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Changes in bicycle technology
I’ve been thinking about all the changes in bicycles since I first started going riding with my school bike club when I was a kid in the early 90’s. When I mention technologies, I’m not necessarily claiming that they were invented since the early 90’s, but that they came into greater popularity. I’ve tried many technologies, and given up on many (mostly because of my own riding style and preferences, not necessarily because the technology was a failure). Here’s my list of modern cycling innovations, feel free to add to the list if I’m missing some things. Which technologies have you tried, which are still in use in your current fleet of bikes, which did you stop using and which have you not yet owned or tested extensively?
Cantilever brakes- Still have them on my cross bike. Aluminum Frames- I have had some, but don’t currently have any. Linear-pull “V” brakes- Currently have them on my MTB Suspension Forks- Have had several, currently have none. Integrated shifting/braking- I have it on two bikes. Rear suspension- I’ve owned two, but currently have none. Disc brakes- I have had two hydro systems and one mechanical, but don’t currently have any. Clipless pedals- I currently run them on all (4) of my bikes. Carbon fiber bicycle frames- I currently have one, but it’s for sale. Aero-bars- I have some clip-on bars I use for TTs. Tubeless tires- I was running Stan’s on a mountain bike, but currently have tubes in all my tires Aero-bladed spokes- Currently have two sets of wheels with them 29er MTBs- I have one Ceramic bearings- Currently have them in one wheel set. Bike computer (Speed/distance) - I have one. GPS- Have one Carbon wheels- Haven’t tried Electronic shifting- Haven’t tried Power meter- haven’t tried. |
More:
All ball and needle bearing oil bath Internal Gear hubs, and Continuously variable planetary internal gear hubs, which are designed to use a 'traction fluid' , that aids the drive power transfer, when compressed. Bright, Reliable LED Headlights , and taillights.. and low magnetic drag alternators for installing in bicycle front hubs. |
Originally Posted by fietsbob
(Post 13961879)
More:
All ball and needle bearing oil bath Internal Gear hubs, and Continuously variable planetary internal gear hubs, which are designed to use a 'traction fluid' , that aids the drive power transfer, when compressed. Bright, Reliable LED Headlights , and taillights.. and low magnetic drag alternators for installing in bicycle front hubs. |
I had tubeless tires on my road bike. Not common yet and for good reason.
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I have just bought a new Pinarello FP Uno. My other bikes are now five years old and are a Boreas Igis Lightweight alloy frame and a mix of ultegra and 105. Similar set up on the Giant TCR-C.
The Pinnie is triple butted- (Not so) lightweight aluminium and Tiagra throughout. The improvement in ride quality and the Tiagra groupset set puts it on a par with the other two. If this is the change in quality and ride in only 5 years- I do not like riding old technology. Thank goodness I did not try a Dogma as I can't afford one. |
The only current technological advance that I am convinced is worth the money is the LED lights. I still ride 75+ year old technology bikes (Raleigh 3 speeds) with brand new LED lights :D
Aaron :) |
I have a Sturmey Archer 3-speed dynohub on my commuter, powering a homebrew LED headlight :D SA dynohubs are very low drag so I see no need for a more modern one.
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I'd love to help you, but my newest bike is about 4 years old and the average age of my 5-bike fleet is just to the north of 21.
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IMHO - since evolution of deraileur, there hasn't been many true changes in cycle technology. Disc brakes and improved electronics perhaps are the closest to new technology - other developments are more evolutionary.
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I commented within your quote, bolded....
Originally Posted by Debusama
(Post 13961703)
I’ve been thinking about all the changes in bicycles since I first started going riding with my school bike club when I was a kid in the early 90’s. When I mention technologies, I’m not necessarily claiming that they were invented since the early 90’s, but that they came into greater popularity. I’ve tried many technologies, and given up on many (mostly because of my own riding style and preferences, not necessarily because the technology was a failure). Here’s my list of modern cycling innovations, feel free to add to the list if I’m missing some things. Which technologies have you tried, which are still in use in your current fleet of bikes, which did you stop using and which have you not yet owned or tested extensively?
Cantilever brakes- Still have them on my cross bike. Went straight from sidepulls to V's, but since I build bikes that still come with canti's, I am acquainted; better than sidepulls, ALMOST as good as V's. Aluminum Frames- I have had some, but don’t currently have any. All of my bikes from the last decade have been alu -- all but two (the one I have now and one other I retired early) broke under me. But then, so did my last steel frame. Linear-pull “V” brakes- Currently have them on my MTB I ran V's on two bikes, then went to discs. Stayed there ever since. I'm spoiled. Suspension Forks- Have had several, currently have none. Last rigid was the steelie. Can't do without a suss fork anymore, too many joint issues. Integrated shifting/braking- I have it on two bikes. Also twice -- hate 'em now. Rear suspension- I’ve owned two, but currently have none. Like the fork, it's a bodily necessity. But then, I also have fun with it! Disc brakes- I have had two hydro systems and one mechanical, but don’t currently have any. BB7's RULE! XTR cables and ceramic pads make for an unbeatable combo. Clipless pedals- I currently run them on all (4) of my bikes. I will roll Time ATAC until they quit selling them. Carbon fiber bicycle frames- I currently have one, but it’s for sale. Carbon is a dress-up accessory for me, stem spacers or brake levers, no frames; the carbon I've experienced transmits MORE vibe, not less. Aero-bars- I have some clip-on bars I use for TTs. Not in my world. Tubeless tires- I was running Stan’s on a mountain bike, but currently have tubes in all my tires Ran tubeless once, will do so again. Aero-bladed spokes- Currently have two sets of wheels with them Nice bling, but unnecessary for me. 29er MTBs- I have one Nope. Ceramic bearings- Currently have them in one wheel set. Not interested. Bike computer (Speed/distance) - I have one. I get bored with them pretty quick, once I have the mileage data for regular trips, I wind up ignoring them. GPS- Have one Nope. Learned map reading and terrain navigation in the military, I'm almost never lost. Carbon wheels- Haven’t tried Electronic shifting- Haven’t tried Power meter- haven’t tried. |
Originally Posted by DX-MAN
(Post 13964106)
I commented within your quote, bolded....
About the rear suspension -- tried any of the 'stable platform' stuff? Pretty nice. |
Aero frame
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In the early 90s there were no lowracers, much less carbon ones.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1..._5_10_0930.jpg |
Originally Posted by martianone
(Post 13964002)
IMHO - since evolution of derailleur, there hasn't been many true changes in cycle technology. Disc brakes and improved electronics perhaps are the closest to new technology - other developments are more evolutionary.
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