Originally Posted by
bcart1991
I always thought they looked/sounded sort of scam-ish.
I can see how a non-fitness rider could get on board, but not anyone who uses a bike for anything more than "getting around." Also, I can't see those components lasting too long under a regular cycle of use.
I wouldn't call it a scam. The mechanism works perfectly, and although you can't see the details in the photograph, I assure you it is well designed.
The genius of it is that the weights slide along the spokes, in such a way that any wheelbuilder could build a new wheel around it (with the same # of spokes).
Anyhow, It's been kept out of the rain for the ten or more years I've had it, so it's in perfect condition.
As a custom bike builder, one of the things people have asked for is a bike that shifts automatically, and I show them this bike, and they say "Nevermind"... and they leave. That's good because my time is valuable.
I should take it out for a ride once in a while.
It's really idiot-proof, believe it or not.