Thanks for keeping the personal comments off-list Joe.
Actually I totally agree with you about sturdy stiff bikes! I have a Bianchi team bike from Moreno Argentin's team when he won Colorado Springs World Championship. The thing weighs a ton and is very confidence inspiring. Tells me that extreme light weight might be over emphasized.
Doesn't change the fact that pros like and demand very light bikes for climbing.
Oh, and I'm of course not referring to pre-WWI machines. I'm obviously not talking about track bikes either. DUH!
Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, California
Joseph Bender-Zanoni wrote:
>
> Jerry,
>
> On the Teledyne handling Chuck doesn't know what he's talking about but I
> avoid arguing on the list. On the track you can really tell the difference
> in handling and safety. Also I have raced the stiffest (Cannondale track)
> and the softest (my pre-WW1 machines). The whippy machines are deadly scary
> at a full sprint. They shimmy in the front and you can break loose in the
> rear. Also, once the crash starts to happen, the bike is subject to extreme
> stress. Good riders ride out of many crashes, but only if the machine
> allows. I have ridden up and over other riders and been thrown 15 feet
> sideways by a car impact and ridden away. When you ride 10,000 or more
> miles a year, the reflexes on the bike become extreme, it is more natural
> than walking. A sturdy stiff frame and strong wheels allow a lot better
> handling and a better chance at crash recovery.
>
> Joe