A group of us were discussing bicycles and bemoaning the evolution that has brought the bike to its current design.
We were remembering when we could sit comfortably on a bike, spinal cords vertically aligned with our heads.
What committee decided that leaning forward in a bladder pinching crunch would be the ideal pedaling position? Did the committee take into account that, ideally, a cyclist's eyes should be focused on the road ahead and not the asphalt directly beneath the bike tires?
And just how were cyclists sold on the concept of a backward neck lock in order to keep the road ahead in view.
Standing on two feet, that same neck position would afford a view of nothing but the ceiling. Comfortable? I think not.
Seats should provide support - not wedge into uncomfortable places. - Handlebars should arch gracefully back toward the cyclist - not spiral downward like an inverted set of ram's horns.
Rodeos are the place for wedgies and grappling with horns. Bicycles are intended for comfortable transportation.
All in all, we decided, today's bicycle is a product of salesmanship, not superior engineering.
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