One Response to “Shimano Europe director talks electronics”

1. 1 Guitar Ted  on Mar 13th, 2006 at 11:45 am

   Well, this is a slippery slope. Where will it end? I can forsee how a system could now be developed that would integrate into a rider’s physiological data, wherein a transponder could be set up to take in data from a riders heart rate and power output, for example. This data then could be used to actually control the gear selected instead, of the rider controlling it. This would keep the rider in the optimum power range for the course conditions and desired speed.

   Electronic shifting already promises to eliminate “pilot error” when selecting gears, by eliminating a direct mechanism from the rider to the derailluer. Doesn’t this sound a bit like F1? Does anyone see what happened financially to that sport?

   I think the UCI has a point here. There must be boundaries. Without them there is no (financial/technological) discipline. He who has the most research and developement dollars wins. I, for one, would not want to see the day when technology takes over the sport. I’m not so sure that they shouldn’t take away their radios. A race should be won on the road by a rider using his own faculties, not the advice of a coaching brigade in his ear.

   Ahh me! I am afraid I am but a retro-grouch! But at least I know what I like!

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