> And if per chance you had any problems with > your Trek spec'd Helicomatic on your extended > tour of the U.S. it would always be a piece > o' cake readily finding replacements in any > hamlet, town or city... > It's true that would be difficult. On the other hand, the Helicomatic concept was useful for racing bikes. You could switch from your straight-block to you mountain gearing in a matter of seconds without any difficulties whatsoever. Perhaps heavier riders broke spokes but none of my skinny racer friends with Helicomatics (nor I) had any problems with these hubs.
Of course limiting your market in that manner isn't always such a good idea for your business, either. I also have no idea how well these hubs held up under the stress of elite level racing. Anyway, I'm aware of the Helicomatic's shortcomings but I still appreciate the concept. Cheers, Fred Rednor - Arlington, Virginia (USA)
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