From observing scores of other peoples' bikes as I work on them, Jerry's
observation of more rapid cassette cog wear is accurate--it seems reasonable
to think of ramped cogs as "pre worn." Plus, STI and Ergopower shifting on
large numbers of skinny cogs are sensitive systems and seem to have less
tolerance for any wear before it shows up as slower and less accurate
shifting. The ultimate is the latest Mavic robo-derailleur which of course
allows no adjustment in rider input--the solenoids can't tell the derailleur
the equivalent of what a human hand can in pushing the STI lever over for a
millisecond longer to nurse a worn chain through a shift. Mektronic is
pretty worthless unless everything with links and teeth is squeaky clean and
unworn.
David Feldman
<classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Sent: Sunday, July 01, 2001 1:12 PM Subject: Re: [CR]Report from Orlando Now Reliability
> If by reliable, you mean not breaking unexpectedly, I might agree, but
cassettes
> seem to wear out a lot faster than the old freewheels, and thin walled
aluminum
> frames are treated by many as disposable items to be discarded after three
years
> or so. My own definition of reliability includes durability. I hope the
TV
> pictures of the Mexican rider Julio Perez in this year's Giro being denied
what
> looked to be his first stage victory in a major tour when his chain broke
a few
> km from the finish will suggest to some in the industry that the constant
> increase in the number of rear cogs has gone too far.
>
> Regards,
>
> Jerry Moos
>
> Joseph Bender-Zanoni wrote:
>
> > I really don't think the new equipment is any less reliable with the
> > exception of chains. What may have declined is people's ability to
maintain
> > their own machines or know when something is not right. On the other
hand I
> > never saw broken chains on the side of the road until the 9 speed era.
> > Chains and cogs have been pushed to the limit but that is what people
want.
> >
> > Joe
> >
> > At 05:29 PM 7/1/01, stephen a. solombrino wrote:
> > >
> > > When people give me a hard time about my old stuff, I tell them I
never
> > >had the need to upgrade in the last 30 years. The funny thing is most
of
> > >these guys get to look at my stuff as I stop by the side of the road to
see
> > >if they need help. The new stuff seems to break down if my count of
> > >stranded road riders is correct. Steve (still wondering if this stuff
wears
> > >out) Solombrino
> > >
> > >>From: LouDeeter@aol.com
> > >>To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> > >>Subject: [CR]Report from Orlando
> > >>Date: Sun, 1 Jul 2001 12:22:20 EDT
> > >>
> > >>Having finally settled in, I ventured out yesterday to ride with the
'big
> > >>boys'. There is a group of about 100 riders who gather on Sat & Sun
> > >>mornings, mostly local racers & triathletes. I think I was the only
over
> > >>50
> > >>person there. I showed up on my red Masi Prestige. Got lots of
gawkers,
> > >>but
> > >>the best line was, with about 20 people around, one of the guys says,
"wow,
> > >>Campy Record parts! When you going to upgrade that frame, man?" I
think
> > >>that said it all. Looking around, I didn't see a single confirmed
steel
> > >>frame there, unless a Bianchi Giro is steel--it was the closest thing
to
> > >>steel that I saw. So, today I went back with my lugged Spectrum
steel
> > >>bike.
> > >> Again, lots of gawkers--almost like going to a racing event in an
antique
> > >>car. Geez... I'm getting old. Lou Deeter, Orlando FL.