Originally Posted by moxfyre
Internally geared drivetrains have significantly reduced efficiency, increased weight, and increased cost. Derailer gearing is cheap, light, and works very well when well-maintained. So that's a trade-off.
With cup-and-cone BBs vs cartridge BBs, there's no tradeoff. Cartridge BBs are cheap to make, long-lasting, and can be made insanely lightweight if you're into that sort of thing. They're simply a superior technology
Also, I highly doubt we'll be seeing dual-suspension road bikes any time, not even for city or touring use. The cost and weight increase is fairly severe. On the other hand, I expect we'll see more suspension seatposts on road bikes.
Lastly, how would electronic shifting prevent cogs from wearing down?
you doubt dual suspension is in the near future for road bikes? have you been blind to trek and specialized and thier move towards elastomers and other vibration isolating "technology"? i guarentee that if you could make a dual suspension road bike within a pound of current bikes, they would be on the market in a flash. electronic shifting doesnt use a traditional shifter, therefore the gears or cogs in the shifter cant wear out. also, no one makes a sealed bearing bb as light as a cup and cone, and i would contend it cant be done. as to increased cost and weight, yeah its true, now. my whole argument was based on a hypothical future, not current situations. i was taking the sealed bearing philosphy to its possible zenith.