I've read the thread on the Shimano Electronic shifting system which shouldnt really raise eyebrows now since Mavic has marketted one and Campy has been testing and developing their own for a couple of years now.
I think cycling will be better off without the electronics stuff except for the cyclecomputer which is only a 'passive' device anyway. Cycling is 'mechanical' not 'motorized'. What I think Road Cycling lacks in development in the braking system. The current rim braking standard is still the same technology since the early days of cycling and to my mind medieval compared to the technologies introduced in the drivetrain, materials and the other bicycle componentry. Disk brakes have been in used in MTBs, they are now refined and the the latest hydraulic systems from Hayes, Magura and Shimano are fantastic to say the least. I also think that like the Ahead Stem taken from MTBs and now also the norm in road bikes, the disc braking system is the way to go for the road. If only the big names start developing one, I'm sure they'll come up with a lightweight, reliable and small disc brake system that is superior than the current fashion.
I think cycling will be better off without the electronics stuff except for the cyclecomputer which is only a 'passive' device anyway. Cycling is 'mechanical' not 'motorized'. What I think Road Cycling lacks in development in the braking system. The current rim braking standard is still the same technology since the early days of cycling and to my mind medieval compared to the technologies introduced in the drivetrain, materials and the other bicycle componentry. Disk brakes have been in used in MTBs, they are now refined and the the latest hydraulic systems from Hayes, Magura and Shimano are fantastic to say the least. I also think that like the Ahead Stem taken from MTBs and now also the norm in road bikes, the disc braking system is the way to go for the road. If only the big names start developing one, I'm sure they'll come up with a lightweight, reliable and small disc brake system that is superior than the current fashion.