Originally Posted by
mtu_bike
So if that was true, why then would anyone buy a bike with more speeds if it didn't offer an advantage? That makes no sense... just saying...
If you could find new-old 8 speed xt or 105, you might have a point, but the 8 speed components manufactured today are made of less durable materials. For example, the chainrings/cogs are made of soft alloys, the pulleys and links are not coated, and the bearings are not ceramic.