Mr. Shimano admitted in a recent interview that gearing, circa. 2005 is goofy. Bikes sold to fifty year old schoolteachers with a 130 inch gear. Merckx set the "one hour" record with a 97 inch gear.
But, he said it is all about marketing. Road bikes are not sold to folks who want a bike that is a bit like what Lance rides...road bike customers want EXACTLY the gears Lance rides. Although I have doubts even Lance has much use for a 130 inch gear, unless it is coming down a mountain at about 50 mph.
Last edited by alanbikehouston; 02-26-05 at 11:11 AM.