I have a number of bikes that I have built with 8s drivetrains that are 8/9/10 compatible (none with brifters at the moment, but I have two sets of Sachs ergos waiting...). I have even bought two sets of 10s bar end shifters (don’t ask me why... but then most people here probably aren’t phased by that) and a 10s cassette. But I still can’t bring myself to set a bike up with 10s. (9s is just out of the question because it feels like a red-headed step child.)

Maybe it’s becasue 8s just works. I can build wonderful cassette combos that don’t seem to be “lacking.” The chains I buy are backward compatible with all my 7s, 6s and 5s bikes.

Perhaps I am afraid of 10s chains and their chainring differences. Perhaps I am stuck in the early 90’s (formative high school days).

I just can’t get past 8.