Food for thought: If I see the earth as flat, I solve how the sun and moons movement through the sky in a very different way then if I believe the earth is curved like a beer can or round like a ball.
The same applies to the problem solving on bicycles. If you believe Cables, Spokes, and Chains stretch, (Because you see they get longer) then you solve the problem with flat earth methods. If you know how each of these get longer then you can formulate solid solutions, communicate to customers more effectively, and take care of cyclist needs better.
Bolts do stretch! Cables will stretch when you can push a shift lever with 300 pounds of force, chains will stretch when you can put 2000 pounds of force into a crank arm with out breaking off the pedal, or sheering the chainring bolts, spokes will stretch when you have a 1/4 thick steel rim that the nipples can not pull through. All current steel, aluminum and carbon rims will allow the spoke nipple to pull through the hole before the spokes reach stretching force. So how do cables, chains and spokes get longer????
More importantly, how do we prepare bikes, and cyclist so that bicycles need fewer adjustments and last longer?
If you are willing to explore beliefs, test your hypothesis, and come up with solid evidence, Then you are ready to see the bicycle mechanics world in more complex way.
Send me a note,
Christopher Wallace
Bicycle Guild