> On Sun, 16 Mar 2003 17:41:07 +0100, Sheldon Brown wrote:
> > First, these systems are not made for flatlanders. For you, I would highly recommend looking
> > into a fixed-gear, it sounds to me as if you would enjoy it.
"Derk Drukker" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
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> It's not enough for me: though it's mostly flat here, we have VERY strong winds frequently: I use
> 39/15,39/16 then. Normally I'm perfectly happy with a 50/19, 50/18, 50/17 gear. Only with strong
> backwind I use 50/13 or 50/14.Mostly I change the 16,17,18 and 19 sprockets of a cassette 4 times
> before I change the other sprockets. The 21 and 23 are only used in S-W France.
"Sheldon"> > While, say, a 4-speed system might be more than adequate for your
> > needs, many other cyclists find more gears desirable.
"Derk"> Yes, if you need them you should buy them, but what I see happening is
> that people trade in bikes that are good enough to win the Tour the France, just because another
> fashion is being "pushed", like carbon inserts, integrated headsets. Things that are no progress
> IMHO. BTW:I heard the 10 speed Campa is more likely to suffer from chainsuck then the 9 speed
> system. Of course, people are free to do so,but there's no end to it if you want to ride what the
> pro's are riding. I see here that serious cyclists often have older bikes and that most flashy
> bikes are owned by people who don't ride often. But you're right: it's their money.
>
> Another example: We now see all bikes being sold with a 39/53 combination. I see that most riders
> are not strong enough to use a 53, so the chain is always placed on the innermost sprockets,
> causing excessive chain wear. The first thing I did is install a 50 instead of the 53. I know I
> have less available combinations, but the chain is placed in a more ideal postion now.
"Sheldon"> > There is no inherent reason why a system with more sprockets should be
> > more expensive.
"Derk"> But that's my point: they ARE more expensive. At least here they are: a
> 10 speed chain is twice as expensive as a 9 speed chain. A 10 speed cassette costs over 1.5 times
> more then a 9 speed cassette. On top of that: wear is greater too!
"Sheldon"> > They would be very foolish to alter the policy that has worked so well
> > for them in the past.
"Derk"> So we'll see a 50 speed if we'll live long enough
>
> I just meant to say: it's not anything I can ger very excited over. I haven't seen any *real*
> improvement since the introduction of
STI/Ergopower
> shifting and modern click pedals.
>
> When I go cycling I have just as much fun on my 12 year old steel 8 speed (just did 60 km on it
> today) as on my new 9 speed Titanium bike. I do an average mean speed of about 31.5 km/h on either
> bike. Makes no difference.
Regarding prices, you may have selected cases where that is true but it isn't always true.
I pay $2 more for a Wippermann 10 chain than for a Wippermann 9. I pay $0.20 more for a KMC 10 chain
( nice chain, BTW) than their equivalent 9 Campagnolo 10 chains are indeed double their 9, but their
9 is cheaper than many others and their 10 is above average price. They have a wider price
differential than any other brand. FWIW Campagnolo's older Record-8 chain costs the same as their
new 10, but with so many vendors of 8speed chain who buys it?
As the installed base of Ten systems grows, you'll see more vendors and lower prices, I predict.
Especially if Shimano's new Ten uses compatible chain. Let's face it, if/when Shimano goes to Ten,
the volume of 10 chain will go up markedly and the price will fall concomitantly
I'm otherwise sympathetic to your arguments.
--
Andrew Muzi
http://www.yellowjersey.org Open every day since 1 April 1971
