Krank set
Noun, Compound Noun
A component of a bicycle consisting of two or more chainrings attached to the cranks.
Example usage: 'I need to replace my old crank set.'
Most used in: Mountain biking and road biking communities.
Most used by: Cyclists who regularly maintain their own bicycles.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 3/10
Also see: crankset, drivetrain, chainset, bottom bracket,
What Is a Crank Set?
A crank set is an important component of a bicycle, and it consists of the cranks, the bottom bracket, and the chain rings. The cranks are the two arms that connect the pedals to the bottom bracket, while the chain rings are the circular gears that the chain passes through. The crank set is responsible for transferring the power from the rider's legs to the rear wheel, allowing the bike to move forward.
A typical crank set is composed of three chain rings, with the largest one usually having 44 teeth. This is the most common size, although some crank sets can have more or fewer chain rings. The number of chain rings will also determine the number of gears the bike has. Generally, the more chain rings a crank set has, the more gears the bike will have.
Crank sets are available in a variety of materials, including aluminum, carbon fiber, and titanium. Aluminum is the most common and affordable option, but it is also the heaviest. Carbon fiber and titanium are lighter and more expensive, but they are also more durable. According to a survey by the National Bicycle Dealers Association, aluminum crank sets account for about 80% of all bicycle crank sets sold in the United States.
In addition to the chain rings, crank sets can also include a variety of other components, such as bottom brackets, bearings, spacers, and chainrings. These components are responsible for helping the cranks to turn smoothly and efficiently, as well as providing the necessary support for the chainrings. All of these components must be properly maintained in order for the crank set to perform optimally.
.The Origin of the Term 'Crank Set' in Cycling
The term 'crank set' is commonly used in the context of cycling and refers to the set of cranks and the crank arm that connects to the pedals. The term first appeared in the early 1890s in the United States, when it was used to describe a combination of the crank, the arm, and the pedals that were all connected together.
The crank set was invented by James Starley, a British inventor and cycling enthusiast. He developed the first crank set in the late 1870s, and it was known as the “Starley crank set”. This design was the first to connect the pedals directly to the crank arm, allowing for a much smoother and more efficient pedaling motion.
The term 'crank set' was first used in print in 1895 in an advertisement in an American cycling magazine. It quickly became popular among cyclists and manufacturers, and it is now one of the most common terms used to describe the components of a bicycle.
