On 20 Jul 2004 08:42:54 -0700,
[email protected] (Bruce Jackson)
wrote:
[good info snipped]
>
>The real problem now is obselencence. In the 1980's it was conceivable
>to ride the same parts for a decade.
> Now with indexing and adding
>a new cog every few years everything gets obsolete long before it
>is worn out. When you have an orphaned drivetrain you may have to
>junk it as soon as one part breaks or is worn out since you may not
>be able to find a replacment.
It's certainly true that parts get obsolete more quickly nowadays,
assuming you want to use your parts at the top end of their
performance. But I think that even low-end stuff cobbled together
from different groups nowadays is better than old stuff. A modern
Shimano 8 speed derailler used with 8 speed Shimano friction shifters,
a modern (say 9 speed) cogset from another manufacturer (say SRAM or
even Campagnolo), 9 speed chain from any modern manufacture, with ,
modern housings and cables is going to perform better than a Super
Record/Regina set up ever did. And that's mixing and matching stuff
that is 'not compatible"
>Is cycling better or more fun than it was 20 years ago? Not that I can
>tell. Everything in the early 1980's worked well enough that it didn't
>detract from the enjoyment or sportingness of the ride. Brifters, and
>more cogs are only incremental improvements from the rider's point of
>view and detract from the simplicity and durability of the drivetrain.
In the US at least mountain bikes and hybrids are way more appealing
to beginner than stuff from the 1980s. Integrated shifting/braking is
also much more appealing to beginner. They certainly make it less
scary for such riders. Tires are better. Low gearing is easier to
achive with double chainrings w/o big gaps in shifting. For me at
least that's really nice -- I had a triple for awhile in the 1980s and
don't miss it. These all make cycling more fun. At the high-end,
racing equipment is better too -- less blown shifts and such.
I have to say I find phrase like "detract from the simplicity" funny.
A lot of the parts I used in the 1980s -- like Maillard freewheels
and Campanolog shifters and Modolo brakes -- sucked. They they didn't
wear out so fast -- they were bad from the beginning so we didn't
notice.
JT
>It is debatable if dual pivot brakes are actually an improvment, they
>have higher mechanical advantage so they don't require as much effort
>but they have to be adjusted closer to the rim and don't track a damaged
>wheel as well. Aero wheels may shave seconds off time trials but are of
>dubious value for training or recreational rides.
