q of about 150mm for the triple. The lowest double today is about 147mm.

I don't have issues with any of these. . . but I would with your average "wide berth" mtb crank these days. The exception is Surly's Mr. Whirly. Ironically, it's the lowest Q of them all, as they actually offer 3 different spindle lengths. You can get it as low as 161mm with the 68mm spindle. It uses a 47.5mm chainline though. However, you can mover one spacer from the R side to left, and get it to 45mm. Your arm will be 2.5mm further away for the CS. No biggie really. This is confirmed to work by Surly, and they measured the crank upon request, so I assume it's accurate. The cool thing about the Mr. Whirly is it is offered in a 110/58 BCD, for those that need a really low gear!
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