From a marketing standpoint, changing the TT, DT, and ST tube sizes will force bike manufacturers and consumers to purchase new components to fit these sizes. Once again, top level components may not be be able to be transfered to new frames because of the size (I'll stick with my classic frames, thank you!)
Gone are the days when component parts could be replaced or modified easily - now you have to buy a new complete unit. Prehaps Shimano is responsible for this break it/replace it - but don't repair it mentality as bike sales moved to mass merchandisers from Mom and Pop bike specialty stores. The bottom line is that changing tube sizes on manufacturer frames simply lines Shimano's money pockets with additional sales because old model components cannot be transfered - planned obsolesence!
Regards, Steve Neago
OROBOYZ@aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated 6/9/01 5:15:13 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
> BECaldwell@aol.com writes:
>
> << many brands
> will change to Reynolds 1-1/8" diameter tubing next year, and the only
> reason
> is "to create the big aluminum tube look" " >>
>
> I think that got screwed up in translation and that they are referring to
> head tube size rather than any main tubes (1 1/8" ain't very big by "modern"
> standards!)
>
> Dale Brown
> Greensboro, North Carolina