I have to respond to the bitter derision against bicycle engineering expressed by Alec Rivers-Bowerman (Reader's Write DN 03.26.01). High- end bicycles may not be financially viable for everyone, but "used for highly esoteric purposes by a fanatical few?" Please! How is mountain biking esoteric compared to studying Victorian engineering?
I would hazard a guess that more people can enjoy a high-end mountain bike than will ever be able to afford a luxury automobile, but I don't hear any complaints about all the automotive features in DN. What's more, the technology found in today's high-end bikes trickles down to more pedestrian models much more easily than in other realms of engineering. Oil-damped suspension appeared on low-end bicycles in a matter of a few years after its application to the most expensive bicycles. Materials and quality control have improved to the point that today's $600 bicycle would have cost several thousand dollars just three or four years ago, and it will be lighter and last longer than ever before.
In a system that is as fundamentally simple as a bicycle, the innovation that Mr. Rivers-Bowerman scoffs at is all the more incredible! Almost anyone can ride a bicycle, and anyone who does is reaping the fruits of those engineers' labors. I would suggest that Mr. Rivers-Bowerman lighten up a little; go outside and ride a bike!
Greg Thrash
Mechanical Engineer
Santa Rosa, CA
Bike technology rules!
It is nice to see articles on advances in bicycle technology (DN cover story 02.26.01) in your magazine. Having designed mechanical actuators and positioning systems for many years, I can appreciate the engineering effort it takes to design and manufacture lightweight, yet durable, components.
These new mountain bikes are light, and have capabilities that any rider can appreciate. Modern mountain bikes make it possible for a 45-year-old with aching joints like myself to ride all day almost anywhere. When out on the trails, hikers are in disbelief that anyone can ride in terrain they are having trouble walking on!
As in automobile technology, advances in mountain bike racing technology are trickling down into consumer products. Now, anyone with about $1,000 can buy a sub 30-lb full suspension bike with disc brakes. Ten years ago such a bike didn't exist at any price.
Mitch Evans
Vice President
Velmex Inc.
Hollywood humor
While I've not seen any of the films you mentioned in your Breaktime column (DN 03.26.01), the "blatant disregard for physical law" aspect reminds me of those great old Road Runner cartoons! As for the specifications, why not have multiple exploding bombs? Think of the economic benefits! All the money that would be saved by not having to make a whole new bomb could certainly pay for all those tires that wear out from squealing on the dirt!
Thanks for including your feature "The Lighter Side of Engineering." A little humor goes a long way.
James Warner
Elmhurst, IL
Go figure!
Enjoyed your editorial on ladies' lingerie (DN 03.26.01). So did my wife after I defined a cantilevered load for her. Unfortunately, I'll never again be able to simply admire a woman's figure with-out considering the mechanics behind the form!
Larry Hazelton
Goodrich, MI
A hairy situation
What you described in your last sentence of your lingerie editorial is what I call simply "the hair trap." It goes like this:
Natasha: "Boris, do you like my hair today?"
Boris: "I am not sure, is it different than yesterday?" (Oops, wrong answer!)
Natasha: "I don't know, you tell me. Do you like it short or long?"
Boris: "Not sure. Do you like it short or long?"
Or hair trap part II:
Natasha: "I have this new perfume. Do you like it?"
Boris: "Nope."
Natasha: So, does this make me smell bad then?"
Boris: "No, I did not say that."
Natasha: "Well if you do not like the way it smells, it must smell bad—so all the times I wore it did I smell bad?"
Boris: (Stunned again!)
Sounds like Mr. Field has it all figured out!
Thanks for the "underwire" insight. When shopping for Natasha, I now know what to look for to avoid a potential "bra trap" which goes like this: "Why did you buy one too large? Do you think I am too small?"
Name withheld for obvious reasons!
A burning question
I liked your editorial. It only left one question unanswered. What is the answer you want your husband to give? Keep up the great work. Keep writing,
Mark Howard CDI
Editor's note. He's still trying to figure that out!
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