Also called a front sprocket. Comes in varying tooth counts. The tooth count will effect how hard or easy the bike pedals (more= harder, less= easier). The center whole can vary in size, some are smaller not intended for 1 piece cranks but the hole can be filed bigger to fit. Chainwheels also come in varying widths. 1/8" is typical for a single speed or internal gear bike. The smaller 3/32" is used for multispeed (derailer) bikes. The bigger 3/16" require a big heavy duty chain and are made for bmx/freestyle bikes.

Cranks can come in 1, 2 or 3 piece. The pieces of a crank are the left and right crank arm and the spindle. A 1 piece the crank arms and spindle are all one. Crank arm lengths can vary. The crank arm may be drilled and threaded for either a 1/2" or 9/16" pedal. Typically cruisers have a 1 piece crank that accepts a 1/2" pedal. The crank arm is held in place in the bottom bracket with a nut that is reverse threads.

Chains come in 3 sizes (width) 3/32, 1/8 and 3/16 . The size of chain will be determined by the chainwheel or sprocket. Generally singlespeed cruisers will take the middle size (1/8). The smaller chain is for multispeed bikes that use a derailer and the bigger, heavy duty for freestyle and bmx.

This swing bike was made from two 26" girls frames. A Schwinn and a Raleigh. Added a banana seat and ape hangers and gave to a neighbor kid.

More photos...

Paved rail-to-trail. We started at one of the middle trail heads and rode to the trails Western end in Plummer. Pertions of three trail run alongside the Coeur d'Alene River. The trail crosses Coeur d'Alene lake via a really neat converted old railroad bridge.

This was part of our Northwest trip.

Trail website.

Along with my parents we drove to Vancouver Island, BC, Canada to ride the Galloping Goose rail-to-trail. On the way up we rode the Route of the Hiawatha with Dad who rented a bike. On the way back we rode the Olympic Discovery Trail and the Trail of the Coeur D'Alenes. My parents shuttled our vehicle for us on these rides so we could ride one way.

Route Of The Hiawatha Rail-To-Trail - Wallace Idaho. This was part of our Northwest trip. This was our second time to ride this trail (first here). My father rode with us this time and rented a bike at Ski Lookout. We started at the top and down down and back up. It drizzled most of the day. We stayed in Wallace.
This is probably our favorite rail-to-trail. Beautiful scenery, tunnels, trestles and historical markers make this trail a wonderful experience.

Olympic Discovery Trail - Port Angeles, Washington. Approximately 40 mile rail-to-trail. We started in Port Angeles, rode out onto the Ediz Hook, back through Port Angeles and on to the end of the trail. My Parents shuttled our truck to the end.

This was part of our Northwest trip.

Trail website.