Originally Posted by
cyccommute
So what do you suggest cutting in terms of features to reach this $250 price point?
Make one shifting assembly from thicker metal rather than two from what they do. If you can do 21 speed that works even momentarily for $129, you should be able to do 8 that has some service life for $250.
Single speed might work for young, athletic riders but not for most.
I'm not actually arguing for single speed in the US market, but speaking as someone neither young nor fit who rides centuries on such...
The world ain’t flat.
Ironically if you look at "the world" you do see a lot of single speed (two foot gear is underappreciated) - but again, I don't think it's actually necessary to pare things down that far.
But notice how share bikes are often 3-speed tanks, yet very popular.
How much do you think index shifting adds to the cost?
It's what being able to use index shifting demands in terms of manufacturing accuracy and adjustment from the derailleur. Give the rider a continuous control, and they'll quickly learn to accomplish whatever getting the chain on the sprocket they want and having it run there smoothly is going to take on that particular day.
Instead of a mechanism that needs adjustment to stay working, you have a mechanism that needs a few minutes worth of learning to ride with.