Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Classic & Vintage
Reload this Page >

Anyone still using BioPace chainrings?

Notices
Classic & Vintage This forum is to discuss the many aspects of classic and vintage bicycles, including musclebikes, lightweights, middleweights, hi-wheelers, bone-shakers, safety bikes and much more.

Anyone still using BioPace chainrings?

Old 05-21-16, 10:06 AM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Knet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Posts: 131

Bikes: 2018 Salsa Marakesh / 2006 HooKooEKoo / 2005 CoMotion Nor'wester / 1987 Trek 520 and 560EX (1 ea.)

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Anyone still using BioPace chainrings?

I just picked up an '87 Trek 520 (yay!) and have it together and did a quick fitment ride, and I gotta say, those Biopace rings aren't bothering me too much. Thought they would.

My initial plan to to replace those right away, but not so sure now. I am going to log some miles on it today, so maybe I'll change my mind.

Anyone still running those un-round rings anymore?
Knet is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 10:18 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
jetboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Oakland, CA
Posts: 3,445

Bikes: centurion cinelli equipe, look hinault 753, Zunow z-1, 83 stumpy sport

Mentioned: 66 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 814 Post(s)
Liked 330 Times in 186 Posts
this comes up every few months- I have some and I like them. I barely notice unless im climbing in the small ring - as its nearly square. I got to say, it seems to actually help, but it might just be illusion.
jetboy is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 10:23 AM
  #3  
That Huffy Guy
 
Johnny Mullet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ashtabula, Ohio
Posts: 1,438

Bikes: Old School Huffy Bikes

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 79 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
I have those on my Reflex ALX Carbon and don't mind them at all.
Johnny Mullet is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 10:30 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Maver71's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Omaha NE USA GO HUSKERS!
Posts: 85

Bikes: 1979 Motobecane Grand Touring 1999 Lemond Zurich 1987 Centurion Ironman Expert 1990 Schwinn Traveler 1984 Schwinn High Sierra

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Yep I'm still using them. Got them on my '90 Schwinn Traveler and '87 Centurulion Iroman Expert. I like them and have no plans to swap out
Maver71 is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 10:57 AM
  #5  
52psi
 
Fahrenheit531's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 4,134

Bikes: Schwinn Volare ('78); Raleigh Competition GS ('79)

Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 790 Post(s)
Liked 800 Times in 390 Posts
I've only had one bike with biopace, an '88 Shogun, and didn't notice anything that'd cause me to change it out.
Except for the ugly yellow sticker.
__________________
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
Fahrenheit531 is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 11:02 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Denver
Posts: 89

Bikes: 1983 Team Fuji, 1983? Ross 290S, 1988 Trek 900, 1985 Raleigh Kodiak,

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
If you decide you don't like them, I have a trek frame from the same year that could use a donation.
Rice Wash is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 02:18 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,655

Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX

Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1324 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times in 640 Posts
Originally Posted by Rice Wash
If you decide you don't like them, I have a trek frame from the same year that could use a donation.
Alloy or steel rings? I have some spares here and could perhaps send you a couple if you're looking for rings for a double crankset.

Cheers
Miele Man is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 02:25 PM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
ypsetihw's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 1,109

Bikes: s-1

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 221 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I saw an article recently that a new company is revisiting this old idea and making new oval chainrings. My LBS has some biopace rings in the parts bin and I have half a mind to pick them up and put them on an old bike just for kicks. seems like a good idea in theory anyway.
ypsetihw is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 03:27 PM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Minas Ithil
Posts: 9,337
Mentioned: 66 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2432 Post(s)
Liked 638 Times in 395 Posts
I have them on my Centurion LeMans. Don't really notice them to be honest.
Lazyass is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 03:27 PM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
Lascauxcaveman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Port Angeles, WA
Posts: 8,016

Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.

Mentioned: 194 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1627 Post(s)
Liked 629 Times in 355 Posts
I think, @Knet, the rings on your bike are probably the milder flavor BioPace, not quite as un-round as some earlier models. My '87 Tempo has them and I have no problem with them. Only notice the difference when I'm looking down at them, or standing up to mash up a hill.

My Cannondale ST came with one of the more lumpy versions on the inner (30T) ring; drove me nuts!
__________________
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●

Lascauxcaveman is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 03:27 PM
  #11  
Sunshine
 
mstateglfr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,538

Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo

Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10902 Post(s)
Liked 7,393 Times in 4,148 Posts
Have 2 bikes with triples on them.
One is a biopace triple, but a round granny ring.
One is a SR Ovaltech triple, but with a round granny ring.

I turn the pedals and the chain moves the bike. I dont notive the oblong shape on either.
...except for the granny, which is why each is now a round ring.
mstateglfr is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 03:39 PM
  #12  
Partially Sane.
 
stardognine's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Sunny Sacramento.
Posts: 3,562

Bikes: Soma Saga, pre-disc

Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 972 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 643 Times in 468 Posts
I don't use it, but I have single 52t chainring, that came on an Exage crank, that was on a bike set up as a single speed. It's in great condition, but I'd only use a 52t, if a bear was chasing me down a mountain.
stardognine is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 04:01 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
Pompiere's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 3,426

Bikes: 1984 Miyata 310, 1986 Schwinn Sierra, 2011 Jamis Quest, 1980 Peugeot TH8 Tandem, 1992 Performance Parabola, 1987 Ross Mt. Hood, 1988 Schwinn LeTour, 1988 Trek 400T, 1981 Fuji S12-S LTD, 197? FW Evans

Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 522 Post(s)
Liked 943 Times in 495 Posts
I have Biopace on a road bike and SR Ovaltech on a mountain bike and I don't feel any significant difference between them and the round rings on my other bikes.
Pompiere is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 04:20 PM
  #14  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Posts: 774

Bikes: Raleigh Classic 15, 84; Miyata 912, 85; Miyata Ridge Runner SE, 85; Miyata 610, 86; Miyata 100M, 86; Miyata Valley Runner, 88; Miyata Triple Cross, 89; GT Karakoram, 90; Miyata Elevation 300, 91; Marinoni Touring, 95; Long Haul Trucker, 2013

Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 157 Post(s)
Liked 131 Times in 79 Posts
I have Biopace on my winter bike (Giant Yukon) and my Miyata 610...I like them, but I don't think they make much difference. I certainly wouldn't change them out.
John Nolan is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 04:43 PM
  #15  
Senior Member
 
texaspandj's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Heart Of Texas
Posts: 4,238

Bikes: '85, '86 , '87 , '88 , '89 Centurion Dave Scott Ironman.

Mentioned: 99 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1605 Post(s)
Liked 582 Times in 379 Posts
I have biopace on 4 of my 5 Ironman. As a 86 bicycle guide review stated, at best it helped slightly, at worst you don't notice.
I tend to agree.
texaspandj is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 04:45 PM
  #16  
Senior Member
 
drlogik's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 1,763

Bikes: '87-ish Pinarello Montello; '89 Nishiki Ariel; '85 Raleigh Wyoming, '16 Wabi Special, '16 Wabi Classic, '14 Kona Cinder Cone

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 698 Post(s)
Liked 405 Times in 251 Posts
My 1989 Nishiki Ariel came with them and are still on there now. Ride the bike a couple of times a week still. They are fine. Notice to that other companies are evolving that concept and calling them their own proprietary names these days?
drlogik is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 05:39 PM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Utah
Posts: 770

Bikes: '88 Trek 1200, '91 Trek 1400

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 125 Post(s)
Liked 12 Times in 9 Posts
Originally Posted by ypsetihw
I saw an article recently that a new company is revisiting this old idea and making new oval chainrings. My LBS has some biopace rings in the parts bin and I have half a mind to pick them up and put them on an old bike just for kicks. seems like a good idea in theory anyway.
There are actually a couple companies out there making smaller ovals for MTB's. Blackspire, Wolftooth, and some others. Not sure about the road market.

One big difference I 'think' I remember hearing about was that they were clocked differently than Bio Pace.
Shinkers is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 05:43 PM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
bikemig's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,505

Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones

Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5877 Post(s)
Liked 3,445 Times in 2,066 Posts
I have biopace rings on my 1987 Stumpjumper comp. I don't really notice them and certainly wouldn't swap them out.
bikemig is offline  
Likes For bikemig:
Old 05-21-16, 07:43 PM
  #19  
Extraordinary Magnitude
 
The Golden Boy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,640

Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT

Mentioned: 84 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2597 Post(s)
Liked 1,678 Times in 926 Posts
Originally Posted by texaspandj
I have biopace on 4 of my 5 Ironman. As a 86 bicycle guide review stated, at best it helped slightly, at worst you don't notice.
I tend to agree.
I agree with you, I have one bike with a round big ring and Biopace middle and small. I don't notice the middle ring, but I do notice the granny- it's much more pronounced.

However, there are people that swear Biopace ruins knees.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*

Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!

"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
The Golden Boy is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 07:52 PM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
Eric S.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 932

Bikes: '04 LeMond Buenos Aires, '82 Bianchi Nuova Racing, De Rosa SLX, Bridgestone MB-1, Guerciotti TSX, Torpado Aelle, LeMond Tourmalet 853, Bridgestone Radac

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 101 Post(s)
Liked 46 Times in 36 Posts
I wanted to get back to a 42T road ring and found a couple new, in-packaging Ultegra-level Biopace rings on eBay a couple years ago. I think I paid $15 for each of them.

I don't notice them as much as I remembered on my '88 Specialized Sirrus; the effect was more pronounced on the smaller rings I had on my mountain bike back then (28/38/48).
Eric S. is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 07:56 PM
  #21  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 105

Bikes: 1984 Trek 610, 1985 Cannondale ST400, 1987 Schwinn Circuit

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Liked 42 Times in 10 Posts
I've had 3 or 4 rigs with biopace rings. Never really noticed a difference between BP and round rings.
aluminummonster is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 08:03 PM
  #22  
Senior Member
 
Staypuft1652's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 564
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 64 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I have a 90's specialized mtn bike with them, didnt realize until i looked down while pedaling. I have no reason to dislike them.
Staypuft1652 is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 08:18 PM
  #23  
Senior Member
 
ypsetihw's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 1,109

Bikes: s-1

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 221 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
welp, that settles it, I'll be revisiting this idea!
ypsetihw is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 08:44 PM
  #24  
aka Tom Reingold
 
noglider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,691

Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem

Mentioned: 510 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7287 Post(s)
Liked 2,365 Times in 1,382 Posts
I plan to try them soon. A kind BFer sent them to me. When I showed them to my wife, she made the funniest face!
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog

“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author

Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
noglider is offline  
Old 05-21-16, 08:47 PM
  #25  
Senior Member
 
Staypuft1652's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 564
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 64 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I tend to ride that bike the most, maybe thats why.....
Staypuft1652 is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.