JackTheLadd

Sorry if this has all been posted elsewhere before, but this is the first time I've seen this information and I thought others might be interested too.

Here is a preview of some 2008 Shimano developments (Is that lowly Sora I see before me at the top of the page?? ): https://www.cyclingplus.co.uk/newsdetails.asp?id=670

the beef

Dang, I was hoping they'd get rid of those durned thumb shift levers.

Cool, though. The new Sora cranks look nice.

Mike552

Nothing exciting... I was really expecting 11 speed.
The SORA does look good though.

cs1

Why, it's the only thing Shimano has that shifts like Campy. I was hoping they would bring thumb shifting to all the groups.

Tim

botto 

Why would they want to take a step backwards?

rha600

I like these wheels and hubs. the old pulstar hubs on my mtb are made so the spokes go in straight like that. I know I noticed a huge difference on them compared to the standard design.

domestique

Why do you hate cycling heritage?

botto 

STI came out +/-3 years before Ergo. How do you like them apples?

Grasschopper

So Ergo must be a step forward then.

botto 

It's always easier to follow than it is to lead.

msheron

I really wished they would offer some bling like colored hoods. I know, that is shallow thinking but Campy had colored hoods.

jamiewilson3

If you are willing to buy some injection mold platens, I can make you some that are custom to any color that you want.

msheron

I would hate to see a cost associated with that. I am thinking economical for my pocket book. Any ideas what injection molds would cost?

botto 

1,000,000 $

msheron

Where's minny me?

GuitarWizard

+1

Grasschopper

Depends on how good you want them to look and how many slides they would need. I am guessing it wouldn't be too hard but you are still looking at $20k-$40k for the molds...but once those are done that parts would only be like $.50 each if that....sell 10k of them on the open market and you break even.

GuitarWizard

If Shimano didn't have a patent on the way their shifters are set up, do you honestly believe Campy would use a thumbshifter?

Too bad Campy didn't get ahold of SRAM's engineers

Grasschopper

All I know is that I vastly prefer everything about the Ergo lever. The shape, the size, the function, the weight, the cost, the asthetics, the repairability. There isn't a single thing I prefer about the STI lever...so I think Campy got it right.

GuitarWizard

Then you'd probably really like SRAM then.

Grasschopper

Probably...but I already have Campy hubed wheels and the SRAM levers cost way too much (unless I haven't seen the good deals on them). If I was still on Shimano I would probably go to SRAM before Campy due to the shared rear hub splines saving me the money of the wheel change.

GuitarWizard

I got a complete Rival groupset for $589 shipped

JackTheLadd

Not to argue, Grasschopper, but I think they could do quite well off "custom-coloured" brake hoods, e.g.: https://www.branfordbike.com/brake/brk4.html#item1

Quijibo187

so you enjoy paying $500 more? sure the ergos on their own are cheaper, but the rest of the equpment more than makes up for that.

jamiewilson3

I would quote probably 10k for the molds. This would be the cost assuming that the design work was done pro bono. Only paying for the blank molds plus the machining of the design at a machine shop. A small injection molder can be had used for 30k or so.

As shown below, it is viable - branfordbike.

My LBS manager actually wants to do this, and has brought it up before. All the project needs is:

1) a good ME
2) who loves cycling
3) with allot of cash to play with

I qualify for 2 of the 3. The easy 2.