#!markdown
Pete. Road had 650 wheels in the late 80's but they decided that the smaller
size was slower. Small wheels let riders draft closer and accelerate better or
that was the argued benefit. Lots of smaller riders still use that size
though. Road has a lot of UCI rules to meet which really inhibit changes. Road
has to be double diamond, saddle set back is dictated, discs aren't allowed
for road racing, bike has to weigh 15 pounds or more, no part can be there for
the sole purpose of being aero, tube dimensions are dictated too.
If there is a real benefit, I am happy for a new standard. I remember cotter
end cranks. Hell I remember square tappered bb's that needed frequent
overhauls. And I probably used and wore out more metal in those days than now.
New balls every couple months and even then spindles would pit out as well as
cups. One can make a list of lousy standards pretty easily. Quill stems and
threaded one inch standard with two sizes of crown race. And English or
Italian thread. Or french which different again. One can go on. Some standards
were changed for the better.
But some stuff today it seems more marketing than real. 650 versus 26 for
example. Giants direct drive steer tube sizes. Boost. OK I understand the
benefit of a better bracing angle for the spokes. You guys ever seen
asymmetrical rims? Or offset spoke holes where the left flange spokes go to
the right side rim holes?
March 25, 2015, 7:32 a.m. - Andy Eunson
#!markdown Pete. Road had 650 wheels in the late 80's but they decided that the smaller size was slower. Small wheels let riders draft closer and accelerate better or that was the argued benefit. Lots of smaller riders still use that size though. Road has a lot of UCI rules to meet which really inhibit changes. Road has to be double diamond, saddle set back is dictated, discs aren't allowed for road racing, bike has to weigh 15 pounds or more, no part can be there for the sole purpose of being aero, tube dimensions are dictated too. If there is a real benefit, I am happy for a new standard. I remember cotter end cranks. Hell I remember square tappered bb's that needed frequent overhauls. And I probably used and wore out more metal in those days than now. New balls every couple months and even then spindles would pit out as well as cups. One can make a list of lousy standards pretty easily. Quill stems and threaded one inch standard with two sizes of crown race. And English or Italian thread. Or french which different again. One can go on. Some standards were changed for the better. But some stuff today it seems more marketing than real. 650 versus 26 for example. Giants direct drive steer tube sizes. Boost. OK I understand the benefit of a better bracing angle for the spokes. You guys ever seen asymmetrical rims? Or offset spoke holes where the left flange spokes go to the right side rim holes?