The Herald-Sun Aug 24, 2004 : 9:25 am ET The 2004 summer Olympics in Athens have already seen some exciting race results in cycling. After leaving the Tour de France because of a back injury, Tyler Hamilton won the United States its first-ever gold medal in men’s road time trial. Axel Merckx, son of the legendary five-time Tour winner Eddie Merckx, earned a bronze medal in the men’s road race. Anna Meares and the Australian pursuit team have each broken world records in the velodrome and they aren’t even finished racing yet. And all this has happened on skinny tires […]
Column: Single-speed bicycles give rider more feel of the road
Phillip Barron The Herald-Sun August 10, 2004 12:10 pm DURHAM — When I was a kid, riding a bicycle with multiple gears was something for adults. My blue banana-seat cruiser had only one gear at the rear wheel. I admired my dad and the older neighborhood kids who could change gears, go faster and ride greater distances. I dreamed about the day when I’d share that privilege. My first 10-speed didn’t just make it easier to climb hills, it confirmed my maturity. Today, the term “10-speed” sounds dated. Bicycle manufacturers cram gears onto bikes allowing riders to select from as […]