Are we living in the Golden Age of Cycling? I think a case can be made for it.
I understand others have proposed the Golden Age of Cycling was in decades past. Please, consider my reasons for proposing that we might be living in that Golden Age. It is true that I was not living a century ago, but I have been involved in bicycles for over 5 decades. In that time, I have noticed some big changes – mostly for the better.
Overall, bicycles are more accessible and reliable than ever. Truly. That is big. Yes, I agree that bicycles can be expensive. The bikes that we dream about are astronomical in price. Consider the entry level bike instead. It is a reasonable price with components that are very effective. Let’s look at that in more detail.
Frame. An entry level steel or aluminum bike is reasonably light weight, constructed well and handles well. It has the same ‘standards’ as the more expensive frames. It is durable and enjoyable to ride.
Components. Handlebars, stems, seatposts, etc. are much better than in the recent past. In the past this is where the ‘house’ or generic brand parts were located, and they were bricks. They worked but were heavy and not well designed or constructed. Now, even the house brands have upped the ante and make nice parts.
More components. In the past it was friction shifting. I agree that there is nothing wrong with a well-adjusted friction shifter. Index shifting was introduced, but did not stay ‘in tune’ like it does now. In those days the mountain bike shifters had a lever to move from friction to index because it easily came out of adjustment. We spent time adjusting our gears (even when we ran friction). Now, it is pretty much ‘set and forget.’ Components – shifters, brakes, cables etc. – installed and stay adjusted for very long periods of time; often until it needs to be re-cabled. That is nice.
Wheels. In the past we were frequently trueing wheels. So often that we did not train on our race wheels (that is another story). I own a trueing stand from the early days and used it often in those days. Now, I still have that trueing stand and thankfully it has been collecting dust for a very long time. If I did not have an affection for it, I would have moved it along to clear some space.
Tires. Another area of great improvement. In the past we would train on cheaper and thicker rubber to minimize flats. Of course we were racing on tubulars back then. Yes, they were crazy narrow – 19-23 mm and pumped up like the competition was to see how much air you could fit in the tire. Regardless, flats were a common occurrence. Never did you run a tire from new to worn out without a flat. Never Ever. Nowadays – it happens. Durability is much better. Let us also mention, tubeless and wider widths – thank you for both. Durability, traction, and comfort improvements.
Handlebar Tape. Well, this one is different but not as much as the other components. There was a time when Cello-tape (read, thin plastic that was only there for color) was the fashion. I rode it for years. There was also cloth tape which was not much better. Then a friend introduced me to generic cork tape. What had I been riding? And why? Then I discovered Cinelli Cork Tape. Years later Cinelli Gel Cork tape. Cinelli Cork tape has been around for many years. There are more choices in handlebar tape now, but I am not sure I would say great improvement have been made there … but you might disagree. I have tried many but keep returning to Cinelli Gel Cork Tape. Regardless, Cello and cloth tape have fallen out of favor … good news. Today you have a great variety of options; all of which are better than cello or cloth tape.
Pedals. No more clips and straps. Clipless is available to all. Safer, easier. There is no need to clip in. Flat pedals are an option and are plentiful and well made with a larger platform than ever.
Shoes. Shoes are much better. I will show my bias. I have ridden SIDI since 1991. Before that I tried many brands, but once I discovered SIDI – no other brand exists. They make great performing and long-lasting shoes. You might have your preference also – but shoes have improved greatly from the days when you literally nailed a cleat onto the wood bottom of your shoe. No, I did get the ‘joy’ of nailing a cleat to my shoe, but I did use clips and straps.
Clothing. Light years ahead. I like the idea of wool, but my skin does not. Summer wear is lighter and more breathable. Yes! Winter gear is amazing – warm and wicking. In the past it was a struggle staying warm. Modern fabrics do a great job of blocking wind, staying soft, staying dry, staying breathable and being warm, but not too hot across a variety of temperatures. It has made winter riding much more enjoyable. When I was young, I had youth to counter the weather, now I have clothing.
Access. I say that access to bikes is better than ever. Yes, I agree that in some places there are less local bike shops. That is sad and I agree that is a negative. Overall, you can get what you want. Our world is more mobile so you can travel to a shop, or you can find anything online. You must know what you need to find it online because you cannot physically handle it online. That alone should make you miss the local bike shop. Even so, you do have access to parts even if you live in the most remote place in the world.
It is my premise that bicycles are more readily available at reasonable prices and are durable, stay in tune and are a joy to ride. Sure, the dream bikes might be more out of reach than ever … the same can be said for dream cars and dream houses. The standard, wonderful bike is abundantly available for the masses.
I appreciate the improvements in the bike, parts and reliability. I love my vintage bikes but am so very thankful for the many improvements.
Yes, I hear you. Bottom Brackets. Too many standards. I agree. The rebuild-ability of parts is non-existent; it is all just ‘throw away’ and replace me. I agree that is not a good direction. I miss the day when we simply had English and Italian threaded bottom brackets. I also miss the days when a handful of bearings and a container of grease could repair most anything.
That said, overall I still maintain that the improvements in weight, ride quality, reliability, comfort, speed etc. – are a great improvement.
Are we living in the Golden Age of Cycling? I vote that we are. But, I also hope that it will just continue to get better and that I will enjoy an even better age of cycling. I will be happy to be proved wrong if that means even more improvements in the future.
Your thoughts? Golden Age of Cycling? Surely you agree with my take on the improvements? Or am I missing the boat? What improvements are missing from my list? GPS, bike racks, eyewear, access to roads and trails, bags and camping/touring gear? What am I missing?
The nature of cars, phones, and driving are the only thing that is a negative against this being the golden age of cycling, at least as far as road/commuting cycling. More distractions inside the car leads to more distracted drivers. Ahhh, the good old days when reaching down into the passenger footwell to find that cassette tape and last can of Budweiser is all you had to worry about in that car racing up behind you…
I live in a part of the world which has never been particularly bike friendly. I wouldn’t say it’s bike averse but it certainly couldn’t be called a bike mecca. Despite this status, over the last 15-20 years I’ve witnessed the building of bicycle infrastructure, the formation of surprisingly strong and active pro-cycling groups and a level of normalization of cycling I never would have thought possible previously. It’s still far from ideal but no doubt we’ve made significant progress.
The availability of good quality and good value bikes has definitely helped. E-bikes and e-scooters have put an interesting spin on things as has the increased popularity of cargo bikes.
I’m going to cautiously say, yes, we are in a golden age of cycling. I’m slightly reticent to use the term “age” because it implies an end to all this progress at some point which would be most distressing. What I’m really hoping for is that we’re slowly but permanently baking bike culture into society to the point where it becomes an indelible component or stratum in our psyche like houses, streets, bus routes, kids soccer or the internet. I purposely avoided adding cars to that list.