Do the specifications to which bikes are made for pro racing hinder the development of cycling machi

[GrumpyGregry]

I think that if restrictions were not applied it could still be mostly about rider ability because as each innovation in design is introduced all the teams and riders would eventually adopt them if they proved to be sucsessful. Well that's what I think would happen but I am very naive about the subject.

I was just wondering really whether it would be good for bike design in very broad terms if pro cycling adopted a system more akin to F1 cars where there is a definite link to the manufacturing industry in the form of the constructors championship. I am aware that F1 have a huge amount of rules and restrictions to try and keep things within certain levels but we still see technologies used in F1 translated and adapted for use in every day road cars.

you are right, over time, but for the season in which one team has significant technical advantage in their discipline over others they reign supreme with inferior riders. why it is almost like doping!

As Dell has said, if we forget about tubes and move away from victorian technology to more modern materials and manufacturing techniques the world becomes our oyster. trouble is cyclists are very conservative

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I've ridden one of them......they feel horrible
as does a yamaha GTS1000 which was significantly cheaper but similar concept

Don't both use the engine as a stressed member of the frame, hence the weight saving?

 

[Cyclopathic]

I've ridden one of them......they feel horrible
as does a yamaha GTS1000 which was significantly cheaper but similar concept

With all of that faring and rigid cases and whotnot I imagine this is very difficult to pedal up the hills. Not that I can see the pedals.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

With all of that faring and rigid cases and whotnot I imagine this is very difficult to pedal up the hills. Not that I can see the pedals.

I thought they were the things touching the ground?

 

[Cyclopathic]

I thought they were the things touching the ground?

Oh yes, of course I see now.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Oh yes, of course I see now.

 

[downfader]

Those are horrible looking motorbikes! My Bro has just bought a Royal Enfield Bullet. THATs a nice bike!!!!

 

[Mr Celine]

....but we still see technologies used in F1 translated and adapted for use in every day road cars.

Examples?

 

[rowan 46]

Examples?

flappy paddle gearboxes?

 

[Mr Celine]

flappy paddle gearboxes?

On an 'every day road car'?

 

[rowan 46]

On an 'every day road car'?

you can get them as options on volkswagon, citroen, fiat not exactly premium brands

 

[oldroadman]

well, yes, and, then again, no. It's a great shape if you're using tubes, but if you're diestamping then you can have any shape you want.

Those of a delicate disposition should turn away now............... (I have one of these in my loft)

now that's a starting point. A stressed plate would work as well, although unless one were to go and do something really daft like using the forks of the Bimota Tesi, the front end would look the same (I don't have one of these in my loft - they cost about £35,000 - but weigh only 168kg)

A KIrk Precision. Interesting idea but horrible execution. Heavy, poor lateral strength, lousy ride, frames breaking a lot. Wonder why they never caught on? Best place, in the loft.
Tubes - inherently strong, light, can be built for excellent lateral resistance (so the bracket does not move under serious pressure, comfortable. What's not to like?

 

[Cyclopathic]

Examples?

Anti brake-locking systems.

 

[Cyclopathic]

On an 'every day road car'?

Lots of people do use them on the cars they drive every day, so yes.

Is your point that many of the inovations and inventions in formula one don't find their way down to the cars that are available to us all? I would have thought that one of the reasons companies spend so much on research and development of the F1 cars is exactly so that they can harvest ideas to improve their stock with.

 

[Mr Celine]

Lots of people do use them on the cars they drive every day, so yes.

Is your point that many of the inovations and inventions in formula one don't find their way down to the cars that are available to us all? I would have thought that one of the reasons companies spend so much on research and development of the F1 cars is exactly so that they can harvest ideas to improve their stock with.

Exactly.
ABS was first used in aircraft in the 30s and in some road cars in the 60s, long before it was used in F1. Paddle gear shifts are useful in F1 due to the frequency with which they have to change gear - I'm not sure, never having driven one, if they have any practical use in an ordinary car or if they are ever likely to become mainstream.

If F1 technology trickled down to everyday cars then the major manufacturers would all be running race teams. Those that do, or who sponsor teams with the same name, do so for advertising purposes.