Re: Fwd: Re: [CR] more on Georgina Terry and small wheels

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2002)

In-Reply-To: <20060618000647.68495.qmail@web34106.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <20060618000647.68495.qmail@web34106.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 18:41:48 -0700
To: artlink@flash.net, classic rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
From: "Sheldon Brown" <CaptBike@sheldonbrown.com>
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: [CR] more on Georgina Terry and small wheels


Arthur Link wrote:
>My 1902 Orient track/road bike has original spec 26" rim in front
>and 28" rim in rear. Documented by Waltham Museum of Science and
>Industry via serial number. Old thing new again!.The circle is
>complete. Oh Joy! Early attempt at aero riding position? Or do I own
>an example of feminist racer bike(ala the reasoning given for
>Georginas design efforts) as there were early female racers on
>"mens" wheels. Art-ain't history fun-Link,San

I very much doubt that this has anything to do with sex, it's more likely about drafting. Most track racing back in that era was tandem paced, later motor paced. Using a smaller front wheel would allow you to draft closer. We see this still on team time trial bikes.

Sheldon "Mixed Sizes" Brown +------------------------------------------------------------------+ | We must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it, | | but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor. | | --Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. | +------------------------------------------------------------------+ --
    Harris Cyclery, West Newton, Massachusetts
       Phone 617-244-9772 FAX 617-244-1041
            http://harriscyclery.com
       Hard-to-find parts shipped Worldwide
            http://captainbike.com
    Useful articles about bicycles and cycling
            http://sheldonbrown.com