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Found: Z-torque Bicycle Cranks

Written by Saris Mercanti
42 Comments
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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.

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Saris Mercanti
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vulgar bulgar
vulgar bulgar
11 years ago

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.

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John
John
8 years ago
Reply to  vulgar bulgar

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?

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Ryan
Ryan
11 years ago

What the last person said. These should come with an “entertainment purposes only” label. You want to sweeten your commuter with something USEFUL? How about THIS kickstarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/solgaarddesign/the-interlocktm-the-lock-that-hides-inside-of-your

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Mark
Mark
11 years ago

Epic failure, what have they been doing in high school during physics?

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Mindless
Mindless
11 years ago

Wut? Jebus, one facepalm does not cover this.

Fundamental lack of knowledge on basic mechanics. Epic fail.

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MagliaRosa
MagliaRosa
11 years ago

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…

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MagliaRosa
MagliaRosa
11 years ago

… 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).

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Singletrackroadie
Singletrackroadie
11 years ago

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.

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Singletrackroadie
Singletrackroadie
11 years ago

@MagliaRosa – my thinking as well on both your posts.

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Fytze
Fytze
11 years ago

they’ve tried before on Kickstarter, with a different (even funnier) video. Wonder if it’s not just a joke

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1202837765/z-torque-bicycle-cranks-ride-faster-longer-easier

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Nash
Nash
11 years ago

(deleted)!!

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Gunnstein
Gunnstein
11 years ago

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!

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Hell Yeah!
Hell Yeah!
11 years ago

has anyone really tried them? Im sure not. Look, they may not work but BUT they might just work really well.

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wamshitley
wamshitley
11 years ago

Please. Stop it.

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Eric NM
Eric NM
11 years ago

Doesn’t anyone remember “Punk’d!”?

(Kudos, Jason. Well done!)

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Eddiecycle
Eddiecycle
11 years ago

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 🙂

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Segg
Segg
11 years ago

This “idea” makes all engineers cry. I can’t believe they are serious.

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Josh
Josh
11 years ago

Pretty sure this is a joke. (deleted)

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Morgan
Morgan
11 years ago

Good lord. If they really try to make it out of carbon, with that mold shown on http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1202837765/z-torque-bicycle-cranks-ride-faster-longer-easier, someone will surely rack their balls the second they stand up on the pedals. I’m without words right now, and feel slightly more stupid after watching the video.

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Guy Faux
Guy Faux
11 years ago

Dude I love it. Free country. I’d buy it if were under 100$ for a weird bike

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JoJo BeeBop
JoJo BeeBop
11 years ago

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!

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NotAMachinist
NotAMachinist
11 years ago

If you mount them backward you can travel through time!

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MagliaRosa
MagliaRosa
11 years ago

@Fytze – I see your point, he’s just taking the piss. Does well to maintain a straight face.

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Kark
Kark
11 years ago

I miss Sheldon. He did this stuff so well.

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Chad
Chad
11 years ago

Next level trolling.

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topcheese
topcheese
11 years ago

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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JMG DC
JMG DC
11 years ago

But does it go to 11?

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jlie
jlie
11 years ago

The list of BS posted on this blog keeps on growing.

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plum
plum
11 years ago

This actually makes a lot of sense. Wait I was thinking of something else.

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plum
plum
11 years ago

Zubaz, Z-Cavaricci

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Justin
Justin
11 years ago

LOL

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chadquest
chadquest
11 years ago

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Your Face
Your Face
11 years ago

Those are blatant copies of the 1970’s Campy cranks.

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Ck
Ck
11 years ago

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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RUSTYDOGG
RUSTYDOGG
11 years ago

If anybody cares and is too lazy to Google, I found a little info on the past iterations;
http://pardo.net/bike/pic/mobi/d.pmp-cranks/index.html

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DaleC
DaleC
11 years ago

PT Barnum would be so proud.

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Frank
Frank
11 years ago

Chadquest with the ASCII Picard face palm FTW!

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Jonny
Jonny
11 years ago

@vulgar bulgar

Best comment ever, I love you man.

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bin judgin
bin judgin
11 years ago

the united states isnt known for its great education system…

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JimmyZ
JimmyZ
11 years ago

this design allows for even more speed holes than a traditional crank could accommodate

More speed holes for the winnnn

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buzz
buzz
11 years ago

is that guy in the video part asian?

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Jim
Jim
11 years ago

So what’s the virtual crank length ?

me thinks Medicine Man selling snake oil

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