• @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    83 months ago

    What a world we live in. Why on earth would you want these kinds of shifters in the first place? Seems like an easy thing to malfunction.

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      17
      edit-2
      3 months ago

      Easier indexing.

      Ability to trim each gear independently.

      Fine tuning so at each extreme on the cassette you don’t get chain rub on a front deraileur.

      Faster gear changes.

      No cables to stretch and also to give a cleaner look to the bike itself.

      Ability to mount the “shifters” wherever you like.

      Ability to run a wide range of different cassettes rather than just 11 speed for example.

      I’m with you in that it isn’t something I personally can see myself ever wanting and there are also many downsides such as the possibility of running out of battery, electrical malfunction etc. But there are many perfectly valid reasons for wanting the tech as well.

      • @[email protected]
        link
        fedilink
        33 months ago

        Yes, you’re right, of course. But yes, not practical for us regular bike users in most cases, I’d think!

        • @[email protected]
          link
          fedilink
          4
          edit-2
          3 months ago

          But at least right now they are only available in expensive bikes, so not something your average bike rider would buy anyways. I doubt you’ll see many electronic shifters on people’s commuter or city bikes.

          Unless they come down in price and go mainstream, it’s only two groups that buy them: actual athletes, where those marginal gains do make a difference and are worth the downsides, and enthusiasts with enough money to spare for their hobby. For the latter value or everyday practicability are probably less of a concern.