Jan 24, 2015 at 05:30 PM
No way dude. You're never beating me up a hill ever again.Brendan Rigby said:marc, you still haven't installed that thing?! wtf? why do you even own it? i'll take it
Bicycle Tech/Gear Discussion Thread
Jan 25, 2015 at 01:11 AM
Them are fighting words. Time to lay off the cookies. Looking for a lean mean Bertucco machineNo way dude. You're never beating me up a hill ever again.Brendan Rigby said:marc, you still haven't installed that thing?! wtf? why do you even own it? i'll take it
Jan 26, 2015 at 11:19 PM
File this under world's worst equipment review write-up ever. Absolute trash. #stoppublishingshit
http://www.cyclingnews.com/reviews/zipp-404-firestrike-clincher-limited-review
Jan 26, 2015 at 11:53 PM
Sold!
Jan 27, 2015 at 12:06 AM
Hilarious. Obvs some kinda press release, not a review.
We all know at least a portion of Zipp's market is people who wanna spend a lot to feel they got the best --- regardless if it is any good or not.
No one that's a half decent cyclist would ever spend $3500 (or anything over $500~600) for a 1600 grams clincher wheel set. It is such a stupid idea.
Jan 28, 2015 at 03:44 PM
This interests me more than Di2. Seems like the future is almost here:
Jan 28, 2015 at 06:56 PM
I used to have a wired SRM. The data is recorded was always clean and consistent. I have since used a wireless SRM, a wireless powertap, and both a power2max and stages powermeters with a garmin head unit.
Each of those wireless solutions occasionally record weird shit. Like a cadence of 300. Or they stop recording entirely for a while (say 5 secs - 20 secs). Not every ride, not indoors either. I'm tempted to think that riding past electric substations causes the freak out, but I'm not sure.
Anyhow .... that makes me suspicious about wireless shifting - at least generation 1.0 of it.
Jan 28, 2015 at 07:03 PM
I think most of you jokers ride in the wrong gear 1/2 the time anyway, I think a "substation shift" would be good for you.ian ellis said:I'm tempted to think that riding past electric substations causes the freak out, but I'm not sure.Anyhow .... that makes me suspicious about wireless shifting - at least generation 1.0 of it.
Seriously though, I agree, generation 1.0, I'll always stay away from, but, it does make me think, well, I can hang onto 10-speed (literally) for say 2 more seasons (before all neutral support disappears), and then consider making an upgrade to version 2.0.
Jan 28, 2015 at 07:43 PM
Ok, allow me to kill your wireless shifting boner.
What do wires allow us? Well, they connect everything. What happens when you get rid of wires? You have to put wireless radios in EACH component so that they can communicate to the other component. That means 4 wireless radios. That also means the introduction of 4 more complex points of failure. A wire is much more reliable than a radio. Why? Because it's simpler.
Ok, still chubbed? What else are wires good for? Delivering power. What happens when you get rid of wires? You have to put a battery in EACH component so that they can work properly (as well as communicate to the other component). The removal of a large (now typically hidden) battery means smaller individual batteries. Smaller batteries yield lower charge times. Have fun charging your tiny batteries... or replacing your shifter's 2032.
The article covers some of this, but I wanted to spell it out for you. SRAM already has a PR problem when it comes to reliability. This decision seems to fall in line with their philosophy, sadly.
What do wires allow us? Well, they connect everything. What happens when you get rid of wires? You have to put wireless radios in EACH component so that they can communicate to the other component. That means 4 wireless radios. That also means the introduction of 4 more complex points of failure. A wire is much more reliable than a radio. Why? Because it's simpler.
Ok, still chubbed? What else are wires good for? Delivering power. What happens when you get rid of wires? You have to put a battery in EACH component so that they can work properly (as well as communicate to the other component). The removal of a large (now typically hidden) battery means smaller individual batteries. Smaller batteries yield lower charge times. Have fun charging your tiny batteries... or replacing your shifter's 2032.
The article covers some of this, but I wanted to spell it out for you. SRAM already has a PR problem when it comes to reliability. This decision seems to fall in line with their philosophy, sadly.
Jan 28, 2015 at 09:18 PM
you forgot the biggest advantage of all the wireless complexity: a new excuse for not winning/making the break/finishing.vlad said:Ok, allow me to kill your wireless shifting boner.
Adding to the complexity is diagnosing when your batteries need charging and how you charge them. An LED indicator light. Where is it? Will it just start blinking? For how long? Can you use your phone to check/diagnose/update?
I also don't understand this: "the system is lighter than comparable setups from Shimano and
Campagnolo given SRAM's unique low-power data transmission protocol." I would think its lighter for two reasons: 1. because they figured out how to make the motors use less energy, 2. because the charge doesn't last for as many shifts. I also am having a hard time believing they're using some "unique low-power data transmission protocol." Unique? Are they a wireless company or a bike company?
To me, if they've figured out how to use more efficient motors, having it wired would still render the components lighter.
Jan 28, 2015 at 10:04 PM
While I am sure they'll have to go thru a few iterations, a company the size of SRAM can totally assemble a team of world class capable wireless developers or hire an agency (or wireless company) to help them out with this.
Jan 29, 2015 at 01:37 AM
Re wireless vs wired. Well, okay. In my experience of an early generation wired PT, I can tell you that I have gone through at least 5 different bike mount kits over the years because all those reliable wires have a way of tearing.
Jan 29, 2015 at 02:34 AM
While there is a case to be made for improvement through iteration, it does not address the fundamental differences between wired and wireless technologies. Despite what happens at the end points, radio waves are different from electric current. The use of wireless technology introduces more complexity which leads to more points of potential failure. It's as simple as that.
Data moves faster and more efficiently over wires. That's a fact.
The "unique low-power data transmission protocol" is Bluetooth LE, a standard. Dollars to donuts on that one. How many missed shifts will you tolerate in the race?
If they go to market, SRAM is going to fuck this up just like they did with the hydraulic calipers. I've actually seen it at races btw. It's sharp, but I don't think it's for the masses. Too much trouble IMO. Also, how serious is that NDA? Racers aren't talking because it probably sucks.
Jan 29, 2015 at 05:09 PM
This all looks like very cool stuff.
If they're using Bluetooth transmitting from the shifters (master) to the slaves (front and rear derailleur), then that would suggest an app could be created for a phone for backup. Not ideal, but if the battery goes out on your shifter, you could potentially use your phone's app to shift up or down, and at least get yourself home.
I'm guessing brakes won't be included, and that seems pretty telling. If you're not confident enough to use the technology on brakes, then the technology is not fully ready.
Jan 29, 2015 at 06:38 PM
I think brakes are a completely different challenge. It's not just the fact that the battery might die - or the system crap out (although those are clearly a concern).
Shifting is a binary operation. Either the derailleur moves a fixed distance to change gears OR it remains stationary.
Braking is not an all or nothing action. You need progression and modulation. You need feedback.
A good comparison is electronic ("fly by wire") thottle pedals in cars, They blow. A car with a throttle cable is better.
Jan 29, 2015 at 08:30 PM
Total agree with the above
Jan 29, 2015 at 08:40 PM
I am looking for a good tan wall road racing tubular.
So far found this:
But reviews suggests is very flat prone. Thoughts?
Anyone have any suggestions? Looking for light, 23 width, tan wall, 280grams or less, road tubular.
Jan 29, 2015 at 09:35 PM
Challenge Strada, Dugast Strada, Veloflex in several models.
I did decently with the Vittoria Corsa tires. Didn't race them in the city though.
Jan 29, 2015 at 09:38 PM
Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute doesn't seem terribly impressed with the execution of Mips at the moment
from their site:
"The first POC helmet with MIPS has two concentric layers, held in place
by a pin that breaks and lets the shells slip for about 15 mm upon
impact. The layer interface is coated with Teflon. All subsequent
helmets we have seen have just a thin layer of uncoated polycarbonate
plastic inside the normal helmet liner. It slips, but hold it down hard
with your thumb and you can hear it creak against the EPS liner,
indicating friction. Your skin does not do that. MIPS says that the
helmet is supposed to have a layer of slippery fabric between the foam
and the polycarbonate insert, but that turns out to be just small fabric
pads on some point. We saw MIPS models from nine manufacturers at the
September 2014 Interbike show. None of them had a full layer of sliding
enabler fabric, and we found spots on all of them where the
polycarbonate MIPS layer contacted bare EPS. In addition, the inserts
are sliced up to avoid blocking vents in most helmets. The MIPS layer
cuts down on ventilation where it impinges on vents."
by a pin that breaks and lets the shells slip for about 15 mm upon
impact. The layer interface is coated with Teflon. All subsequent
helmets we have seen have just a thin layer of uncoated polycarbonate
plastic inside the normal helmet liner. It slips, but hold it down hard
with your thumb and you can hear it creak against the EPS liner,
indicating friction. Your skin does not do that. MIPS says that the
helmet is supposed to have a layer of slippery fabric between the foam
and the polycarbonate insert, but that turns out to be just small fabric
pads on some point. We saw MIPS models from nine manufacturers at the
September 2014 Interbike show. None of them had a full layer of sliding
enabler fabric, and we found spots on all of them where the
polycarbonate MIPS layer contacted bare EPS. In addition, the inserts
are sliced up to avoid blocking vents in most helmets. The MIPS layer
cuts down on ventilation where it impinges on vents."
Jan 30, 2015 at 04:02 AM
I am looking for a good tan wall road racing tubular.So far found this:But reviews suggests is very flat prone. Thoughts?Anyone have any suggestions? Looking for light, 23 width, tan wall, 280grams or less, road tubular.i have ridden nothing but Vittoria open tubs and tubs the past 6 years now with very few flats. If I do flat a tubular...I just inject a small can of Cafeelatex sealant and that plugs it right up and prevents further flats. I pre treated a rear tire in Sept. and have done several 57 mile training rides on it with no complaints.
Jan 30, 2015 at 11:14 AM
@Eloy
Try FMB. I've had no problems with their Record, CX and seta CX. All are supposed to be 22 or 22.5, but they come up just a little larger.
Jan 31, 2015 at 01:54 AM
New Shimano Power Meter?
Jan 31, 2015 at 03:32 AM
Not as aero as my stages (or quarq).
Jan 31, 2015 at 05:21 PM
So much talk about training, diet and watts...and so little about things that have proven performance benefits...like bike mojo. My moj correlates to a 10 watt improvement at threshold (computrainer validated).
Feb 01, 2015 at 01:02 AM
Stages power meter....thinking of adding some aluminum foil between the battery and the door. Meter dropped its signal again tonight during intervals...I didn't want to get off the bike and remove the battery door so I just reached down and pushed against the door with my thumb and it regained the signal...
Feb 01, 2015 at 01:20 AM
Stages power meter....thinking of adding some aluminum foil between the battery and the door. Meter dropped its signal again tonight during intervals...I didn't want to get off the bike and remove the battery door so I just reached down and pushed against the door with my thumb and it regained the signal...Probably interference from that big old radio transmitter you run to keep the black helicopters from listening to that free radio you get from your fillings...
Feb 01, 2015 at 01:28 AM
@Yacks, I've got extra gaskets if you think that might help.
Feb 01, 2015 at 03:58 AM
a quick google leads me to believe that aluminum conducts electricity, making aluminum foil a poor choice for placement next to a battery. you should go for plastic wrap?
regarding wireless signal loss with your stages, you seem to have this problem a lot. as someone who is probably going to get a stages in the coming year or two, i have some questions:
- are you riding indoors when you experience the worst signal loss? maybe there is interference from other more powerful wireless signals in your routers and whatnot.
- do you experience the same amount of signal loss outdoors?
- are you using it in bluetooth mode or ant+ mode?
- what device are you sending the data to? phone? garmin? abacus?
Feb 01, 2015 at 05:35 AM
the problem has not been profound...I use a cateye computer and ant+ The problem is likely due to the cheap dollar store batteries...they seem a bit slimmer than the quality batteries u may find at a Radioshack.
Feb 25, 2015 at 05:32 PM
Fascinating discussion of heat and its effects on rims and tires, both tubular and clincher
http://velonews.competitor.com/2015/02/bikes-and-tech/technical-faq/technical-faq-hot-tires-rims-oman_361634
http://velonews.competitor.com/2015/02/bikes-and-tech/technical-faq/technical-faq-hot-tires-rims-oman_361634