Indexed shifting is a costly, inflexible, self-obsoleting, unreliable, overly complex technical solution to a nonexistent problem. Shimano and the bike shops are laughing all the way to the bank. [I am no luddite; I design integrated circuits for high-speed wireless communication systems, and I believe that advanced technology can solve many of today's pressing environmental problems. I also believe, however, that "less" sometimes is indeed "more," and there are places that minimalist engineering makes sense.]

Gene C and I have been discussing planned obsolescence and the throwaway society. Every time I ride my 24-year-old Bianchi, with its original derailleurs and shifters, or any of my bikes for that matter, I strike a blow for the freedom which comes from frugality, and I have a delightful time enjoying the aesthetics of the machine. (Over the years, my Bianchi, my Schwinn, and my Capo have gotten sincere compliments and admiring glances from mechanics and folks who really know classic bicycles and/or sports cars.)