If SRAM wanted to really hit Shimano hard... they'd release a wide range, light 9-speed, maybe as an option? Range is great, but all these gears are unnecessary (speaking as a coastal BC rider), like the new box drivetrains. Box makes a wide range 11-50 cassette that is all steel and is only 360 grams. If SRAM or Shimano made a version, I'm sure we'd see that weight drop even more.
The large steps aren't an issue with today's drivetrains as you've noticed with the 42 to 52 step being just fine. Even keep the 52... but even with just 9 gears you an still get pretty small gaps (small enough anyway). Give me a lightweight 11 – 15 – 19 – 23 – 28 – 34 – 40 – 46 - 52 (or whatever works)... make the chainline better with less drag... and/or allow for less dished wheels, keep the derailleur in closer to the wheel and maybe even drop the price with less material needed?
Yes please.... for all we know, this is next... these companies are working years ahead with development so who knows. I'm hoping in 2025, I'll be riding a cheap, wide range 9 speed AXS.... or whatever Shimano's version will be... actually that might be a cheap, lighweight electronic gearbox... so maybe I'll be using that... I don't know... predicting the future is tiring.
June 11, 2020, 8:41 p.m. - IslandLife
If SRAM wanted to really hit Shimano hard... they'd release a wide range, light 9-speed, maybe as an option? Range is great, but all these gears are unnecessary (speaking as a coastal BC rider), like the new box drivetrains. Box makes a wide range 11-50 cassette that is all steel and is only 360 grams. If SRAM or Shimano made a version, I'm sure we'd see that weight drop even more. The large steps aren't an issue with today's drivetrains as you've noticed with the 42 to 52 step being just fine. Even keep the 52... but even with just 9 gears you an still get pretty small gaps (small enough anyway). Give me a lightweight 11 – 15 – 19 – 23 – 28 – 34 – 40 – 46 - 52 (or whatever works)... make the chainline better with less drag... and/or allow for less dished wheels, keep the derailleur in closer to the wheel and maybe even drop the price with less material needed? Yes please.... for all we know, this is next... these companies are working years ahead with development so who knows. I'm hoping in 2025, I'll be riding a cheap, wide range 9 speed AXS.... or whatever Shimano's version will be... actually that might be a cheap, lighweight electronic gearbox... so maybe I'll be using that... I don't know... predicting the future is tiring.