Thread: WCD vs Standard
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Unread 12-10-2012, 00:18
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FRC #0254 (The Cheesy Poofs)
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Re: WCD vs Standard

Quote:
Originally Posted by compwiztobe View Post
Unfortunately, 254's website is under construction, so I can't pull up any of the great pics I know they had there. I'm sure someone else here can dig up some instructive photos.
I can't find a good picture of the bearing blocks themselves, but here's a shot of the rectangular holes in the frame where they go. You might get a better idea from browsing the rest of the 2012 build season album. Basically, there are two halves that come in from either side of the rail and fit inside each other, each having a bearing pressed into it. Long bolts through the rail are used to hold the two halves together, and there's a cam mounted to the rail that is torqued once the chain is installed to push the block which tensions the chain.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BJC View Post
It's interesting to hear so many people say that canilevered, direct driven systems are the lightest and best when some of the most successful teams in the world do neither of those things (most notably 67 and 1114).
I wouldn't say that weight is the top factor in 254's choice of using a cantilevered drive year after year. It probably only comes in fourth after ease of maintenance, robustness, and aesthetics (you wouldn't believe how many design decisions come down to aesthetics).
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