I think you underestimate "the brainfreeze associated with the operating the front derailleur". Many many people argue that XC and gravel bikes need steep head angles to make it "easier" to make quick moves even when you're on the ragged edge, body drained and brain thinking about nothing but survival. This also applies to messing with all the levers on your bars. One single lever to change gears takes so much less brain power than managing gears through 2 separate levers (that even work in completely opposite directions), especially when there are 2 to 3 other levers (lock, unlock, dropper) added to the equation.
Sept. 27, 2021, 12:10 p.m. - Justin White
I think you underestimate "the brainfreeze associated with the operating the front derailleur". Many many people argue that XC and gravel bikes need steep head angles to make it "easier" to make quick moves even when you're on the ragged edge, body drained and brain thinking about nothing but survival. This also applies to messing with all the levers on your bars. One single lever to change gears takes so much less brain power than managing gears through 2 separate levers (that even work in completely opposite directions), especially when there are 2 to 3 other levers (lock, unlock, dropper) added to the equation.