revolutionary bicycle crankset increases pedaling power and comfort

if you’re a keen cyclist, you probably know the difficulty of the so-called ‘dead zone’ when pedaling. now, french engineer jacques cerdan has invented a solution with a 100% mechanical crankset for bicycles that removes the top pedal dead zone, allowing you to increase your pedal power with more comfortable strokes. 

images courtesy of cerdan

cerdan is a retired engineer with a passion for cycling. he’s also the nephew of famous french boxer marcel cerdan. after years of tinkering in his workshop at home, cerdan met ludovic boullet in 2017, and the pair brought the cerdan crankset to life. the system works by offsetting the top pedal forward when previously the top and bottom pedal would stay in line at 12 and 6 o’clock positions. with the top pedal a couple of inches forward, cyclists avoid that difficult first stroke. the two pedals then realign when they’re horizontal. 

the cerdan crankset is 100% mechanical

the company hopes that the cerdan crankset will provide a revolution in cycling for both athletes and weekend cyclists alike by offering more power and comfort without the use of a battery or motor. the crankset is designed and produced entirely in france.  

the removal of the so-called ‘dead zone’ makes it easier to cycle 

‘this crankset undeniably offers comfort for the joints when restarting even with a bike loaded with travel bags,’  says barbara buatois, recumbent faired bike world champion. ‘the fact that there is no dead zone also allows for a high pedaling rate and a gain in power. with some adaptations, we might consider using in my varna for a future record attempt.’

video courtesy of cerdan

jacques cerdan

project info:

company: cerdan