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From: Frank Krygowski <frkrygow@sbcglobal.net>
Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech
Subject: Re: Most significant advance in bike technology for speed?
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2025 21:54:11 -0500
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On 1/24/2025 6:48 PM, Catrike Ryder wrote:
> On Fri, 24 Jan 2025 14:33:53 -0500, Frank Krygowski
> <frkrygow@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> 
>> In another forum, someone postulated that integrated brake & shift
>> levers (like STI) were the most significant bit of racing technology
>> ever designed for increasing speed. But that claim met with little
>> respect. One skeptic noted that there was no great increase in average
>> race speeds in Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders,
>> Leige-Bastogne-Leige or Giro de Lobardia since about 1960, including
>> during the era of STI adoption. By contrast, in the  years 1930 - 1960
>> average speeds increased around 30%. (Note: That does not mean that STI
>> is not tactically beneficial. That's a separate issue.)
>>
>> But if not STI, what were the most significant tech developments
>> regarding bicycle race speeds?
>>
>> Here’s my list:
>>
>> Pedals & cranks, as opposed to scooting a “hobby horse” via feet on the
>> ground.
>>
>> Tubular metal frames and wire tension (spoke) wheels.
>>
>> Large driven wheels, to give a much higher effective “gear.” (The
>> Ordinary or Penny Farthing)
>>
>> The “Safety Bicycle” with a diamond frame and chain drive, getting the
>> rider down lower, to greatly reduce aero drag as well as pitchover on
>> braking.
>>
>> Pneumatic tires. Hard tired “safeties” had terrible rolling resistance.
>>
>> The handlebar stem, invented by the heroic Major Taylor, to allow a much
>> more aero riding position.
>>
>> Rim brakes, by whatever mechanism, as opposed to spoon brakes acting on
>> a tire.
>>
>> Multiple gears, by whatever mechanism.
>>
>> The derailleur, making multiple gears easy to shift, customizable and
>> light weight.
>>
>> Recumbent geometry in some situations. Recumbents seem to be slower
>> uphill, but tend to be faster on level or downhills
>>
>> Fully enclosed streamlined aero shells tremendously increased speed, but
>> at a great reduction in versatility and practicality.
>>
>> Beyond those, ISTM that most developments have been chasing ever
>> diminishing returns.
> 
> 
> ..and yet people buy them and use them. What's your problem with that?

Good grief! It's a discussion of bike technology! I'm not saying I have 
a problem with anything!

You're an angry, bitter man with an obsession. You should seek help.

-- 
- Frank Krygowski