Re: [CR] Now: racing bike weight, was: Slimming a nuovo record bike ...

(Example: Framebuilding:Technology)

From: <NortonMarg@aol.com>
Date: Sat, 6 Dec 2003 11:36:45 EST
Subject: Re: [CR] Now: racing bike weight, was: Slimming a nuovo record bike ...
To: heine93@earthlink.net, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


In a message dated 12/6/03 7:28:26 AM Pacific Standard Time, heine93@earthlink.net writes:
> I am wondering why racing bikes go through "lightweight" phases,
> usually followed by phases of "we don't care about weight."
>

There is an old racing maxim, that works for almost all forms: To finish first, you must first finish.

Part of Tullio's philosophy was "Professionals are using my products to make a living" or words to that effect. Reliability, robustness and (since he was a team mechanic) ease of overhaul were more important than being the lightest.

I don't think anybody ever used Fiamme Ergals for Paris-Roubaix.

Stevan Thomas
Alameda, CA