What old cycling technology etc would you like to see return?

[GuyBoden]

Through axel's are a bit of a pest, they aren't really quick release, but you don't need tools unless you've got a 'stealth' version which uses a hex key. But there is a reason for them - increased load from discs and 'suspension' (MTB).

They remind me of a motorbike thru axle, that's probably where the idea came from.

 

[fossyant]

I don't feel terribly strongly on the subject. I can see how they are handy if you transport your bike often.

In fact, on the general subject of what would I like to see return - nothing.

It's pretty much all available now if you actually want it. If I actually wanted wheel nuts, on some bizarre matter of principle, there would be nothing stopping me.

OK I'd probably have a bit of trouble sourcing wooden rims.

My road bikes were raced - so they were in/out/on top of a car regular, and they both have a chain hanger braise on for when the wheel is out. Even now, it's handy for cleaning & maintenance - especially the MTB's - much easier with the wheels off and bike in a bike stand.

Road bikes really haven't moved on massively, OK lighter etc and discs which have a couple of advantaged (wet weather and not wearing out rims).

MTB's though - I'll stick with the new stuff - far more capable, so I'll take suspension, dropper posts, geometry changes and advancement in tyres and, of course disc brakes, especially 4 pots !

 

[dickyknees]

Those mile counter things with the little window.

Tick, tick, tick,tick.

 

[Illaveago]

Standardisation !

 

[matticus]

A quick glance at downtube is far easier than glancing back and down at cassette to check gear 😆

Considerably so! But also, you can feel the shifter position in your hand - either to check it, or as extra info/feedback when you are changing. Don't get that with brifters (or indeed the funky modern thumb-shifts for flat bars).

DTs are SUCH a simple, elegant mechanism. "Upgrades" would need to give me much better performance/convenience to be worthwhile.
(Yes, I've ridden 10s of K with various brifters - probably more than with DTs by now ... )

 

[Drago]

Raleigh Grifters with the front 2 inches of sest foam snapped off.

 

[matticus]

GilesM said:
The wonders of the modern double ultra compact chainsets with nice ring sizes like 30/46 mean we shouldn't need big sprockets for the road, although the ultra compact chainset is not exactly new, TA used to do a good range with all sorts of options.

There is always someone either with more luggage than you, or lower power-to-weight. And remember UK cycle-tourists used to simply accept a stroll up the steepest bits of their route.
So 30+ teeth (on the back) have their place, even though I could happily do plenty of riding with just 26 or 28!

 

[Trickedem]

Hope Vision 1 -

A great light. Unfortunately no longer made

 

[matticus]

Bring back lights that use rechargeable batteries. Preferably AAs. A much better solution for long distance riding and commuting that a crappy usb charged, lithium powered light.

I think this is a real green issue. For commuting the usb charging works pretty well, but you have to accept binning the things far earlier in their life than should be necessary.

Of course dyno-hubs are your friend too, that's the good news!

(but yeah, for long-distance - touring/audax/whatever, AAs beat everything. All this recharging power-banks is just a solution to a needless problem ... )

 

[Smokin Joe]

The axles with wheel nuts are solid not hollow like QR, so are stronger too. I have a 15mm spanner in my kit.

Hollow axles are less prone to bending than solid ones.

 

[Hover Fly]

Hollow axles are larger diameter than solid, putting more material on the outside.
With a qr , if the axle breaks in two the skewer clamps the broken pieces together, in fact you might not even notice that it’s broken. Ive had one or two cases when I got home with a broken rear axle. With a solid axle and nuts I would have been in trouble.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Considerably so! But also, you can feel the shifter position in your hand - either to check it, or as extra info/feedback when you are changing. Don't get that with brifters (or indeed the funky modern thumb-shifts for flat bars).

DTs are SUCH a simple, elegant mechanism. "Upgrades" would need to give me much better performance/convenience to be worthwhile.
(Yes, I've ridden 10s of K with various brifters - probably more than with DTs by now ... )

That as well. You can put your hand on the lever in the dark and know where your gears are at.

 

[Milkfloat]

I am not sure I get this fascination for knowing which gear you are in, my legs tell me if it is too easy or too hard.

 

[matticus]

I am not sure I get this fascination for knowing which gear you are in, my legs tell me if it is too easy or too hard.

"Fascination"? Where did you get that from? It's just another useful thing to know. It's VERY useful for certain situations with more than 1 chain-ring.
(and don't you like to know on a climb if you have any gears left??)

 

[matticus]

I believe that with DI2 you can get your current gear displayed on your head unit. Now that's progress.

(Puts on tin hat, runs away and hides)

Is this a head-up display on my helmet visor? If not, I'm not buying ...