Speed holes, questionable reasoning, square tapered cranks, and dash of crowdfunding. I think that’s everything you need to know.

These cranks, dubbed the Z-Torque, are a “modern” attempt at rehashing one of those crazy ideas from the 80’s. Back then, these bent style cranks where marketed by P.M.P. for $140 wholesale.

The crazy angled cranks are supposed to increase leverage by increasing the length of the crank arm while still keeping your pedals in the same position. Confused? Just hop past the break for the video…

A $75 contribution nets you a pair of these unique cranks. At that price, it might be worth picking up a set for that extra special touch on your town fixie/ss rig. Can’t think of anything better than this or a leather top tube mounted 6-pack holder to impress the local hipsters with.

Interestested? Support their campaign here

42 COMMENTS

  1. yo dawg I heard you like physics so I put a crank on your crank so you can pedal while you look like an idiot for buying those.

    • I got a set. made a difference. I have not rode a bike for a long time. Got the cranks and they helped me make my first 50 mile bike ride for M.S. Some strong opposition to these cranks… why so mad. Any of you tested them, or the physics? This has been tested and has a U.S. patent. Do you know what you have to do to get one on a product, or an improvement to a product?

  5. I think vulgar bulgar has a point – isn’t the bend just a load of extra metal taking a circuitous route from the effective point of leverage to the fulcrum; the effective length of the lever is still that between the pedal axle and the BB centre. Then again I wasn’t great at mechanics at school and that was a long time ago…

  6. … then again none of this will matter to your local hipster who will first and foremost be impressed by their “originality” (like dog sh!t-flavour ice-cream would be original – doesn’t mean it’s a good idea).

  7. Really? This is not a joke? I am certainly no mechanic, but even I can figure out this is the worst idea ever. Please run those cranks past Pat (the man I have the least respect for) at the UCI before even thinking of making those. Bet you he will love a little laugh so early in 2013. I love innovation, but really, this is just stupid.

  11. Hah! I will beat them with my new SpaghettiCranks(TM) – 2 meters long, but the same 175 mm crank to pedal distance, giving you nearly 12 times the power, and all the bends means you have built in suspension and torque averaging! Preorder now! Free lunch included!

  15. I suspect this is yet another kickstarter scam. I question whether any product would be released if they reached the $7,500 goal or if Mr Physics pays his rent for a few months. I hear that the economy is really bad there in FL 🙂

  20. Holy crap! I don’t think this guy realizes that he may have actually stumbled upon a perpetual motion machine! This could solve all the world’s energy needs!

  25. Am I the only one who noticed the lack of a chain ring spider? Even the PMP cranks (that failed miserably as well) have a way to attach a chain ring! i cannot stop laughing at this. I saw the original Kickstarter video a few months ago and even then it was ludicrous.

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  33. I can’t believe after the new hole he was torn on Kickstarter that he went to some crap copy of that site and tried to sell this scam to people again..

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