Originally Posted by
rydabent
IMO there have been 3 major advances in cycling in the last 40 years, click shifting, clipless pedals, and disc brakes.
1. Lubricants are much better
2. Clincher tire technology challenging tubular performance
3. Wheels are much faster and more reliable
4. Apparel is much more comfortable and aero
5. Bikes are much lighter (ti and carbon). 22# used to be a good road bike, now it is 15#
6. Gearing ranges allows one set of wheels (5 speed FW vs 11s cassettes)
7. Sealed bearings.....remember tearing down pedal bearings every few weeks riding in the rain?
8 I suppose nothing is better than a 66-42.
To me, these were all large advances....