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.
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| 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.
Comments: I tend to agree with SRAM on this one. The rider's safety is important, but limiting gearing is not the way to address excessive speeds. Rider's and teams will adapt, and speeds will return to where they are at, if they are affected at all.
And maybe the issues are not gear related. Perhaps course design, crowd control, and rider's decision making is to blame here. At any rate, SRAM has a point with their argument.
However; I disagree with SRAM in their insinuation that the UCI is picking on them specifically. Besides, can't SRAM just, you know, have something made to allow them to comply? Like, how hard is it to make a cassette which would satisfy the UCI when this company can find ways to make chains proprietary, amongst other daft "standards" SRAM has created over the years.
3 comments:
I've bought to D2C bikes in the last ten years - a Lynskey and a Fairlight, both mechanical - and they were both pretty much plug and play. Unwrap, put the bars on, insert the seatpost, put the front tire on, put some pedals on. Hell, Fairlight even bedded the brakes at the factory. The shifting was fine out the box.
Electronic shifting is supposedly cheaper to make but has a bling factor that let's them charge more for it. That's the only reason it's becoming ubiquitous.
It should be interesting as these bikes get older and replacement parts are expensive or non-existent. Are they going to get binned at an alarming rate?
@Barry - Here is the thing which bothers me the most of all concerning electronic shifting: This is from your comment....
"It should be interesting as these bikes get older and replacement parts are expensive or non-existent. Are they going to get binned at an alarming rate?"
Combined, carbon fiber and electronics probably will make cycling way less "green" in the future, (add in batteries if you want to include e-bikes) You are correct in assuming "planned obsolescence" will play a role in this. It already has. Take the first gen Di2 as an example.
Your mechanical bikes made from metal have far more recyclable parts and can be maintained, theoretically, for the life span of the user. These electronic bits, carbon parts, and more are going in the landfill when they are obsolete or broken.
It is a troubling trend which needs to be arrested.
I REALLY have thoughts on the narrow tire/wide rim function. Too much for the comments. I have mounted, and ridden, a 32mm tire on a Large Marge rim (65mm external). It fit, and inflated (with tube). I was banging the rim edge on the pavement in gentle corners, and it was rolling on the tire sidewalls.
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