The source of smooth pedalling?

[NordicElf]

Silly question, maybe.... I have an old Trek 2001 it has Ultegra cranks. And I have a 2012 Focus with 105. Recently had to use the Trek as a spare bike because I managed to snap the derailleur hanger on the Focus... twice... but that's for another thread.

 

When I pedal the Trek it feels so smooth and effortless, it feels like it rolls better, I thought maybe it was the wheels but it's definitely when I pedal. 

 

What part makes it feel so smooth? Is it the bottom bracket or the cranks? I definitely want to throw some money at the Focus (once I find a derailleur hanger) that will make it pedal like my old Trek. 

[lechatnoir]

Is the fit the same on both?

[NordicElf]

Yes, same fit apart from the fact that the Trek has 165mm cranks and the Focus 170mm, so I can feel that difference too, feels easier to get over the top of the pedal stroke (I'm short). However the smoothness feels mechanical. The crank length difference does bring up other questions... but that would make my own topic, off topic!

[Elvis]

it sounds like the crank lengh to me...  But 165 is very short.  How short are you?

[TheJ]

it sounds like the crank lengh to me...  But 165 is very short.  How short are you?

 

Found this pic of OP.

 

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IVH8oYnQES0/TFTqWvT5d9I/AAAAAAAAAC4/xOQAPVavW3I/s1600/IMG_7693.JPG

[Kad-Guy]

Found this pic of OP.

 

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IVH8oYnQES0/TFTqWvT5d9I/AAAAAAAAAC4/xOQAPVavW3I/s1600/IMG_7693.JPG

Cant be a South African, our gang numbers dont go all the way up till #167

[NordicElf]

I don't mean smooth like pedal in circles smooth - which is definitely a factor. But the Trek/Ultegra feels smoother, like there is less friction. 

[TheJ]

Cant be a South African, our gang numbers dont go all the way up till #167

 

True...

 

A guy that size is probably a 0.26 or a 0.28 member.

[NotSoBigBen]

Found this pic of OP.

 

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IVH8oYnQES0/TFTqWvT5d9I/AAAAAAAAAC4/xOQAPVavW3I/s1600/IMG_7693.JPG

I think that may just be TumbleWeed [emoji102]

[NordicElf]

Found this pic of OP.

 

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IVH8oYnQES0/TFTqWvT5d9I/AAAAAAAAAC4/xOQAPVavW3I/s1600/IMG_7693.JPG

 

It's not Friday! It's faux Monday... Aaaarrrrgggghhhh

[Tristand]

Maybe the bottom bracket bearings are just worn and need replacing. Or mucked up, rusted, etc...

[popcorn_skollie]

Found this pic of OP.

 

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IVH8oYnQES0/TFTqWvT5d9I/AAAAAAAAAC4/xOQAPVavW3I/s1600/IMG_7693.JPG

 

Haha, sorry to keep derailing but i may just look like this once I hit my midlife crisis.

 

As for the smooth ride. Sounds like you're finding your cadence comfort zone better on the treks shorter cranks but maybe also because it has ratios which are working better for you. Although 'smooth' pedaling makes me think about the rear hub too. Engagement etc.

[Kad-Guy]

True...

 

A guy that size is probably a 0.26 or a 0.28 member.

HAHAHA!!!!!

[SwissVan]

I don't mean smooth like pedal in circles smooth - which is definitely a factor. But the Trek/Ultegra feels smoother, like there is less friction.

Test them both without the friction of the drive chain

Take the chain off the front chain rings (keep it out of the way) and then spin the cranks and compare "the feel"

????

[stefmeister]

True...

 

A guy that size is probably a 0.26 or a 0.28 member.

How rude.

 

Surely he'd be fit for 2.6 or 2.8?

[raptor-22]

I don't mean smooth like pedal in circles smooth - which is definitely a factor. But the Trek/Ultegra feels smoother, like there is less friction. 

 

 

what type of bb is fitted to either bike?

 

BB30, PF30, BB89 BB386 etc etc

 

 

Brand?

 

Type of bearings

 

how many hours on each?