Re: [CR]Yesterday's equipment in modern races

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Cinelli)

From: "stevens" <stevens@veloworks.com>
To: Richard M Sachs <richardsachs@juno.com>, chuckschmidt@earthlink.net
Subject: Re: [CR]Yesterday's equipment in modern races
Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 12:21:19 -0700
In-Reply-To: <20040511.123329.1008.76.richardsachs@juno.com>
References: <20040511.123329.1008.76.richardsachs@juno.com>
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

On Tue, 11 May 2004 12:33:29 -0400, Richard M Sachs wrote
> there have been two tons of improvements.
> as long as the masses avail themselves of it,
> the playing field is even. that's why no one who
> earns a living in the (any) sport uses dated tech-
> nology.
> e-RICHIE
> chester, ct

Tony Hawk (and other professional skateboarders) still use laminated 7-ply surgar maple decks which have been around forever.

They still use urethane wheels (introduced in 1970), and precision bearings (introduced in 1975).

Basic skateboard truck design has not changed in 50-60 years, utilizing a system known as the Chicago Pivot, originally designed for ballroom roller skates in the 1920s.

The only real changes in skateboard technology have been in the sizes and shapes of the decks, which vary depending on the style of skating being done ... not really what I'd call a technological breakthrough.

Some decks are now being make with fibreglass or similar materials between the plies in some decks, but they are not in wide use ... primarily because none of them have the same combination of toughness, elasticity, or "feel" of laminated sugar maple.

What does this mean? Other than perhaps being the exception that proves the rule ... not a whole heckuva lot.

Steven L. Sheffield Remembering last summer's broken elbow from skateboarding in Midvale, Utah

--
Steven L. Sheffield
stevens at veloworks dot com
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