Evolution of Disc Brakes
Summary Bicycle disc brakes use a hub-mounted rotor and frame- or fork-mounted caliper to create braking torque independently of the […]
History
Friction Shifting
Summary Friction shifting uses a continuously adjustable lever to control derailleur position without fixed gear stops. The rider moves the
Indexed Shifting
Summary Indexed shifting uses defined shifter positions to move a derailleur or internal gear mechanism between specific gears. In a
The Rise of Full Suspension — 1990s Breakthroughs
Summary The 1990s transformed full-suspension mountain bikes from experimental machines into viable production bicycles. Improvements in rear shocks, aluminum frame
Shimano’s Influence on MTB — From Deore XT to Di2
Summary Shimano has influenced mountain biking through purpose-built component groups, indexed shifting, trigger controls, clipless pedals, braking systems, chain-stabilizing derailleurs,
Advent of Carbon Frames
Summary Carbon-fiber bicycle frames emerged commercially in the 1970s and became increasingly important during the 1980s and 1990s. Unlike metals,
Birth of the Road Racing Groupset
Summary The road racing groupset developed gradually as component manufacturers began designing shifters, derailleurs, cranksets, brakes, hubs, chains, and sprockets
Birth of the Mountain Bike
Summary The modern mountain bike took shape in Northern California during the 1970s, when riders modified prewar balloon-tire cruisers for