Originally Posted by
MRT2
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...
I agree with you and think that Shimano (and others) will keep supplying some 9-speed parts for a number of years, but those new 9-speed parts aren't going to be high-end ones. If you need replacements for old Ultegra 9-speed parts, for example, you'll need to find them used or new-old-stock. If you replace with new parts, they'll be from downlevel groups like Sora. (Not that Sora stuff doesn't work, but the fit & finish arguably aren't as nice.)