I have had some thoughts/memories pass by me while I was
reading the aluminum/steel frame thread and the clipless vs
toe straps thread.
I remember reading a number of articles in the old Bicycling
Magazine, circa 1975, wherein 15 gear Touring Bikes were
derided as having far too many gears. The editor stated that
10 gears were plenty enough for even loaded touring.
When they finally accepted that 15 gears were here to stay
they began touting a setup known as 'the half-step granny'.
Anyone know if that setup is still used very much. If I
recall correctly it would have been something like a 52-45-
30 front and a 14-28 or 14 - 32 rear.
re. Aluminum vs Steel frames. It would make interesting
reading to hear the potential comments which could have been
made way back when, when bike frames and rims started to be
made of metal instead of wood. Can't you just imagine the
comments posted to a newsgroup had one been available then.