Originally Posted by
rydabent
Nine speed gearing is only obsolete if you talk to component mfg. They want to sell you their new 10 and 12 speed stuff. Logically even 8 speed gearing with a triple has more gears than the ave cyclist will use.
I agree...
But my question is: Will I be able to buy high quality 9 speed components in 5 years?
My 20+year old Cannondale 7 speed has all the range I need -- but it seems I am only able to buy lower end component parts for it. If I want 105 or higher quality, I have to replace the whole groupset (which I can't do anyway because the chain stays are 126mm)
So on my Trek DS, I wouldn't want to invest in a higher quality 9 speed crank set then have to throw it away in 5 years because I can't replace the shifters, cassette, chain and derailers with SLX quality when they wear out...
Very frankly, I would be very happy keeping the whole bike 9 speed forever -- but it seems that the Shimano God has decreed that (quality) 9 speed stuff is riding off into the sunset like a cowboy on a 50's western...