Originally Posted by
asmac
I recently replaced my 9 speed triple crankset and was surprised at the lack of choice.
I understand that 9 speed is being phased out and was wondering if I should stock up or prepare for an inevitable "upgrade" to 10 or 11 speed.
I wonder the same thing, as my bike has 3 x 9 Tiagra. But a quick search of the internet suggests Sugino still makes the triple crankset that came stock on my bike, 9 speed chains, cassettes, and derailleurs are cheap and ubiquitous, as are 9 speed brifters.
As far as Shimano supporting 9 speed, just my guess, but I think 9 speed will be around for at least another 5 years, and more likely 10. Why? For one, the number of entry level road bikes sold dwarfs the number of high end road bikes. And those entry level bikes are 8 and 9 speed. That is a lot of 9 speed bikes that may need replacement parts in a few years. I doubt Shimano will drop both 8 AND 9 speed, therefore I suspect 9 speed brifters will be around for quite awhile.