If every nation in the world decided to ban nuclear weapons and abandon nuclear energy, would scientists continue their work on understanding and harnessing the power of the atom?
Of course they would. They're scientists: They want to know what's possible and knowable.
Likewise, if some ruler decided to model his or her country after Plato's Republic, poets would be banned. But would they stop writing or chanting?
Of course not. At least, no real poets would.
Following this thread of logic, doesn't it make sense that just because the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) won't allow road bicycles lighter than 6.8 kilograms (14.9 pounds) in sanctioned races, someone won't restrain him- or her- self from creating an even lighter bike?
Of course it does. And that is exactly what Canyon, the largest direct-to[consumer bicycle company, has done. Two weeks ago, it released the Canyon Factory Racing (CFR) version of its "Ultimate" road bike.
It weighs a wispy 6.2 kilos, or 13 pounds, 11 ounces.
Now, it may not appear in the Tour or Giro or Vuelta, whenever they resume--unless, of course, the UCI changes its rules. But I am sure that someone out there simply must have it. Hal Ruzal, the recently-retired maven of Bicycle Habitat, once told me that whenever the lightest bikes from Specialized (S-Works) or Cannondale or whomever came to his shop, people with fat enough wallets (or high enough credit cards limit) bought them. "They think those bikes are going to get them over the hill in Central Park," he quipped.
Still, though, I don't mind that someone is trying to make ever-lighter bikes, even if they're not allowed in races--or if I don't intend to buy one myself, even if I get rich.
Of course they would. They're scientists: They want to know what's possible and knowable.
Likewise, if some ruler decided to model his or her country after Plato's Republic, poets would be banned. But would they stop writing or chanting?
Of course not. At least, no real poets would.
Following this thread of logic, doesn't it make sense that just because the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) won't allow road bicycles lighter than 6.8 kilograms (14.9 pounds) in sanctioned races, someone won't restrain him- or her- self from creating an even lighter bike?
Of course it does. And that is exactly what Canyon, the largest direct-to[consumer bicycle company, has done. Two weeks ago, it released the Canyon Factory Racing (CFR) version of its "Ultimate" road bike.
It weighs a wispy 6.2 kilos, or 13 pounds, 11 ounces.
Now, it may not appear in the Tour or Giro or Vuelta, whenever they resume--unless, of course, the UCI changes its rules. But I am sure that someone out there simply must have it. Hal Ruzal, the recently-retired maven of Bicycle Habitat, once told me that whenever the lightest bikes from Specialized (S-Works) or Cannondale or whomever came to his shop, people with fat enough wallets (or high enough credit cards limit) bought them. "They think those bikes are going to get them over the hill in Central Park," he quipped.
Still, though, I don't mind that someone is trying to make ever-lighter bikes, even if they're not allowed in races--or if I don't intend to buy one myself, even if I get rich.
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