humansaretrash

So I've been listening to The Spokesmen Podcast and the like, and it always seems that everyone is bashing on the UCI. Regarding the banning of radios, the stickering of bikes, and other things.

I do think the price of the stickers on bikes is rediculous, but other then that, what I've heard (and don't get me wrong, I'm not on top of everything) the UCI is seeming the just keep the sport more focused of the Rider, and not on the Tech.

That doesn't seem too bad for me. This is cycling after all.
I really don't care how cool the bikes are, I care about how superhuman the Riders seem to be. Doing things that I can't because they trained so hard. Because they are so strong. I don't want to watch a sport where everyone is talking into radios, using mainly radioed team tactics to win the race.

What about you guys?

humansaretrash

...or Girls.

canam73

This won't happen and I'm not that concerned with it. But for my entertainment I would prefer they all road the same basic bike. Kind of like the 'Merckx bike' rules used for hour records.

But since sponsorship dollars pay for all this they have to have something to sell you.

Or they could just openly market the dope they are using.

humansaretrash

I agree. The Hour bikes would be a cool addition. I mean, what's more bad ass, Andy Shleck (I have no idea if I spelt that right) chasing Contador like he did when his chain fell off, on an Hour bike, or a carbon fibre bike. I know the carbon bikes are way more effecent, but I mean, this like I said earlier, this isn't about tech so much as it is about the rider.

asgelle

Fixed gears, no quick release, carry your spares. Work that forge.

canam73

Maybe I could have been more clear. I'm not suggesting anyone due the TdF on a track bike. My reference to the Merckx bike was more towards the idea that all riders get something equal. I've seen seatposts and aerobars snap off on riders during standard use so if they beefed those up at the expense of weight I think it would be better for everyone. Except the people trying to sell you 150g seatposts.

Hammonjj

Bikes, at that level, are more or less equal to begin with. These are the best bikes/components that each manufacturer has to offer. TT bikes vary a little more, but I honestly don't think the winner and loser of most time trials is coming down to the precise frame they are using, more the position and engine of said rider.

I like everyone using different stuff.

Giacomo 1 

+1...

I'd like to see cycling be more like F1 than NASCAR.

F1 is very machine concious. In that series the car really does matter and teams work to make the car better all the time by working the aero, the engines, brakes etc. Alot of the selling point there is the car. It's a series where you can see a real Ferrari race a real McLaren. NASCAR on the other hand is strictly spec racing. Completely equal cars where every car is shaped exactly the same to the mm, and the only way they can make a Chevy not look like a Ford is by putting grill and headlight stickers on the cars. There is zero interest in the car there.

So I think that cycling should push the mechanical end of racing like F1. I'd love to see the differences in the bikes, even if it's just the frame or wheels and tires, because alot of people, guys especially, are tech heads, it interests us. TV does a terrible job of selling the bikes themselves or even explaining them in anyway. Heck, I pretty much don't even have any idea what brands these guys are riding unless you happen to catch a quick glimpse of a DT sticker. What is the point of Colnago or Specialised being there if they get no bang-for-the-buck?

canam73

I do see cycling as spec racing. I like to see what the athletes can do. With in the realm of the current specs and available products I don't think there is much of an advantage to be gained. And that is why I don't like it when mechanical failures effect the racing. The only thing that is being pushed is us consumers to buy lighter weight stuff that doesn't make us significantly faster, especially if we all have it.

On the other hand, if I'm wrong and certain bikes are significantly faster then it is more of an unfair advantage for the riders who have them in a sport that otherwise considered to be about effort, endurance and dedication. I don't think the racing sucked back when everybody was on a 20+ pound bike with a lugged steel frame with a level top tube, low profile wheels and drivetrains that were all basically the same.

And real Ferrari's have V12s.