Changes in bicycle technology
03-12-12 | 09:47 AM
#1
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Phoenix, Arizona
Bikes: Elephant custom road bike, 08 Redline D440, Motobecane Fantom cross Uno.
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.
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.
03-12-12 | 10:25 AM
#2
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
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.
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.
Last edited by fietsbob; 03-12-12 at 10:30 AM.
03-12-12 | 10:38 AM
#3
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 684
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Bikes: Elephant custom road bike, 08 Redline D440, Motobecane Fantom cross Uno.
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.
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.
03-12-12 | 03:37 PM
#5
Time for a change.
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,913
Likes: 7
From: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
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 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.
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How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
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How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
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03-12-12 | 04:42 PM
#6
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 16,853
Likes: 18
From: On the road-USA
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
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 
Aaron
Aaron
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Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
03-12-12 | 04:53 PM
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 1
From: Warwick, UK
Bikes: 2000-something 3 speed commuter, 1990-something Raleigh Scorpion
I have a Sturmey Archer 3-speed dynohub on my commuter, powering a homebrew LED headlight SA dynohubs are very low drag so I see no need for a more modern one.
SA dynohubs are very low drag so I see no need for a more modern one.
03-12-12 | 05:16 PM
#8
Pedaled too far.
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,851
Likes: 9
From: La Petite Roche
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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"He who serves all, best serves himself" Jack London
03-12-12 | 06:33 PM
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,207
Likes: 45
From: Northern VT
Bikes: recumbent & upright
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.
03-12-12 | 06:59 PM
#10
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,787
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I commented within your quote, bolded....
About the rear suspension -- tried any of the 'stable platform' stuff? Pretty nice.
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.
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.
03-13-12 | 06:14 AM
#11
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 684
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From: Phoenix, Arizona
Bikes: Elephant custom road bike, 08 Redline D440, Motobecane Fantom cross Uno.
I haven't, both the full squish bikes I owned had coil shocks. My current MTB is a fully rigid 29er. When mountain biking was the main focus of my riding, I used to be willing to spend the time and money on all the goodies. Now, I've become pretty competitive with road and cyclocross, and I only use my mountain bike for cathartic recovery trail rides through the woods with my dog. Maybe if I get more into trail riding again, I'll try the latest and greatest suspension systems, but for now, I'm all about low maintenance.
03-13-12 | 06:42 AM
#14
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 684
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From: Phoenix, Arizona
Bikes: Elephant custom road bike, 08 Redline D440, Motobecane Fantom cross Uno.
I agree with you for the most part. We've done a lot of tweaks in manufacturing process and materials for some weight reduction, and a lot of reinventing of the wheel. When I see downhill mountain bike races, however, and the speed at which they come flying over large drop-offs, I'm fairly convinced that they couldn't be doing what they do on the original 80's Stumpjumpers. I suppose the long-travel suspension technology is only really a game-changer for those who are crazy enough actually make good use of it.
