Originally Posted by
Doge
The scope I was discussing is in competition. I've been in technology all my life and didn't think this was about cyborgs. Cycling, with the exception of areas where it is the best transportation, is not done for efficiency, rather enjoyment.
The person being the intelligent and power part and the bike being the delivery part. There is a romance in that relationship. When bikes (or coach in car with electronics) start doing the thinking and providing their own power, they are changing their role and the relationship is altered. If my bike becomes like a motorcycle - I might want to just get a motorcycle.
Still - if allowed, and I thought an advantage in competition - I'd buy it. Just like I'd buy a javelin with wings. But I'd prefer for competition the people are competing and the bike is closer to a standard piece of equipment.
Everybody wants/needs something different from their activities. I pedal hard. I sweat profusely. I breathe rapidly. My heart beats fast. I repeat all this for between one and several hours. I trust my health is being improved. Not once during that time do I contemplate any "romance" inherent in the activity. And I love all aspects of cycling, the riding, the buying and selling, the shade tree mechanical work, you name it. But alas, no romance. When I am ready to invest in a new drivetrain or bike, automatic shifting, if available, will suit the purpose just fine. None of the above activities and physical responses will be adversely affected.