Originally Posted by
AlmostTrick
I know when you posted "Up until approx 1980 we had 10 speed bikes" you were actually referring to 5 speed freewheels at the rear.
I agree that there is little need or advantage for most riders to have 10 or more speeds in back. It costs a lot more and is not as robust as the 5-8, and even 9 speed systems. Thankfully, many of us are smart enough to not fall for the hype of every "advancement"... if you can call it that.
Up until sometime in the early '80s, higher math (multiplication) was generally understood by the cycling public. So referring to 2 X 5 as 10 was common. Now that requires the calculator function in one's pocket electronic device. It is easier and faster to just count cogs. There has been recent improvement in math skills though. Recent cyclists now can count beyond their fingers.
Ben