What will be the next 'big thing' for bikes?

[DiddlyDodds]

Yea , but if the wind changes direction your both in for a surprise

 

[redcard]

Yea , but if the wind changes direction your both in for a surprise

And that's why the next big innovation in cycling is going to be an electronic wind-direction changer.

 

[Shaun]

Some sort of chemical onboard toilet to avoid the need to stop in a bush on long rides.

Pedaloo ®... I like it ...

 

[ColinJ]

'Next big thing' for bikes?



Me - if I can drag my lard arse away from the computer long enough to go out on one of mine!

Which apparently I can't - I'm still here ...

 

[tyred]

C-shaped sections of metal or plastic which are curved around the wheels to prevent you from getting a mucky stripe up your back. I wonder what we could call such a practical addition to a bike.

 

[ColinJ]

C-shaped sections of metal or plastic which are curved around the wheels to prevent you from getting a mucky stripe up your back. I wonder what we could call such a practical addition to a bike.

Fenders?

 

[rollinstok]

Superlight, superstrong plastic frames, super efficient battery assist bikes, super puncture-proof tyres that never need re-inflating.... super!!

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Pedaloo ®... I like it ...

Too late shaun, better get rid of your ®

 

[tyred]

Too late shaun, better get rid of your ®

Don't run with a worn chain or you might flush yourself.

 

[deanE]

a track pump you can fit in your pocket

why not compressed air in a section of frame, complete with connecting hose and gauge?

 

[colly]

Maybe you can already have this, a GPS thingy that transmits directly in real time so others can follow you on an on-line map. Coupled maybe to a camera that could transmit live video of your trip.

Failing that an upstairs balcony to admire the view.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Electric fixed-wheel cyclo-cross bikes with disc brakes and 'sportive geometry' ... it's the future ....

 

[ColinJ]

I've had some great ideas, if only somebody could figure out a way of getting them to work ...

• Don't you think it is a pain having to take your hands off the bars to reach down for the gear shifters? I reckon it would be great if the shifters could be mounted on the bars themselves, or even better - combined with the brake levers somehow.
• Another problem with gears is getting the adjustment right when changing up or down. I find that the chain always ends up making funny noises or auto-changing to another gear. What we need is some sort of gear 'quantiser' that makes gear changing 100% accurate.
• I've had it up to 'here' with clips and toestraps. The straps cut off the circulation in my feet and I always struggle getting my feet in or out of the clips unless I leave the straps really loose, in which case why should I bother with them? We need a special clip embedded in the sole of each cycling shoe, preferably not protruding from the bottom. That would engage in a mechanism attached to the pedal. Feet would be securely fixed to the pedals when riding, but could easily be detached when coming to a stop. I really think that would be popular!
• Paper maps are great at home but not so handy on a bike. I don't want to stop at every junction and take out a map to see where to go next, especially if it is wet and windy. Yes, we can buy bar-mounted map holders, but then we have to stop every now and then and take out the maps and refold them. Then of course - what if we are riding near the join between 4 maps? We might have to swap between all 4 maps as we progress on the ride. Ideally, we'd have a machine which could tell us which way to turn. I'm not sure that it would ever be possible to construct such a device, but it would be useful if some clever clogs could work out how to do it!
• I live in a hilly area and need gearing which can cope with steep climbs and fast descents. With only 10 gears, it is hard to cover such a wide range of speeds effectively without big steps between each gear. I would like to see the production of a so-called 'triple-chainset' with an extra ring to give us low gears without big steps between the rings. Having only 5 sprockets is a bit of a handicap though. The only way for them to cover a wide range of speeds is to have those big steps again. 10 or 11 sprockets in one cluster would be fantastic, though of course it would be impractical to do this because the back wheel would have to be dished beyond any safe limit - we can only dream of such a thing!
• How about frame materials which are lighter and stiffer than steel and which don't rust? I'm sure that the materials scientists can come up with something.
• Cycling clothing which isn't itchy and doesn't go baggy when wet!
• Saddles with bits cut out. I've never enjoyed perineal pressure so why not just remove the bits of saddle which cause that!

You probably thought that bike design was already perfect but I hope that my ideas prove that there is still progress to be made? All it will take is a few bright people to bring them to fruition ...

 

[smokeysmoo]

[QUOTE 1806449, member: 45"]Akin to those breathalisers fitted to cars, bikes that refuse to work unless you're wearing a helmet......[/quote]
and unless you have two brakes fitted

 

[MisterStan]

Bib short you can pee out of easily without crushing your testes or stripping half naked.