The push for more gears in the back is for the pros who spend all day on their bike during a race. The more constant they can keep their cadence,the less energy they expend,and the better their chances at winning. The issue is when this starts to trickle down to the lower groupos used on bikes that are used for daily transportation. I wish the manufacturers would give more attention to the average rider than to the guy winning the TdF. Unfortunately,with all the money involved,I doubt it will happen.