Originally Posted by
joebrew
STI shifting, though complicated and far superior to downtube shifting, was a mechanical innovation. Were Sram, Campy, or Shimano to come along to do with a similar mechanical innovation, I would likely endorse it. It's the fact that Shimano has replaced a human-powered mechanism with a battery-powered mechanism that troubles me.
Exactly. And what troubles me is the fact the Shimano replaced humans simply holding the cables in their hands and tugging them to get the right tension with silly little levers and ratcheting pawls. I'm very troubled by the replacement of human-regulated mechanisms with mechanical regulation.
Don't even get me started on gears and pneumatic tires and cranks. btw here is a picture of me on my bike:
Frankly I'm surprised more people don't agree. I figured BF would be more traditionalist.