It’s Higher To Throw Again Than To Throw Away – Bike Snob NYC


So I assume professional biking is getting crashier.

One doable resolution?

Heavier bikes!

This might introduce “larger elements of security,’ which is a elaborate approach of claiming…security:

Why use one phrase when you need to use 4? Why name Froot Loops “scrumptious” when you may say they’ve a “greater issue of deliciousness?” I assume it’s the identical motive bike reviewers can now not point out “value” and as an alternative need to confer with “value level.” Does anyone stroll right into a bodega and say, “Hey, my man, what’s the value level on these Tic Tacs?” No they don’t. I do not know what the distinction between “value” and “value level” is, however I do suppose they need to take all of it the best way and go along with “value level issue.”

However sure, I agree a motorbike with a larger issue of weight would introduce a larger issue of security–with the additional benefit that it might in all probability cut back the value level issue significantly. I’d begin with a extra strong body materials, then increase the bars a bit and increase the wheelbase issue for added stability, and even perhaps improve the tire width issue for larger traction and higher shock absorption. All of this may little question have the additional benefit of an elevated issue of consolation, which might lead to a correspondingly lowered issue of exhaustion on the finish of a protracted stage, in the end enhancing the issue of security even additional. Actually, the UCI is already working with bicycle designers as I kind this, and I simply occur to have spy pictures of a prototype:

And in the event that they actually need to introduce a larger issue of security enhancement, they need to eliminate the press motorbikes and provides every rider an analog digicam to maintain in his waxed handlebar bag, type of like when folks hand out these disposable cameras at weddings. Then after the race they may develop the pictures and launch them to the media. Downside solved.

Talking of non sequiturs, right here’s one–once I consider my formative bicycling years, one model that stands out maybe greater than every other is GT:

[From here.]

I by no means had a GT bike, however I did have varied GT elements, like handlebars, and a layback seatpost, and tires I assumed had been tremendous cool as a result of they got here in colours and had knobs that spelled out “GT.” I additionally bear in mind the winged emblem that stated “Huntington Seashore, CA” on it:

As a child in dreary New York thumbing by way of magazines, it appeared like life in California should be an countless existence of ramps, empty swimming pools, BMX bikes and skateboards, and Black Flag exhibits.

Anyway, though GT has one thing of a Proustian impact on me, I haven’t paid consideration to them in fairly awhile–and presumably I’m not alone, as a result of it feels like this can be the top:

The story notes GT’s BMX, mountain bike, and street legacy:

And naturally additionally they provided bikes for the US Nationwide Staff:

[GT Superbike, via Classic Cycle]

And who might overlook this?

[Also via Classic Cycle]

However aside from the BMX bikes of my youth, the opposite factor I most affiliate with them is their aluminum bikes of the late ’90s and early aughts:

[Via here]

It looks as if they grew to become simply one other Pon model, however possibly as an alternative they need to have reinvented themselves as a throwback aluminum bike firm. In any case, aluminum is the brand new metal–simply ask Ultraromance, who’s made a cottage trade of bringing again the types of ’90s-era aluminum bikes that had been as soon as GT’s inventory in commerce:

And what concerning the GTB?

[From here.]

Regardless of being fully unremarkable aside from the triple triangle, it’s change into a cult basic. Have you ever seen what folks need for this stuff?

I imply get actual:

Mockingly, if GT had merely introduced again the GTB precisely because it was and offered it and nothing else, they’d in all probability be thriving proper now. However as an alternative it looks as if they’re promoting a bunch of bikes no person actually requested them for as a result of each different firm will promote you just about the very same factor:

There’s nonetheless time, GT. Convey again the Zaskar, the GT ZR-whatever the Lotto street bike was, and the GTB, unchanged. That’s all you want. You may’t miss.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *