Originally Posted by
Wogster
... An area that could use some improvement with electronics is shifting, in that with modern precise shifting mechanisms, cables can easily get far enough out of adjustment that shifting no longer works. One possible electronic solution would be a box that sits at the junction of the down tube and seat tube, this unit is powered by a generator hub, the unit then sends power to the shifter which becomes a simple 3 pole switch, when the switch is moved to the shift-up position, a small stepper motor turns a preset amount, and pulls or releases a cable to the derailleur, since the cable is only about 1m long, it would better stay in adjustment. Adjustments would be made not to the cable, but via a dial on the control unit.
Shimano already has battery-powered cable-less electronic shifting. I actually kind of like the concept, because it permits one to locate multiple shift controls, e.g. one at every hand position along the drop bars, and it could be morphed into an integrated single-control system, if desired.
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069