Originally Posted by
FBinNY
That seemed like a good idea to Modolo a few decades back. Nice levers, with easily changed cams to fit a variety of systems. Lasted a few years, but wasn't sustainable. Since it's almost impossible to get OEM spec for levers only without the derailleurs, you're stuck trying to amortize big front end costs across a very limited sales base, putting you at a permanent competitive disadvantage.
I would've thought these days there'd be enough folks frustrated with having to replace entire brifter pairs for drivetrain changes instead of one little part in the right shifter, there'd be a decent market for a future-proof solution, and the legal side would be what puts the kybosh on it.
Anyway, I reckon the only way forward on this is the wikishifter. Bring it, peeps!
Think of it - how sweet are Shimano DT levers? Do they ever fail? Get those guts in an Ergolever and you have pure win.