Originally Posted by
DiscTruckerMF
(snip) First and foremeost, a lot of you may know a ton about bikes but you may not know a lot about business. I know for a fact that half of the reason that Shimano has all these different levels is simply to create a PERCEPTION of value and luxury. (snip)
Hate to say it - but you're living in a complete fantasy world. Shimano provides training videos on all its components outlining the significant differences and how to properly set up and service each one. Some of the differences are not immediately obvious - they're all significant. You're also in a bicycle forum where some people here manage and run their own shops successfully. My own background includes several years as a senior business analyst for one of the largest aircraft companies in the world. I'm in the cycling industry now cause I LIKE it. Don't know what your own business background is but its not coming across as anything but superficial.