Originally Posted by metalslaw

The main issue I have with the complete phase out of rim brake hardware, is that old bike frames that could be re-used, now end up unused, abandoned in a corner, or put on the scrap heap (even if they still are perfectly serviceable with a new groupset), or you will have to pay extortion rates to get nos parts to get them going again.

I'm almost totally positive that the main reason manufacturers are completley phasing out mechanical rim brake options (levers/calipers) is to make sure you can no longer readily access replacement parts for older bikes. Bike shops love this, because what can't easily be fixed in a simple bike service, now means an easier upsell to a completely new disc brake bike.

The fact is, most people who own a road bike that only needs a few parts (that include replacement levers), will soon not be able to get them fixed quickly and easily at a bike store. The bike store won't have the spares, nor be able to source them easily and cheaply.

Sure, the ppl who live to build retro bikes, and keep old working tech alive, will still be able to source parts, albeit at inflated prices. It will now become a pain/difficult/expensive to keep perfectly serviceable old rim brake frames on the road.

And while I'm still hoping that the cues mechanical disc drop levers have a cable, and cable pull, that is compatible with normal rim brake calipers, and currently everything points towards this being the case, I wouldn't doubt if Shimano made some decision within the lever to make them not compatible.

Wait and see I guess.