Originally Posted by
mschwett
be pretty interesting to ride them back to back. certainly less different than going from a 1975 ford 500 to a 2022 accord, but some notable differences. would the new bike be faster? lighter? more comfortable? more grip? more reliable? easier to ride?
Well, the 1975 bike would have a 6 speed freewheel, non-aero brake levers, DT friction shifters, non-ergo bars with a lot of drop, toeclips and straps, maybe a 52/42 crank and a 13-19 corncob rear cluster. It would have 36 spoke wheels shod in 21mm tires, maybe tubulars if you're lucky - which you'd have to learn how to glue on. Then you'd pump them up to rock hard. Bar tape would be paper thin. The frame would be pretty flexible when sprinting or climbing out of the saddle, which your 42 x 19 lowest gear would mean you'd do A LOT. You'd need to start braking a LOT sooner, and you'd need to make sure you were in the right gear when you start the climb, because you're pretty much stuck with it till the top. Getting in and out of the pedals would be a lot more dodgy, especially if you pull the straps tight so you can pedal more efficiently. Riding on the hoods would be A LOT less comfortable. And yes, IME it would be slower.