Cycling Innovations: The Wild Adventures of SRAM’s Advanced Development Team
Cycling is not just about pedaling down a smooth road; it’s a thrilling journey filled with innovation and experimentation. One area of cycling history that fascinates many is the groundbreaking inventions that have changed the game. From the first clincher tires to the latest electronic shifting systems, these innovations have transformed how we ride. But what happens behind the scenes? Let’s take a peek into the vibrant world of SRAM’s Advanced Development team!
A Peek Inside SRAM’s Headquarters
During a recent visit to SRAM’s Chicago headquarters, Kevin Wesling, the Director of Advanced Development, opened the door to a treasure trove of innovative projects. Surrounded by an array of fascinating prototypes, Wesling explained, “Some ideas are silly, but they help us figure out what works and what doesn’t.” This playful yet serious attitude is what drives the team to keep pushing cycling technology forward.
Fascinating Innovations and Nearly Missed Ideas
Wesling showcases prototypes that look wild yet intriguing. One of the first items he points out is a grip-shift system that SRAM was famous for. He explained how they initially focused on twist shifters, believing they were superior because they could shift multiple gears at once. As Wesling reminisces, “We avoided triggers for years, but the competition made us rethink our approach.”
One project designed for gear indication resembles a floating dial—a gadget that promised instant feedback about gear positions. Although it never found its way to consumers, its inventors learned valuable lessons through its development.
The Rollercoaster of Innovation
Not every innovation hits the mark. Wesling chuckled about one of their more “out there” creations: a voice-activated shifter helmet that recognized commands like “peanut butter” for upshifting and “jelly” for downshifting. It was a hilarious failure but also a reminder of the fun side of innovation. “Sometimes you have to build something to realize it’s a bad idea,” he noted, laughing at the absurdity of the concept.
Learning From Failure
Failures, however, are just stepping stones. They provide clues on what doesn’t work and inspire future designs. Wesling shared the story of their ambitious self-charging derailleur. It had a generator that could power itself while cycling, but it created so much drag that it was scrapped. “It was an amazing idea, but performance is key,” he said.
On the more successful side, projects like the DoubleTap shifting mechanism transformed modern bikes and made a big impact on the cycling community.
Final Thoughts: Innovate and Inspire
The journey through SRAM’s Advanced Development team shows us that innovation isn’t always a straight path. It involves creativity, laughter, and a willingness to explore the unknown. As cycling enthusiasts, we should embrace this spirit of innovation and remember that every failed concept could lead to the next great breakthrough.
So, the next time you hop on your bike, remember that behind those gears is a world of creativity and adventure—an exciting mix of success and learning opportunities. Keep pedaling and exploring! You never know what you might discover!
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