Dropper posts for every bike?

On 11/28/2019 11:26 PM, Jeff Liebermann wrote:
On Thu, 28 Nov 2019 02:28:32 -0800, sms
wrote:

On 11/27/2019 2:41 PM, John B. wrote:

snip

P.S. Perhaps control of the dropper could be integrated into the
electric shifting and bikers could have the best of both worlds.

You're not thinking big enough. With a proper GPS integrated, as well as
torque sensors and angle sensors, control of the dropper could be fully
automated with no need for the rider to manually control the height.
It's one more step on the road to a self-driving bicycle.

You're also not thinking big enough. With the invention of
articulated sprung suspensions, and motorized seat positioning, the
next logical step in the evolution of the bicycle should be to
motorize and computerize everything that can possibly be adjusted.
That would be adjustable handlebar geometry, stem angle, stem length,
crank length, telescoping frame tubes, etc. Of course, such radical
innovations cannot be considered without a suitable problem being
contrived. I propose that the problem that all these solve is a
better fit, not just for the rider, but for the road conditions,
situation, and style of riding. Instead of owning individual bicycles
for road, track, dirt, gravel, acrobatics, electric assist, comfort,
and show, a fully adjustable geometry bicycle could rapidly be
switched from one mode of travel to another. For example, you're
plodding along on your daily commute in a rather conservative commuter
configuration, when you are challenged to a race. Rather than ride
home and return with your road bicycle, you punch a few commands on
your BT connected smartphone, and instantly your frame geometery
changes into something like a road racer. You win the race, punch a
few buttons, and arrive back in the conservative commuter
configuration. Such adjustable geometry can also be used to
compensate for small limb length discrepancies. With a little
imagination, making all the components adjustable will be
revolutionary (or revolting).

Anyone using a non-dropper seatpost is standing in the way of human
progress.

Ummm... it's bicycle progress, not human progress. It's the bicycle
that is changing, not the rider.





You left out electric charge reactive finish color control
(like window tints). The computator could make your bike
invisibly camouflaged under various conditions.

--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org/
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

AMuzi wrote:

You left out electric charge reactive finish color control (like
window tints). The computator could make your bike invisibly
camouflaged under various conditions.

I didn't see him, officer!

On Fri, 29 Nov 2019 09:20:22 -0600, AMuzi wrote:

On 11/28/2019 11:26 PM, Jeff Liebermann wrote:
On Thu, 28 Nov 2019 02:28:32 -0800, sms
wrote:

On 11/27/2019 2:41 PM, John B. wrote:

snip

P.S. Perhaps control of the dropper could be integrated into the
electric shifting and bikers could have the best of both worlds.

You're not thinking big enough. With a proper GPS integrated, as well as
torque sensors and angle sensors, control of the dropper could be fully
automated with no need for the rider to manually control the height.
It's one more step on the road to a self-driving bicycle.

You're also not thinking big enough. With the invention of
articulated sprung suspensions, and motorized seat positioning, the
next logical step in the evolution of the bicycle should be to
motorize and computerize everything that can possibly be adjusted.
That would be adjustable handlebar geometry, stem angle, stem length,
crank length, telescoping frame tubes, etc. Of course, such radical
innovations cannot be considered without a suitable problem being
contrived. I propose that the problem that all these solve is a
better fit, not just for the rider, but for the road conditions,
situation, and style of riding. Instead of owning individual bicycles
for road, track, dirt, gravel, acrobatics, electric assist, comfort,
and show, a fully adjustable geometry bicycle could rapidly be
switched from one mode of travel to another. For example, you're
plodding along on your daily commute in a rather conservative commuter
configuration, when you are challenged to a race. Rather than ride
home and return with your road bicycle, you punch a few commands on
your BT connected smartphone, and instantly your frame geometery
changes into something like a road racer. You win the race, punch a
few buttons, and arrive back in the conservative commuter
configuration. Such adjustable geometry can also be used to
compensate for small limb length discrepancies. With a little
imagination, making all the components adjustable will be
revolutionary (or revolting).

Anyone using a non-dropper seatpost is standing in the way of human
progress.

Ummm... it's bicycle progress, not human progress. It's the bicycle
that is changing, not the rider.





You left out electric charge reactive finish color control
(like window tints). The computator could make your bike
invisibly camouflaged under various conditions.

Perhaps an aid to preventing bicycle theft - if they can't see it they
can't steal it - and one could have one of those remote fobs like a
car. Press the button and beep,beep, so one could locate their
invisible bicycle.

Ah the wonders of modern technology.
--
cheers,

John B.

On Sat, 30 Nov 2019 05:35:59 +0700, John B.
wrote:

On Fri, 29 Nov 2019 09:20:22 -0600, AMuzi wrote:

On 11/28/2019 11:26 PM, Jeff Liebermann wrote:
On Thu, 28 Nov 2019 02:28:32 -0800, sms
wrote:

On 11/27/2019 2:41 PM, John B. wrote:

snip

P.S. Perhaps control of the dropper could be integrated into the
electric shifting and bikers could have the best of both worlds.

You're not thinking big enough. With a proper GPS integrated, as well as
torque sensors and angle sensors, control of the dropper could be fully
automated with no need for the rider to manually control the height.
It's one more step on the road to a self-driving bicycle.

You're also not thinking big enough. With the invention of
articulated sprung suspensions, and motorized seat positioning, the
next logical step in the evolution of the bicycle should be to
motorize and computerize everything that can possibly be adjusted.
That would be adjustable handlebar geometry, stem angle, stem length,
crank length, telescoping frame tubes, etc. Of course, such radical
innovations cannot be considered without a suitable problem being
contrived. I propose that the problem that all these solve is a
better fit, not just for the rider, but for the road conditions,
situation, and style of riding. Instead of owning individual bicycles
for road, track, dirt, gravel, acrobatics, electric assist, comfort,
and show, a fully adjustable geometry bicycle could rapidly be
switched from one mode of travel to another. For example, you're
plodding along on your daily commute in a rather conservative commuter
configuration, when you are challenged to a race. Rather than ride
home and return with your road bicycle, you punch a few commands on
your BT connected smartphone, and instantly your frame geometery
changes into something like a road racer. You win the race, punch a
few buttons, and arrive back in the conservative commuter
configuration. Such adjustable geometry can also be used to
compensate for small limb length discrepancies. With a little
imagination, making all the components adjustable will be
revolutionary (or revolting).

Anyone using a non-dropper seatpost is standing in the way of human
progress.

Ummm... it's bicycle progress, not human progress. It's the bicycle
that is changing, not the rider.





You left out electric charge reactive finish color control
(like window tints). The computator could make your bike
invisibly camouflaged under various conditions.

Perhaps an aid to preventing bicycle theft - if they can't see it they
can't steal it - and one could have one of those remote fobs like a
car. Press the button and beep,beep, so one could locate their
invisible bicycle.

Ah the wonders of modern technology.

I just came across an "positively impossibly to steal" bicycle parking
scheme.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPHJqZr_ljg
--
cheers,

John B.

On Fri, 29 Nov 2019 09:20:22 -0600, AMuzi wrote:
You left out electric charge reactive finish color control
(like window tints). The computator could make your bike
invisibly camouflaged under various conditions.

It can be done with a camera, computah, and electrochromic or
paramagnetic paint as active camouflage:
https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=active+camouflage
https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=electrochromic+paramagnetic+pain t
https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=color+changing+car+paint
It would be easier if the bike frame and components were made from
glass or transparent plastic.

However, that begs the question why would you want an invisible
bicycle? Invisibility would make you an instant statistic and
accident victim. A much better use for a computerized bicycle would
be to improve the visibility of the bicycle and its rider using
contrasting color changes and illumination:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bike-Wheel-Lights-20-Bright-LED-String-for-Safe-Night-Rain-Cycling-Spoke-Attach-/162432780393
Ideally, it should also be possible for the rider to wear a color
changing vest. If riding next to a dark black car, the camera would
recognize that white would be a good contrasting color and light the
vest with white LED's. If riding next to a white colored car, black
might be useful, but I think a checkerboard pattern might be more
visible. Note that the vest need not contain its own power source or
computah. The camera, computah, and power system can all be part of
the bicycle of the future.

We return you now to the present reality, where the possibilities of a
bright, safe, and entertaining future are limited only by the
reactionary attitudes of those who perpetuate mediocrity through
simplicity, conservative design, rules, tradition, and
standardization. Were it not for these obstacles, bicycles would have
long ago been upgraded to rocket powered jet backpacks and other
futuristic transportation devices:
https://www.google.com/search?q=rocketeer&tbm=isch




--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

On Fri, 29 Nov 2019 13:54:08 +0700, John B.
wrote:

Ah but you are leaving out the most important modification - the final
act in the long history of the bicycle.
ELECTRIC POWER TO THE WHEELS!

I thought it best to avoid converting the bicycle into a moped,
scooter, or motorcycle. Electric versions of these overlap the eBike
to a large degree. Others have seen the danger inherent in
electrifying the bicycle and have imposed various restrictions, such
as power limitations, a pedal-assist designation, and road/lane use
restrictions, to keep bicycles in their proper place. I preferred to
see what could be done without electric motive power.

(think of it, never have to huff and puff up those hills again)

I've thought of it often, but my cardiologist insists that I resist
the temptation to motorize my life and continue walking, cycling, and
carrying firewood up my 50 stairs, rather than roller skating, eBike
riding, and building an escalator or conveyor belt. I'm told that
exercise is good for me, and so far, that's been accurate.

--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

On Sat, 30 Nov 2019 19:40:47 -0800, Jeff Liebermann
wrote:

On Fri, 29 Nov 2019 13:54:08 +0700, John B.
wrote:

Ah but you are leaving out the most important modification - the final
act in the long history of the bicycle.
ELECTRIC POWER TO THE WHEELS!

I thought it best to avoid converting the bicycle into a moped,
scooter, or motorcycle. Electric versions of these overlap the eBike
to a large degree. Others have seen the danger inherent in
electrifying the bicycle and have imposed various restrictions, such
as power limitations, a pedal-assist designation, and road/lane use
restrictions, to keep bicycles in their proper place. I preferred to
see what could be done without electric motive power.

(think of it, never have to huff and puff up those hills again)

I've thought of it often, but my cardiologist insists that I resist
the temptation to motorize my life and continue walking, cycling, and
carrying firewood up my 50 stairs, rather than roller skating, eBike
riding, and building an escalator or conveyor belt. I'm told that
exercise is good for me, and so far, that's been accurate.

I recently read a news item that said young people were queried about
how much they played computer games and it turned out that they were
playing computer games 4 - 5 hours a day. Exercise is obviously a
thing of the past for the younger generation :-(
--
cheers,

John B.

On Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at 10:04:33 AM UTC-6, Frank Krygowski wrote:
Should pro road racers use dropper posts?

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/worldto...11819293..html

If they do, it won't be long before anyone who uses an ordinary seatpost
will be scorned as a luddite.

--
- Frank Krygowski

I believe a dropper seatpost in professional road bicycle racing might be a safety benefit. Currently, racers descending a mountain will frequently put their groin and belly and chest onto the top of the toptube to become as aerodynamic as possible. This is a somewhat/definitely unsafe position to control a bicycle when descending. But with a dropper seatpost, the racer could get himself into the low aerodynamic position, AND remain seated on the saddle. Overall a much safer position to descend a mountain. So a dropper seatpost would be an easy safety enhancement for professional bicyclists. Who would be against increasing the safety aspect of professional bicycle racing?

On Sat, 30 Nov 2019 20:24:42 -0800 (PST), "
wrote:

On Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at 10:04:33 AM UTC-6, Frank Krygowski wrote:
Should pro road racers use dropper posts?

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/worldto...111819293.html

If they do, it won't be long before anyone who uses an ordinary seatpost
will be scorned as a luddite.

--
- Frank Krygowski

I believe a dropper seatpost in professional road bicycle racing might be a safety benefit. Currently, racers descending a mountain will frequently put their groin and belly and chest onto the top of the toptube to become as aerodynamic as possible. This is a somewhat/definitely unsafe position to control a bicycle when descending. But with a dropper seatpost, the racer could get himself into the low aerodynamic position, AND remain seated on the saddle. Overall a much safer position to descend a mountain. So a dropper seatpost would be an easy safety enhancement for professional bicyclists. Who would be against increasing the safety aspect of professional bicycle racing?

An interesting comparison of down hill "tucked" positions at
https://tinyurl.com/v6p39ft
--
cheers,

John B.

On 11/30/2019 11:24 PM, wrote:
On Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at 10:04:33 AM UTC-6, Frank Krygowski wrote:
Should pro road racers use dropper posts?

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/worldto...111819293.html

If they do, it won't be long before anyone who uses an ordinary seatpost
will be scorned as a luddite.

--
- Frank Krygowski

I believe a dropper seatpost in professional road bicycle racing might be a safety benefit. Currently, racers descending a mountain will frequently put their groin and belly and chest onto the top of the toptube to become as aerodynamic as possible. This is a somewhat/definitely unsafe position to control a bicycle when descending. But with a dropper seatpost, the racer could get himself into the low aerodynamic position, AND remain seated on the saddle. Overall a much safer position to descend a mountain. So a dropper seatpost would be an easy safety enhancement for professional bicyclists. Who would be against increasing the safety aspect of professional bicycle racing?

IMO, racers can do whatever is within the rules to win a race. But as I
said, it won't be long before anyone who makes a different choice than a
racer will be scorned, at least by some.

Over the years, it's happened with lycra clothes, helmets, clipless
pedals, 6 then 7 then 8 then 9 then 10 then 11 cogs, index shifting,
STI, aero wheels, carbon fiber, aero frames...


--
- Frank Krygowski