What modern component can you not live without?
#1
Aspiring curmudgeon
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Saint Louis
Posts: 2,486
Bikes: Guerciotti, Serotta, Gaulzetti
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 111 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 26 Times
in
13 Posts
What modern component can you not live without?
Much as I hate to admit it, I'm addicted to hyperglide freewheels. They make even the crummiest vintage derailleur shift like a dream, and the Shimano ones are an absolute steal as $12 a pop. I have them on every freewheel bike I have, even an otherwise period correct C-Record bike.
What modern component can you not live without?
What modern component can you not live without?
__________________
"Party on comrades" -- Lenin, probably
"Party on comrades" -- Lenin, probably
#2
Senior Member
My Fizik Arione.
__________________
Semper fi
Semper fi
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Yukon, Canada
Posts: 8,759
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 113 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times
in
14 Posts
the diamond safety bicycle frame. Freewheels and hubs. pneumatic tires.
__________________
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Yukon, Canada
Posts: 8,759
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 113 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times
in
14 Posts
I can live without out but modern full sus, hydraulic disc brake wide handlebar mtbs are a blast.
__________________
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
#6
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,798
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1393 Post(s)
Liked 1,326 Times
in
837 Posts
For me, LED lighting is the single greatest enhancement in bicycle technology in the past half-century. Helmets which provide more than scalp protection are equally valuable. Tires have improved considerably, as well, as have brake pads.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#7
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,798
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1393 Post(s)
Liked 1,326 Times
in
837 Posts
Don't forget derailleurs and multi-ratio internally geared hubs.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#8
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,480
Mentioned: 93 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1361 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 423 Times
in
282 Posts
Whether one agrees or not, I'm going to call the hydration backpack a component. Riding a variety of bikes and style, its become a habit to wear. This goes with the tools and spare carried in the hydration pack.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Upper Left, USA
Posts: 1,915
Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 634 Post(s)
Liked 444 Times
in
298 Posts
I love brifters. Maybe it's my MTB background. I can function on DT shifters, but it's gotta be integrated brake/shift for a bike that's a rider. My riders also get dual pivot brakes, at least in the front.
#11
Freewheel Medic
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: An Island on the Coast of GA!
Posts: 12,885
Bikes: Snazzy* Schwinns, Classy Cannondales & a Super Pro Aero Lotus (* Ed.)
Mentioned: 140 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1452 Post(s)
Liked 2,195 Times
in
962 Posts
SPD clipless pedals. Just don't feel safe in straps and cages any more.
__________________
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
Bob
Enjoying the GA coast all year long!
Thanks for visiting my website: www.freewheelspa.com
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Baltimore MD
Posts: 3,332
Bikes: '72 Motobecane Grand Record, '72 Gitane tandem, '72 Raleigh Super Course, '73 Raleigh Gran Sport, '73 Colnago Super, '76 Fiorelli Coppi, '78 Raleigh SBDU Team Pro, '78 Trek 930, '81 Holdsworth Special 650B, '86 Masi GC, ’94 Bridgestone RB-T
Mentioned: 67 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 786 Post(s)
Liked 520 Times
in
281 Posts
Modern 8/9-speed chains are da bomb.
__________________
The man who dies with the most toys…is dead. - Rootboy
The man who dies with the most toys…is dead. - Rootboy
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Yukon, Canada
Posts: 8,759
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 113 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times
in
14 Posts
Another for high power LED's, clipless pedals and I'll add.. very recently.. dropper posts.
__________________
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Yukon, Canada
Posts: 8,759
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 113 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 16 Times
in
14 Posts
though, incredibly, water bottles are back in style and carbon frames have glove boxes now for tools!
__________________
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
1 Super Record bike, 1 Nuovo Record bike, 1 Pista, 1 Road, 1 Cyclocross/Allrounder, 1 MTB, 1 Touring, 1 Fixed gear
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Central Virginia
Posts: 4,780
Bikes: Numerous
Mentioned: 150 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1678 Post(s)
Liked 3,098 Times
in
914 Posts
I live and ride without these on some of my bikes but the caliper brake centering screw is a wonderful invention.
#18
Señor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,923
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 70 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1491 Post(s)
Liked 1,090 Times
in
638 Posts
What's the definition of "modern" here?
Maybe I can turn this around and mention a couple C&V items that I don't especially care for.
Downtube shifters. I came of age using bar-end shifters and never really developed a great love for the downtube shifters. Nothing against them really, but not my preference. Bosses for downtube shifters are basically an invitation to retrofit with brifters.
Rat traps. I don't mind having them there as a guideline for where my feet should go, and I like being able to pull up on them and get a little better power transfer, but I've never used them with cleats, nor can I see myself really wanting to. I'm with the pastor in preferring SPDs when it comes to that.
Steel wheels. When I squeeze the brake lever, I'm usually doing it because I want to stop. If I liked having my desires wantonly disregarded, I'd own cats. Give me alloy rims, or give me death (which is what steel wheels could lead to).
Kickstands. Hated them since the first day I rode a bike with 27" wheels. No modern equipment replacement I can think of here, unless one counts team cars.
Super Skinny Tires. I used to buy into the "skinnier is better" dogma, but have since learned that Emperor has no clothes. I really like the modern, high volume performance tires that are available now.
Maybe I can turn this around and mention a couple C&V items that I don't especially care for.
Downtube shifters. I came of age using bar-end shifters and never really developed a great love for the downtube shifters. Nothing against them really, but not my preference. Bosses for downtube shifters are basically an invitation to retrofit with brifters.
Rat traps. I don't mind having them there as a guideline for where my feet should go, and I like being able to pull up on them and get a little better power transfer, but I've never used them with cleats, nor can I see myself really wanting to. I'm with the pastor in preferring SPDs when it comes to that.
Steel wheels. When I squeeze the brake lever, I'm usually doing it because I want to stop. If I liked having my desires wantonly disregarded, I'd own cats. Give me alloy rims, or give me death (which is what steel wheels could lead to).
Kickstands. Hated them since the first day I rode a bike with 27" wheels. No modern equipment replacement I can think of here, unless one counts team cars.
Super Skinny Tires. I used to buy into the "skinnier is better" dogma, but have since learned that Emperor has no clothes. I really like the modern, high volume performance tires that are available now.
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: northern michigan
Posts: 13,317
Bikes: '77 Colnago Super, '76 Fuji The Finest, '88 Cannondale Criterium, '86 Trek 760, '87 Miyata 712
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Liked 595 Times
in
313 Posts
The Vuelta Corsa Lite wheelset on my '88 Cannondale Criterium Series. They were meant to be together.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,158
Mentioned: 481 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3810 Post(s)
Liked 6,701 Times
in
2,612 Posts
Campy 10-speed ergo brifters for a Shimergo drivetrain.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,906
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4806 Post(s)
Liked 3,929 Times
in
2,554 Posts
My all time favorite bike DOES NOT HAVE: gears, a freewheel, clipless pedals or any electronics. None of my bikes have brifters or carbon fiber.
All my bikes have steel forks and waterbottle cages. All have dropped handlebars. All have frame pumps.
Ben
All my bikes have steel forks and waterbottle cages. All have dropped handlebars. All have frame pumps.
Ben