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by JNRowe·5y ago·view on hn ↗
At last year's UCI worlds one of the riders(I forget who) had a dropper post failure, and it was depressing watching them slowly lose rank simply because of that.

Part of me wants to see all the new advancements, but I also hate it when it ruins an otherwise good spectacle or personal ride.

We also saw it with e-shifting in road, but that seems to have largely been solved. So, perhaps any problems that should arise with this could be shaken out in a couple of seasons too? </fence>

Maybe there is a market for racing and events where you're only allowed steel-framed, canti brakes, SiS index shift monstrosities? Like one of those sub-$1k car rallies or something.

4 comments
Cantilevers are a pain in the ass to adjust unless you're an octopus. All of the degrees of freedom come loose at the same time with the same bolt: all three rotational axes and the coarse distance to rim are secured by the same nut. They are unemployable to work on, to put it mildly.

I could get on board with linear pull brakes though for the spirit of what you're proposing. Although maybe what you're looking for is a spec series with a really pedestrian (and affordable) component package.

I agree with you, but removing technology arms races from mainstream sport is a lost cause. The controversy around Nike's carbon plate in running shoes, and Speedo's polyurethane mix fabric suits show that not even the simplest sport are safe from it.

However... there are still a few niches.

> Maybe there is a market for racing and events where you're only allowed steel-framed, canti brakes, SiS index shift monstrosities? Like one of those sub-$1k car rallies or something.

You've kind of just described Keirin [1], as a philosophy, if not the specifics. The Secret World of Japanese Keirin Racing is a good introduction if you're curious.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keirin

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_lJLI-O-M0

I wasn't suggesting removing all technology, as I agree that wouldn't work even if I wanted it. I just liked idea of a parallel low technology track fighting the good fight against pointy helmet disc-wheeled ten rider weeknight TT. Something odd just for fun, like the 24 Hours of LeMons¹ on beaters from the shed.

I'm kind of aware of Keirin from watching track, but wasn't aware of the depth in the local market. That Chris Hoy video was great, thanks!

¹ https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/24_Hours_of_LeMons

Mmm I miss scouring the internet for NJS parts. Wish my track bike hadn’t been stolen....
My bicycles are all at least 20 years old but cantilever brakes can die. The switch to v brakes made such a huge difference without adding complexity. In fact, they removed complexity, as they are so much easier to set up and maintain.

But otherwise I'm with you. As someone who went mountain biking more days than not for more than a decade, simplicity never watered down my fun.

>Maybe there is a market for racing and events where you're only allowed steel-framed, canti brakes, SiS index shift monstrosities?

The closest fit to what you're looking for is the singlespeed category :)

Yeah. I was using a lot of hyperbole in an attempt to get my point across. However, in the time between writing my earlier comment and this I've actually been out for a lunchtime ride on my fixie. Just good fun for a Friday in February!

The response here makes me think there are others who like the idea though, so I'll try to float it in the local CC forum.