Dogtrousers
Kilometre nibbler
Depends which sport you're looking at. In some sports they are obviously excluded by the rules. But in others, not.
For example, MTB e-bike racing exists as a sport.
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For example, MTB e-bike racing exists as a sport.
classic33
Leg End Member
105 gears not 21, with a front triple of 42/52/62.
Used as a general bike, because at the time it was my only bike.
Throw away your
inner tubes and tyres, tech to improve speed
Brakes, tech to improve overall speed
Chain
Bike weighing 1lb, wouldn't be allowed in any race due to weight limits. Assuming you could build an entire bike weighing only 1lb, for less than a 7 figure sum.
Dogtrousers
Kilometre nibbler
Here you go. 2.7 kg, so still some way off your 1 lb target, but it still has brakes, gears* etc.
https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/check-out-the-worlds-lightest-custom-road-bike
* to keep the thread tentatively on-topic
classic33
Leg End Member
@silva, one I've got my eye on, minus the advertising. E-assist, but I doubt I'd be getting anywhere faster than on a bike on it.
Some bikes are load haulers, which means gears make starting off from a standing start easier. Easier on the rider on a longer ride, when loaded.
I've set the speed cameras off* in a fifty zone, on the Brox, which means the speed was at least 57mph(speed limit 50 + 10% 5 + error of 2, means 57mph at least)
You were given an alternative means of allowing yourself to carry on cycling and you dismissed it out of hand. Most would have at least considered it, just to carry on cycling.
*It was down the central part of this though. Freewheeling, gears useless.
Some bikes are load haulers, which means gears make starting off from a standing start easier. Easier on the rider on a longer ride, when loaded.
I've set the speed cameras off* in a fifty zone, on the Brox, which means the speed was at least 57mph(speed limit 50 + 10% 5 + error of 2, means 57mph at least)
You were given an alternative means of allowing yourself to carry on cycling and you dismissed it out of hand. Most would have at least considered it, just to carry on cycling.
*It was down the central part of this though. Freewheeling, gears useless.
Ming the Merciless
There is no mercy
- Location
- Inside my skull
My cadence is pretty consistent so I can usually know what speed I’m going from the gear I’m in. I have bar end shifters and can equate position with speed. My peak cadence is around 131 rpm but I won’t hold that for long.
a.twiddler
Veteran
Never mind the e-assist, you must have some serious brakes on that once you get rolling on a good hill!
As for ebikes, not all bicycles are created for the exclusive use of the athletically inclined. There are other types of cyclists. We should consider ourselves fortunate to be among the Temporarily Able Bodied (TABs) and once we become less able, even a run of the mill bike can become a sort of mobility aid, allowing us to go to places we could not easily walk to, and to carry things that we no longer can on foot, letting us keep our minds and bodies active for longer. An ebike is just a logical extension of this, as well as encouraging people who might not otherwise cycle at all.
They are no longer a novelty. I find it hard to understand the hate some have for them. As the technology improves, giving greater range and less weight, maybe even I would consider one at some time in the future.
- Location
- London
This thread has strayed hasn't it twiddler?
May return to gears later, but on ebikes, i think hate a strong word. I think some are a bit anti what they see as inappropriate use of the tech, which is a bit of a different point. If i live to need one i am pretty sure i will welcome the tech. Excellent point you make about bikes of all types as a mobility aid.
May return to gears later, but on ebikes, i think hate a strong word. I think some are a bit anti what they see as inappropriate use of the tech, which is a bit of a different point. If i live to need one i am pretty sure i will welcome the tech. Excellent point you make about bikes of all types as a mobility aid.
A few years ago, bikes and mopeds were in the same camp and our "comic" was even called "Cycling and Mopeds". Mopeds were seen as just a motorized bike. As mopeds evolved, they became their own identity and the connection between the two faded. I guess as ebikes get more sophisticated, the same will happen and the two types of transport will diverge.
avecReynolds531
Veteran
- Location
- Small Island
A few years ago, we were cycling on one of the (many beautiful) climbs in Spain. A couple, who were easily into their 80s, maybe older, did the same climb too, on electric bikes. It was inspiring to see their continued enjoyment of the bike, and ability to tackle routes that would've been out of reach previously.
a.twiddler
Veteran
Yes, you are right there. There's a world of difference between a 98cc cyclemotor and a modern 50cc automatic scooter moped. No pedals or gears at all on the latter. And it's a motor vehicle with all that entails. How long before the government brings in some convoluted system with illogical exemptions to enforce taxation, insurance, number plates etc on ebikes too? I hope for the best, but fear the worst.
Anyway, enough thread drift, back to cycling and gears in my next post on this thread. A bicycle can be the equivalent of seven league boots for anyone. That was the almost magical thing I found when I got a little bit fit and started cycling any distance. (Back then I defined "a little bit fit" as losing the feeling that I was going to actually die before I reached the summit of whatever hillock I was climbing at the time). All with the appropriate gearing, of course.
Dogtrousers
Kilometre nibbler
Just quoted this sentence because I liked it so much
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
I had never heard of seven league boots until that post!
Landsurfer
Veteran
Single front ring, 36 tooth... 9 speed rear 12/40 .... climb every mountain ..... what else would i need ?
Well not an engine ...
When the time comes for it i will embrace it ... as my wife has ...
It's a long away for me yet ....
For now i go cycling on my bicycle ... and motorcycling on my motorcycle ...
Well not an engine ...
When the time comes for it i will embrace it ... as my wife has ...
It's a long away for me yet ....
For now i go cycling on my bicycle ... and motorcycling on my motorcycle ...
Ajax Bay
Guru
- Location
- East Devon
A gear longer than 81": that's what else you'd need. If you tried an end-to-end with that 1x9 you'd be frustratingly spun-out by the end.
NotAsGoodAsMyBike
Active Member
Aside from my fixed (48/18) , I have little idea or interest what gears are on my bikes. I have a 9-speed triple but no idea what the chainrings or cassette is. I have 10-speed and 11-speed bikes, each with 50/34 rings on the front but I can’t remember and don’t care what’s on the back. I just ride!
