Who needs gears when you have a fluid drive system

Eventually we will get to an electronically controlled infinite range belt driven transmission.

(Err . . . didn't the Model T have something similar)?

How many blades do you really NEED in your razor? I was very happy with two.

You can buy an automobile with 500 hp. Who needs 500 hp? Not many. Who wants 500 hp is another question all together. I didn't think there was any real advantage to a 10 speed over a 9 speed, until I started riding one. Yet, my Mt Bike runs an 8 speed just fine, thank you. Hell, all I really need is a single speed, but I want more. I have a 6 speed on the trainer and took it out for a road ride a few weeks ago. It felt so inferior to what's availalbe now. If it was the only bike I had or could afford, I'd be happy just to have it. For now, however, I'm happy with the 8, 9 & 10 speed set ups I have and feel fortunate to have 'em.

We need the extra gearing so when our computers with cadence, HRMs, and GPS are all in synque, we can maintain our effort with only .000000000000000000000000000000001% change in heart rate by shifting.

Coming from an MTB background- I have always been happy with a gear cluster that has plenty of Big Gears. In 8 speed I can get a 34 but the rest of the plenty aren't there So 11/28 is the one I use for the hills. Just grind away in 22/28 for a long time.

So then came the 9 speed and an 11/32 or 12/34. Just gave me sensible ratios on those big cogs.

But then I went road and 12/27. Believe it or not- I like plenty of gears but the large spacing on the 3 largest cogs have started to be a nuisance. 12/25 is nice- but I could still do with a 27 for the steep bits.

So providing those 11t cassettes are going to be availble in 12/27 and not only in 11/22- I reckon it might be worth a try.

What am I talking about!!!!!!-- It doesn't matter how many gears I have on the bike(s) I only ever seem to want one of them. Just a pity it is always one lower than I am using.

And those wonderful people at Campagnolo can lead us far beyond eleven cogs and a thin chain. "Every drivetrain component has been redesigned to make 11-speed work: Ergopower Ultra-Shift mechanism, front and rear derailleurs, chain, cassette, chainrings and crankset."

You think 11 speed is bad? This reminds me of a posting by the late Captain Bike (see http://www.sheldonbrown.com/carapace.html#thin ):

The basic problem that has not been solved yet is there currently is no solution available for the rider who wants:

1. gear inch range from 20gi to 120gi
2. step changes of 5-7% between shifts
3. a minimum of cross shifting

Any step towards that nirvana would be good. Somewhere I saw where Shimano has a 14 casssette patent.

All you need is 2 bikes. :innocent: