Times do change - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

04-28-2004, 08:10 PM

I have had some thoughts/memories pass by me while I was reading the
aluminum/steel frame thread and the clipless vs toe straps thread.

I remember reading a number of articles in the old Bicycling Magazine, circa
1975, wherein 15 gear Touring Bikes were derided as having far too many
gears. The editor stated that 10 gears were plenty enough for even loaded
touring.

When they finally accepted that 15 gears were here to stay they began
touting a setup known as 'the half-step granny'. Anyone know if that setup
is still used very much. If I recall correctly it would have been something
like a 52-45-30 front and a 14-28 or 14 - 32 rear.

re. Aluminum vs Steel frames. It would make interesting reading to hear the
potential comments which could have been made way back when, when bike
frames and rims started to be made of metal instead of wood. Can't you just
imagine the comments posted to a newsgroup had one been available then.