On Aug 3, 2007, at 4:01 PM, Donald Gillies wrote:
> Actually, most people are COMPLETELY WRONG about the drivetrain
> losses. Today's $600 drivetrain can be built ONLY because they are
> using high-friction sealed bearings in the hubs and the bottom
> bracket, and usually, in the headset and pedals. The cup-and-cone
> stuff from the 70's has lower friction when properly adjusted (even
> vs. ceramic sealed bearings.) So there is reason to believe that if
> you don't miss a shift, you will be FASTER on a vintage bike,
> especially on the flats.
>
> However, as we all know, aerodynamics has the greatest impact on
> performance above 20 mph, and in that area there has been little
> progress as much of the losses are from the rider, not from the bike.
> We'll have to wait for evolution to make improvements there.
>
> The one area where aerodynamic improvements are possible is in the
> wheels, however, excluding monocoque wheels, I'd be surprised if
> today's wheels are measurably better than retro 28h wheels.
>
> - Don Gillies
> San Diego, CA, USA
I believe you are COMPLETELY WRONG about bearings, aerodynamics and wheels Don.
Chuck Schmidt
South Pasadena, CA USA