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From: bhilden@druhi.UUCP (HildenbrandBE)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: Dirty Water Bottles, etc.
Message-ID: <228@druhi.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 8-Nov-85 12:33:11 EST
Article-I.D.: druhi.228
Posted: Fri Nov  8 12:33:11 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 10-Nov-85 08:20:57 EST
Organization: AT&T Information Systems Laboratories, Denver
Lines: 54

As US Olympic Team mechanic Bill Woodul used to say:

	Alloy is TOY but, Steel is REAL

This slogan pertains to many items on one's bike, not
just water bottle cages. 

On the subject of water bottle cages, I must admit that
I once had an alloy cage on my bike for about 2 weeks until
common sense prevailed and I went back to my old standby, the
TA steel cage.  I have heard and seen several incidents where
cyclists reached for their water bottle and got a little more
than they expected(i.e. the old bottle and cage combo).  Also,
the alloy cages do mark up your water bottle, steel doesn't.

TIRADE ON!

As for alloy in general, it amazes me how a large number of cyclists
put alloy parts on their bikes where there is little effect on
performance ----BUT---- there is a definite effect on reliability.
I'm talking about stuff like alloy crank arm bolts(come on now!!!),
alloy toe clips(you have got to be kidding),  seats with alloy rails
(frontal lobotamy cases only), alloy headsets and, water bottle cages,etc.
Except for the toe clips(which are undoubtebly little moving weight) 
there is NO(i.e. none) increase in performance but a busted crankarm bolt
or toe clip can ruin your day or race.  The cyclist may gain a 
psycholigical advantage but this is not rotating weight --> a few extra
pounds lost by the cyclist would be more advantageous from the performance
standpoint anyway.

However, this is the United State of America, where equipment makes all
the difference and actually training on your bike just cuts down on the
time you could spend down at the local shop getting technical info on the
latest nylon headset.

Take a look at the Colombian National Team, you would not believe the
equipment they race on and how many Coors Classics have they won?

Of course there are a few exceptions.  Aerodynamic wheels have proven
to provide a large advantage especially in time trial events.
Alloy pedal cages are a must in criteriums(when you hit a pedal they
shave and you stay up).

There are a few cases where added weight provides an advantage.  The
best example I can think of is heat treated rims.  They are worth their
weight in gold!

I could go bonkers discussing the merits of titanium components but,
anybody with enough money to afford that stuff is probably beyond
reason.

TIRADE OFF!

Bruce Hildenbrand