"Bluto" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Mike S." <mikeshaw2@coxDOTnet> wrote:
>
> > There's a discussion about frame materials and ride quality on rec.bicycles.misc right now that
> > is pretty much about this same
question.
> > Go look under "opinions on aluminum frames."
> >
> > The engineers are at it again...
>
> Say, you're that guy who can feel the difference between a steel bridge and a concrete one just by
> walking on it, aren't you?
>
> Chalo Colina
>
>
> Ti bridges with carbon fiber stays are supple, yet responsive....
Now, wooden bridges I can tell by walking over. Steel and concrete hurt my feet too much.
Hell, I'm not convinced that the s bend stays do anything but look good either, but I get very tired
of people trying to "explain" things by testing in a lab, but not actually riding what they're
testing on the roads. As we all know, the difference between static testing in a lab, and dynamic
testing under actual conditions may indeed produce different data.
In the specific tests that are run in the lab, "you" may very well be correct in your assumptions
and conclusions. Frames do not flex vertically and wheels do flex vertically. Tires and pressures
account for more shock absorption than frames do, but is that all of the variables?
Riding a bike is definitely a dynamic thing. Every rotation of the crankset brings different
stresses on the bb/frame, wheels/tires, seat/seatpost, and every other part on the bike. As the
balance point changes, so do the stresses on all of the parts. It may not be much, but added all up,
there's gotta be something else going on that isn't being explained adequately.
I'm not saying I'm always right, in fact I could be wrong. But posting after me saying "yup, you're
a dumbass." isn't going to prove anything other than someone is 1. small minded and can't accept
criticism, or 2. refuses to think, or 3. is petty and vain and can't accept that their theories
aren't the most important to everyone else.
I don't have the time, money, or inclination to undertake the study that would be required to either
prove or disprove what I'm trying to convey. I'm going to go ride one of my 8 bikes and let y'all
think what you want to think.
Mike