Thanks for all the great responses so far. While I'm at it, I think I'm going to pick you guys' brains a little, if you don't mind.
I'm an old roadie who "retired" about 12 years ago; haven't been on a road bike since then. I have stayed in cycling shape, however, thanks to a non-aversion to stationary training. Recently, I've had the itch to get back on the road, so I've been bike hunting (and, as it turns out, bike BUYING and bike RETURNING
).
Fact is, a LOT has changed in 12 years with bikes; I hardly recognize them anymore. When I last rode, double-butted cro-molly was the frame material of choice; double chainrings were the standard issue; clipless pedals were just hitting the scene; and shifters were firmly attached to the downtube.
I don't have a huge problem with aluminum frames and I think clipless pedals are a great improvement over the clips-and-straps. I'm not at all thrilled with the triple chainring predominance (particularly in low-to-moderately priced bikes) and I absolutly cannot fathom WHY on earth they moved the shifters to the break levers! This last issue has been the one that I just can't seem to warm up to.
So, would one of you please explain to me the technology behind it? When shifters were attached to the downtube, you moved the levers back and forth to move the chains. Pulling or pushing the levers would either tighten or loosen the tension on the chain, which caused the gear change. Simple.
Apparently, that's not the case anymore with the break lever shifters. I actually bought (and since returned) a brand new bike with break lever shifters and was messing around with it while I had it in my possession. There seems to be some sort of "trigger" mechanism (for lack of a better term) that signals the gear change when you either push the break lever inward, or (in the case of Sora) hit the little thumb-thingy.
How, exactly, does this work?
Part of the reason I'm concerned about getting an older bike is the question of repair and replacement. When I need a new set of cogs, how hard is it gonna be to get them? What happens when the derailleur(s) go? Will I be able to EASILY and INEXPENSIVELY get a replacement (full unit or parts)?
I want to buy a bike that I can RIDE; not a museum piece.
Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!