The postings thus far on this topic remind me of a conversation that took place at an Interbike several years back.This was when the BEAM concept was the new & revolutionary marketing rage.A friend of mine who is quite an avid bicycle historian was listening to the sales pitch for this new technological marvel & interrupted the gent midstream.My friend said that the concept had been developed back in the 19th century.The factory person making the presentation said that was not possible.Later my friend returned with an archive showing the concept.So it was revolutionary to the 90s.The 1890s. Nick" In not so new Atlanta,Ga" Zatezalo