Researchers discovered a technique that would allow anyone with a few hundred dollars to hack into wireless gear-shifting systems used by top cycling teams at events like the Tour de France.
Fine tuning so at each extreme on the cassette you don’t get chain rub on a front deraileur.
Faster gear changes.
No cables to stretch and also to give a cleaner look to the bike itself.
Ability to mount the “shifters” wherever you like.
Ability to run a wide range of different cassettes rather than just 11 speed for example.
I’m with you in that it isn’t something I personally can see myself ever wanting and there are also many downsides such as the possibility of running out of battery, electrical malfunction etc. But there are many perfectly valid reasons for wanting the tech as well.
But at least right now they are only available in expensive bikes, so not something your average bike rider would buy anyways. I doubt you’ll see many electronic shifters on people’s commuter or city bikes.
Unless they come down in price and go mainstream, it’s only two groups that buy them: actual athletes, where those marginal gains do make a difference and are worth the downsides, and enthusiasts with enough money to spare for their hobby. For the latter value or everyday practicability are probably less of a concern.
Easier indexing.
Ability to trim each gear independently.
Fine tuning so at each extreme on the cassette you don’t get chain rub on a front deraileur.
Faster gear changes.
No cables to stretch and also to give a cleaner look to the bike itself.
Ability to mount the “shifters” wherever you like.
Ability to run a wide range of different cassettes rather than just 11 speed for example.
I’m with you in that it isn’t something I personally can see myself ever wanting and there are also many downsides such as the possibility of running out of battery, electrical malfunction etc. But there are many perfectly valid reasons for wanting the tech as well.
Also, you can connect them to your bike computer and get additional data on how you ride.
Yes, you’re right, of course. But yes, not practical for us regular bike users in most cases, I’d think!
But at least right now they are only available in expensive bikes, so not something your average bike rider would buy anyways. I doubt you’ll see many electronic shifters on people’s commuter or city bikes.
Unless they come down in price and go mainstream, it’s only two groups that buy them: actual athletes, where those marginal gains do make a difference and are worth the downsides, and enthusiasts with enough money to spare for their hobby. For the latter value or everyday practicability are probably less of a concern.
Thanks for writing this out, I found it very informative - even if I wouldn’t use them