Quote:
Originally Posted by krayzie
An analogy is like how they are now making 11 speed groupsets for bicycles with electronic shifters and auto trimming. I think they just need something seemingly cutting edge to sell with no real performance benefits.
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I love this quote!! I might have to partially borrow this phrase/idea, then again I've been thinking this the last few years.
I work in the bicycle industry, so components are always on my mind. Electric shifting = is heavier then mechanical. I am perfectly content with my 9spd or 10spd mechanical set ups. A 1x11 set up does have some benefits (lighter then 2x10 set up) , however the negatives are that you don't have a higher(big ring gear) gearing when pedaling down hill (fire-road, etc) , and much of the wear is concentrated on the one chain-ring (and chain).
Sram pushed the envolope to a Mtn 1x12 set up, but again this falls in line with what you were saying about offering more gearing (more technology) without much of a significant performance benefit (over 1x11) . I also come from the perspective of I'd rather be riding mechanical set up over electric for two main reasons : 1. mechanical is less $$ (also less weight…..but $$ is more important)). 2. if you are stuck 10+miles away from civilizations, and something goes array with your electric shifting ( dead battery, etc) you're SOL. In a mechanical set up, bring one extra shift cable (weighs 2oz) in case you have a shift cable issue on the road (this can be swapped out on most bikes with in 5 minutes…. then rolling again…shifting sweet…..
Speaking of shifting, the people here who bought manual transmissions did so on purpose( what ever those reason(s) are ) . The whole idea of 5-10+ years from now, all cars will be Autos, or auto driving, etc. Even if that is 90% the case , it will primarily be on econo (sub-compact/ compact) , vans, sedans…etc. In my eyes, a real sports car has got to be offered in manual gear box, period.