Originally posted by Astra
Basically, if anything goes really wrong on the bike, I'm going to have to make the move to 27 speed which means new rear hub and cassette, B/B, cranks, derailleurs and shifters - all of which is gonna be bl**dy expensive.
Sadness, sympathy, and frustration are the emotions I feel upon reading this.
There's no reason on earth except CORPORATE GREED that you, or any other rider, should have to endure the insult of unnecessary "upgrades"--which themselves will cause even more problems down the road.
Out of 21 speeds, probably eight are the most that ever get used with any frequency by ANYBODY. I know some will disagree with me, but many here will also be of my mind that anything over 21 speeds is simply not necessary, and a potential source of grief for real-life, day-to-day commuting or shopping, etc. cyclists. I could get by very well with ten speeds if they were properly chosen.
It is indeed sorry business to see the bike-component makers following the same sweet, poisonous path of greed that automakers have been traveling all along.
The consumer--the cyclist, in this case--is the one who pays the price.