Almost There!

naisme · 01-04-04, 07:01 PM

Picked up the LeMond DVD collection with X-mas money, and really find the advancements in cycling technology that have risen out of the need for better rides, and equipment to win the Tour de France. When looking at the profiles of the bikes LeMond and Indirian rode, wheels that looked almost a rim with a rubber strip for a "tire." There is the advent of the areobar, which were attached to LeMond's handle bars with shims cut from an aluminum coke can. There are the curved top tube of the TT bikes as well. There are the advances in the solid wheels. And over the time of the 3 DVDs, there one sees the development of clipless pedals, in '86 they were still using toe clips, by '90 clipless pedals were the rage. Handle bars also show an evolution through the DVDs. The one thing I saw that I think really helps today's riders is the lack of radio communication between the team car, and the team. I wonder how it would have changed the TDF's out come.

It will be interesting to look back 10 and 20 years from today and see how cycling technology has changed because of LA's need for a faster lighter bike.

Wishunt.com · 01-05-04, 06:48 PM

It's awsome to look back and see pictures of these riders. We look at the wheels, frames, bars, etc and WOW everything has changed in just a short 20 years.

Remember there were a lot of flops out there also. and then there's the bikes that should have been. Like the flying V time trial bike from Trek. I think there should be an open class for bike racing also so that these pros & manufactureres can push the envelope of cycling. Too many cool ideas are stifled by the "governing bodies" lack of willingness to allow such funky stuff onto the playing field.

Yea maybe an "open" class or something like that. Maybe just for the TTs or Hmmmm.

Cool to grab a bowl of pop-corn and watch. If you've noticed though We are basically still riding the same stuff as 5 years ago? Hmmmmm need change.

KingRene · 01-09-04, 04:03 AM

Ahh...Greg Lemond.

Changes to equipment, salaries and head-on confrontation with the doping issue.

Thanks for the information - I can't wait to watch this.

Bobsled · 01-09-04, 10:33 PM

Just the other day, I was looking at a few old bike mags (two to three years old) with Lance on the cover wearing the TdF yellow jersey. You look at those pics and see the equipment he used (not only him but the whole USPS team I'm sure) and then compare what he uses now. I mean new Trek Madone 5.9 bikes, HR monitors, computers, Shimano D.A. components, etc., etc. It really is amazing all the advances.