What needs changing on bikes?

[ExBrit]

I wasn't so much thinking braking but a really efficient dynamo that will recharge the battery, but seeing as my battery takes 6-7 hours to charge from flat on 240v I'm guessing we're a ways off that yet!

I was thinking the same thing. But my dynamo outputs 3W and my battery has a 540Wh capacity so it would take 180 hours to charge off the dynamo. An 18W solar panel would need 30 hours of bright sunshine. What about a Tesla super-charger port? At 250kW that would give a full charge in 8 seconds!

 

[simongt]

According to the late Mike Burrows, the only 'new' invention for bikes was the clipless pedal in it's various forms.
Everything else, he reckoned had already been done, but lacked either the suitable materials and / or the techno knowhow to make it work properly.
Was he right - ?

 

[classic33]

Fairings on road bikes.

Indicators.

Heated saddles.

or

 

[Cycleops]

According to the late Mike Burrows, the only 'new' invention for bikes was the clipless pedal in it's various forms.
Everything else, he reckoned had already been done, but lacked either the suitable materials and / or the techno knowhow to make it work properly.
Was he right - ?

I don't know, maybe he passed before Shimano brought out electronic shifting, one of the biggest cons perpetrated on the cycling community.

 

[ExBrit]

I don't know, maybe he passed before Shimano brought out electronic shifting, one of the biggest cons perpetrated on the cycling community.

Electronic shifting is amazing because... um... hold on, I know this one.

 

[simongt]

maybe he passed before Shimano brought out electronic shifting,

He died a couple of years ago.

 

[simongt]

However, Burrows was a fanatic about chains being the only thing to use on the drivetrain. 'Shafts belong on a milling machine' he would oft quote.
My view is that both shafts & belts have their place depending on the type of bike if you're not that fussed about maximum efficiency.

 

[Profpointy]

More standardisation ie seat posts to be similar sizes to reduce waste.

It would be fair enough if there was small, medium & large say, but when there are variants a tenth of a millimetre out and even with a vernier you're doubting yourself it's getting a bit silly

 

[Roadrat77]

A force-field and front and rear machine gun turrets.

 

[Mike Ayling]

I want a sun block that is also an insect repellent, an energy gel, and chain lube. Oh - and a butt cream too. I don't need it to be a hair gel anymore. Would it be too much for it to be a good toothpaste too?

As a toothpaste it would taste terrible!

 

[Drago]

Vibrating massage saddles.

On the fly variable geometry handlebars.

Velcro clipless, carpet slipper compatible.

Water bottles integrated inside the frame.

Caterpillar tracks on MTBs.

Twin disc front brakes.

Front wheel drive.

The return of cranks and linkages instead of chains.

 

[biketrailerguy]

Indicators.

Made a set for mrsbtg's bike about 4 decades ago.
Magnetic locking in both parked and operational modes
Current sensing to detect blown bulbs (pre leds)
Audible feedback of system function (different pulsed tones for L/R)

 

[ColinJ]

And make the fairings of a translucent material you can see through to spot potholes. Full fairing would boost most riders average speeds by at least 6-10 mph rendering e-bikes obsolete.

A fairing wouldn't help much on climbs like this (25% ramp!) ...

 

[tyred]

ABS.

It's already been done. Ride a rod braked roadster in the rain and you won't lock the brakes.

 

[Drago]

Active variable geometry stems. The faster you go, the lower your bike tucks you in.

Hydraulic drivetrains.

Propeller drive.