Innovations that weren't...

[wynne]

We run an estate car with a carbon composite shaft. It does say 'don't use if dropped', but I haven't heard of failures. I reckon composites are not all equal. When I've worked on laying up, mainly fibreglass, I've always added extra for 'peace of mind'. The rush to lightness, a major marketing factor, surely pressures some to take a short cut? I reckon it's good sense to stick with reputable makers, as Russell says. I wouldn't ride anything so 'high tech' these days though. I want something I can throw about, and drop as much as I like.

I am sure some must have mentioned the most prevalent innovation that isn't; GRAVEL BIKES!

I am very cynical about the marketing, err ...sorry, cycling industry, but i reckon gravel bikes are pretty much the perfect bike for most UK riders. I always loved riding my cross bike everywhere, but now I can get a more stable version of my old bike that fits bigger tyres, has disc brakes and decent gearing and can carry luggage. A lot of gravel bikes are hipster anvil-weight steel horrors or flimsy carbon internally-routed shite, but i think the concept is sound.

 

[bikeworkshop]

I am very cynical about the marketing, err ...sorry, cycling industry, but i reckon gravel bikes are pretty much the perfect bike for most UK riders. I always loved riding my cross bike everywhere, but now I can get a more stable version of my old bike that fits bigger tyres, has disc brakes and decent gearing and can carry luggage. A lot of gravel bikes are hipster anvil-weight steel horrors or flimsy carbon internally-routed shite, but i think the concept is sound.

The Touring Bike was so connected with grey beards and sandals, the concept needed reinventing to catch the brown beards and... er... sandals

 

[Woz]

^
..... and not a new concept either. It's technical implementation is stuff a bit dusted off and more available and cheaper.

It's modern proliferation is more to do with marketing men - need to re-invent, create need again, etc. etc.

Never in the history of bikes, was there not someone attempting to make an ultimate "do it all" bicycle.

 

[wynne]

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

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Where is the book available? Want

 

[MattiThundrrr]

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I'm sorry, is it "books" that is the innovation that wasn't, or is it "woolen knickers"?

 

[2manyoranges]

I now think I want to build something with as many of these on it at the same time.

A truly Panda dead-end-of-evolutionary-branch bicycle.

Or a complete bastard if you like

 

[wynne]

Where is the book available? Want

I have a copy of it that I would sell.
I paid £30 for it. £20? I could even deliver it in person to you!

 

[novocaine]

Where is the book available? Want

I have a copy of it that I would sell.
I paid £30 for it. £20? I could even deliver it in person to you!

Take that deal, it's 31 quid on Amazon.
the second book is cheaper.



just to check though, Rob, you are aware that it's about cycling aren't you?

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

I have a copy of it that I would sell.
I paid £30 for it. £20? I could even deliver it in person to you!

Yes please mate just off out, I'll pm you when back.