My daily ride is a ‘low tech’ bike from yesteryear! (I do have one with electric shifting, but it still has rim brakes.) For me I like to feel the effort of riding, see the cables pull, brake pads engaging the rims, I feel the road on slim tyres and respond to what I feel – it’s very much a two-way thing. The gear ratios are certainly on the heavy side too. I might be in the minority now, but I like it that way. Yes, I can jump on my other bike and know that a lot of R&D = a comfortable, fast ride for my effort, and I’m certainly paying £’s, to get an edge on this one. Disc brakes offer that extra bit of stopping security. And now we add power assist (e-bikes), into the mix. I’m not judging, if you’re getting out and enjoying the liberation of two wheels – does it matter? You can hide the cables in the frame, wear the latest ribbed socks and aero helmet – the industry will love you for it. But sit upright, on flat bars with a baggy jacket blowing in the wind – you can still have a smile on your face (and a slightly bigger bank balance). Until next time, #handlebars_haynes