Comments

no no no. i'm not crying about it. I am trying to explain that not every company needs to sell 40,000 bikes in order to make an impact. And I'm not saying a bottomless pit of money will build the best bikes available. Its like a hobby for some bigger companies. they expressed that they had no intent of selling or pushing product. They just wanted an exercise in efficiency and technology in an area where a) they could develop and b) it was not already prevalent.

true that most progression happens in basements and garages and by people who push their own products... but why not see whats possible from the other side?

When honda stepped into the scene, framebuilders everywhere took note. Not because they wanted to steal the ideas.. not because they were afraid honda would shut them down... but for the same reason that you see concept cars. concept cars made by big companies are for showing progression, future technology, and drumming up interest. But remember that a lot of concept cars are nothing more than artists renderings - how many of you have drawn bikes that dont exist? its not about advancing design, its about doing what you like.

If your resources allow you to expand upon that, you do. I know. I can, and I have.

So Honda, being from the same neck of the world as oh, say, shimano, they probably like bikes too. And since this industry steals from the motocross sect, then... you see?

I guess, if you view it as a too-new too-young generation, you'll say they sucked for being private about everything and what. But that just means you missed the fire honda lit in magazines and cyclists - I remember magazines filled with ideas about how that internal drivetrain worked, because no one saw in.

DOnt you see? you dont need to explain technology to understand it. you dont need to know how to create it in order for it to be created. you need to spark the minds of those who will make it into something useable.

Think of all the gearbox bikes that exploded onto the scene shortly after the honda bike.

Or, think about who they got to ride. Chances are that half of the pro riders could be on any bike and be as fast as they are on any other bike.

Maybe honda was a placebo effect:
"Oh we have this new drivetrain that makes you faster... see?"
"can we see inside?"
"NO!!!"
"Ok, damn, time to make my own."

thats how technology and progression happen in the real world.

Honda did a lot for the sport. But not to the casual rider. not yet. and that was their point. and that is my point. you're not about to get a crazy frame from anyone like honda anytime soon.

but you might see more gearbox stuff. or maybe more specific tuning. or maybe lighter chassis. or whatever.

so. thats about it.