Originally Posted by
ThermionicScott
Similar things have been said about indexed shifting, electronic shifting, and having more than 6 cogs on the rear. Sooner or later, it will be foisted on the mainstream market whether "we" want it or not.
It is the "we want it" part that makes the difference. All the other things were an improvement, Indexed, STI, more gears and yes even electronic shifting, so people wanted them and were willing to pay to get them. They existed alongside the other choices consumer could make and they made them and dropped the market for 5 and 6 speed freewheels, friction shifters and lugged steel frames. The autoshifters and even shaft drive bikes have been around and so far have not gained the "I want one" factor from the public. It could be the weight and it could be because they don't work all that well but they aren't likely to be foisted on anyone in the real near future.