Wanted: A Need for Technology

I am sometimes resistant to use new technology, because buying new stuff for the sake of buying new stuff clashes with my frugal upbringing. As with most people living rich high-energy lives, most of my desires are Wants, not Needs.

But sometimes I can trick my cheap Calvinistic mindset. A timely Want instantly became a Need two weeks ago. I wrecked a 20-year old roadbike, and because of the upcoming MS-150 ride (please support here) was in need of a bike ASAP.

The new ride is smooth: wider 32 mm tires at 75 pai instead of 23 mm at 100 psi. Full carbon fiber instead of stiff aluminum. A wide-range cassette. Electronic shifting. Disk breaks with integrated cables. A “cockpit shock”. Wow!

After 250 miles I can also say it is on average 0.5 mph faster. This was a surprise. I thought more tire friction and an extra pound would be slower.

Why is it not? Lower tire pressure reduces the loss of momentum. While there is slightly more air drag, comfort and grip improve. Wider tires with slightly less air pressure reduce the bumpiness of the ride - or should I say for you frac’rs - they reduce tortuosity of the path.

Regardless of the cause, I am happy to report that this technological Need has reversed my 0.1 mph/year aging slide by about 5 years. You will see a lot more of my back (thank you, John for the photo) in the near future - until an urgent Need returns.