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I agree with you, but removing technology arms races from mainstream sport is a lost cause. The controversy around Nike's carbon plate in running shoes, and Spe
by tweetle_beetle 6y ago
I agree with you, but removing technology arms races from mainstream sport is a lost cause. The controversy around Nike's carbon plate in running shoes, and Speedo's polyurethane mix fabric suits show that not even the simplest sport are safe from it.
However... there are still a few niches.
> Maybe there is a market for racing and events where you're only allowed steel-framed, canti brakes, SiS index shift monstrosities? Like one of those sub-$1k car rallies or something.
You've kind of just described Keirin [1], as a philosophy, if not the specifics. The Secret World of Japanese Keirin Racing is a good introduction if you're curious.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keirin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keirin
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_lJLI-O-M0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_lJLI-O-M0
- veggieburglar 6y agoMmm I miss scouring the internet for NJS parts. Wish my track bike hadn’t been stolen....
- JNRowe 6y agoI wasn't suggesting removing all technology, as I agree that wouldn't work even if I wanted it. I just liked idea of a parallel low technology track fighting the good fight against pointy helmet disc-wheeled ten rider weeknight TT. Something odd just for fun, like the 24 Hours of LeMons¹ on beaters from the shed. I'm kind of aware of Keirin from watching track, but wasn't aware of the depth in the local market. That Chris Hoy video was great, thanks! ¹ https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/24_Hours_of_LeMons https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/24_Hours_of_LeMons