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Obviously you can generate forward torque through the whole turn but you can still apply the most power when the cranks are vertical. If it's not true that the cranks carry more power through the deadspots on a fixed, then what are the benefits of a fixed gear drive train when compared to a single speed? Do you reckon a track cyclist would be exactly as fast on the same bike with a freewheel? So the only reason for a fixed drive train in track cycling is the tradition?
Sig_Arlecchino-
If it's not true that the cranks carry more power through the deadspots on a fixed, then what are the benefits of a fixed gear drive train when compared to a single speed?
No pawls to wear out or break, opportunity to ride on the road with only one brake caliper, which is good for TTs and hill climbs due to lower weight and less drag.
Do you reckon a track cyclist would be exactly as fast on the same bike with a freewheel?
Yes
So the only reason for a fixed drive train in track cycling is the tradition?
No, the reason is that it's hard to slow down on a freewheel bike with no other brake. It would take three laps to get the riders off the track after a sprint :)
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Do you reckon a track cyclist would be exactly as fast on the same bike with a freewheel?
Yes. When riding a geared bike with a freehub or freewheel on a track, you never hear the ratchets in the freehub or freewheel working while you're pedalling. If the ratchets aren't working then it is functionally no different to a fixed drive train, because the ratchets are the only things allowing it to be not fixed gear.
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Do you reckon a track cyclist would be exactly as fast on the same bike with a freewheel?
Yes. When riding a geared bike with a freehub or freewheel on a track, you never hear the ratchets in the freehub or freewheel working while you're pedalling. If the ratchets aren't working then it is functionally no different to a fixed drive train, because the ratchets are the only things allowing it to be not fixed gear.
gbj_tester
Brommers
If that's true, how do you ever make any forward progress on a freewheel bike? Think about it for a few seconds and you'll see why that old wives' tale about fixed is a steaming pile of shite. Anybody in any doubt about the matter from simple logic can go and check their polar curve on a Wattbike or such like to prove that nearly all cyclists with two more or less functional legs can generate forward torque through the whole 360°