Originally Posted by
robow
mstateglfr, you're probably correct in all accounts but that has never stopped the biking industry (read >>Shimano) from heading a different avenue and planned obsolescence. The trend is to fewer rings up front and will eventually force touring bikes to use even more niche components that won't integrate as well with standard road or MB components.
True regarding Shimano, but the great news is that touring bikes dont need to be on the cutting edge of cycling tech, so many other companies can fill the void that Shimano, SRAM, and Campy dont want to fill.