Two Things

New Guitar Ted Podcast Discusses New And Old Technologies:

The latest Guitar Ted Podcast just dropped. In Episode 84 you will hear a variety of things being discussed. If there is a theme here it is that of how new tech is going to change our view of cycling in the near future. Or at least it is what we think will happen. (Listen to Episode 84)

Of course, I discuss my Singular Cycles Peregrine Mk4, which was the main subject here all of this past week. The newer stuff we talked about is in direct contrast to a bicycle like the Peregrine. 

With the cycling marketplace changing to something most industry experts don't even understand yet, this move to consumer direct sales will have a far-reaching effect upon how bicycles are designed and what components will be bolted to those bicycles. 

We discuss how it may be that frames designed only for electronic gearing with no wires might be a response by the industry to companies wanting to make selling direct to consumers an easier thing for all parties. Imagine a world where all that needs to be done is to pair Bluetooth components to an app and have any adjustments necessary be done through the app. You could literally send a bicycle nearly complete in a box and have all adjustments be led by the app and possibly a YouTube video. 

This would effectively eliminate the need for dealers to have mechanics around to build bicycles up. There will still be repairs, fittings, and accessories, so dealers won't go away, but initial sales will be direct to consumer, cutting out dealers entirely and lessening the need for mechanics on duty all the time. 

Image courtesy of SRAM

SRAM Files Suit Over UCI Gearing Restrictions:

Perhaps you noted on Friday the suit filed in a Belgian case regarding the UCI's gearing restrictions and how this affects SRAM sposored Pro Road racing teams.  

The condensed, overly-simplified story here concerns the UCI's efforts to bring speeds down for racing, and therefore improve  rider safety. The UCI has issued a decree which limits gearing range to an effective 54 X 11T maximum on the high end. SRAM's newest Red AXS has an effective 54 X 10 range. 

SRAM is saying the UCI has arbitrarily eliminated SRAM from Pro racing with this edict and their rule is a misguided attempt to make racing safer. Amongst other things SRAM said, by the way, this seems to be the crux of their issues with this UCI ruling.