Originally Posted by
zatopek
I've never ridden electronic. My friends who ride electronic swear by it. I'd be happy to try it but do not want it on any of my road bikes. One of the most appealing aspects of bikes is their simplicity. My little brain seems to be able to comprehend the mechanical aspects of bikes such that I can build my own bikes and execute any needed repairs. I'd like to keep it that way. My objection to electronic is philosophical.
If a shifter or derailleur breaks on you, are you going to take it apart, replace the broken bits and reassemble or are you going to replace it in entirety? I know that it's possible with some Campy gear, but I think that the most common practice, by a wide margin, is to replace the broken component in entirety, so I don't see how this goes in to the W column for mechanical groups.