Fifty Plus (50+) - We were just talking about this

http://www.velonews.com/tech/report/articles/13022.0.html

Electric shifting with computer control appears to be farther along then we realized.

With all the "miniaturization" of electronics and technology, it is about time. Even after they perfect the system I'll have to wait till the price comes down.
peace

I know one person who won't be buying it. I don't even like indexing. :)

Ah yes, the simple joys of hopping on a bike and riding off......

They mentioned on the tech section of Versus' TV of the TdF that 5 riders were using the new electronic stuff. IIRC, both Campy & Shimano had riders using it. They showed a shot on one of the hoods and the number of the cassette gear was showing.

It seems to me they are trying to take the joy out of bicycle riding. Years ago Honda came out with a automatic motorcycle and it was a big flop. I think the same thing would happen if they put it on bicycles

With all the "miniaturization" of electronics and technology, it is about time. Even after they perfect the system I'll have to wait till the price comes down.
peace

+1 on the price coming down. Just like other electronics it will take a couple years before it's affordable for most people. I just hope they make it available before I'm too old to ride:)

I wasn't clear on whether these shifters were allowed on the Tour itself or other racing situations. Seems to me that part of being a racer (or any other biking) is the human judgment and technique and skill of shifting gears as well as pumping the pedals. If electric shifting were allowed what's next? Electric pedal pushing too?

Seems to me that there is very little benefit. It will be difficult to make it lighter, it still needs cables and now you have to be concerned that if your battery runs out your a fixi. Maybe if they get it to work wirelessly (that will be fun with crosstalk) and get rid of cables it might provide more advantage but I don't see why anyone would pay extra for it.

I think it's a great idea. All the OCP types will HAVE to have electronic shifting. This demand will lead to a flood of used, top end 10 speed stuff. That's when I move to 10 speed.
I'm not joking. My 8 speed Rockhopper now has XT shifters, brake levers and brakes along with LX derailers. All upgrades from the original Allivio/Tektro level for $65, and I still have the original components.

I know one person who won't be buying it. I don't even like indexing. :)

How 'bout a "fixie", Dawg? :D

How 'bout a "fixie", Dawg? :D

I'm going to build one someday. I have an old frame with horizontal dropouts. All I need to get is a round tuit. :)

Seems to me that part of being a racer (or any other biking) is the human judgment and technique and skill of shifting gears

How much less techniqueful can it get than STI? My bikes are all pretty much "click and snick" now. Maybe they could emplant electrcal contacts in your helmet so that just thinking about shifting will make your bike shift.

How much less techniqueful can it get than STI? My bikes are all pretty much "click and snick" now. Maybe they could emplant electrcal contacts in your helmet so that just thinking about shifting will make your bike shift.

Amen to that. Even indexed downtube and bar end shifters at least had a direct and simple connection to the derailleurs. You move the lever, the cable moves the derailleur which moves the chain. With the brake lever shifters the action seems so disconnected from the result. Electronic shifting would take that disconnection to the next level. I guess after that they'll use servo motors and computer chips to simulate the feel and feedback of a real shifter. :(

Listen to you guys! I bet you would have complained when they made the wheels the same size instead of one big one in front, and one little one in back!!!

Listen to you guys! I bet you would have complained when they made the wheels the same size instead of one big one in front, and one little one in back!!!

No. I like changes that make the experience of riding better, like clipless pedals for instance. :p

Just over a month ago, I finally took the plunge and bought a bike with indexed shifters. I'm sure they will have the bugs worked out of the electronic shifters when I get them in about 15 years.

I still like that, with my friction shifters (http://www.pbase.com/billd9/image/62586703.jpg), I can go from a 7 speed wheel set up for flat routes to an 8 speed for the hills without having to mess with the dérailleur.

How many new automobiles on the lots have "paddle shifters"? Are they better or are they just like "what the formula 1 boys use?


On the other hand, do you still churn your butter in a barrel? Do you have a push mower? Do you shovel snow?

Or...........................are your bike clothes made of dry wicking fiber and are your shorts "bibs"?


That seems one of the hardest parts of getting "old". Which of the new technologies should I embrace and which should I hate?

My understanding is that the batteries recharge quickly and have a battery gauge so you can see if its' low on juice. Running out of juice would be about the same as having a shifter cable break while out on a ride (which has happened to me a couple of times).

I get the feeling some people think this is some sort of automatic transmission, but you still shift gears, its just done electronically rather than through mechanics.

I too would rather see it operate wireless over wired. We'll see how the finished system works and how it looks.

The nice thing is that, to my knowledge, no one is forcing us to use any particular shifting system. We still get to choose. Granted, it's harder and harder to find older friction stuff and most of the local LBS will stay current with the market place while not stocking as much of the older technology as some might like. But, we still get to pick what we ride. My rides currently include friction shifting, indexed shifting (8, 9 & 10 speeds), and I suspect if they get the electronic system nailed down, I'll get one of those too.... assuming the price is something I can afford.

Listen to you guys! I bet you would have complained when they made the wheels the same size instead of one big one in front, and one little one in back!!!

So what's your point?

Go take some more photos for us old guys to drool over.

It seems to me they are trying to take the joy out of bicycle riding. Years ago Honda came out with a automatic motorcycle and it was a big flop. I think the same thing would happen if they put it on bicycles

I feel the same way about automatics vs clutches in cars.
No clutch = no fun.