An older mechanic on a major ride was talking to me about people working on bikes. He seemed to think that manufacturers, especially Shimano, were responsible for designing idiot proof systems with a built in sloppiness that allowed little adjustment to be made, resulting in fewer people actually working and learning to work on their rides. Part of my mechanic's experience in the '70's was to take a pair of needlenose pliers to optimise front derailleurs getting the chain to snap into gear, two big adjustable wrenches to straight crank spiders and generally fine tuning the derailleurs to match whatever gearing setup was on the bike. I'll admit I don't have as much experience with modern systems, but they sometimes frustrate me with their lack of being able to be fine tuned. My wife still refuses to learn how to change a flat, all she needs is her mechanic to be around.
Dan Artley
Parkton, Maryland
>>> Jerome & Elizabeth Moos jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net> 07/22/2004 1:14:45
PM >>
I too am amazed how few younger riders can make even minimal
adjustments to their bikes. In my bike club, it seems the majority of
members take bikes to the shop just to tighten up cables. Some riders
with carbon/titanium everything $4000 rides struggle just to changes a
tube. ...
Regards,
Jerry Moos
Houston, TX