As a current bike mechanic whom worked on too many road bikes with "integrated cockpits", I really hate this purely aesthetics turn (unless you drink the marketing kool-aid. Imagine trying to explain you have to replace both brake lines to install a longer stem/replacement headsets - because the last mechanic cut the lines just barely long enough for the current setup.
In the land of entry level road bikes, Scott sells one equipped with Claris and an integrated stem/handlebar setup. I can imagine the angry conversations I'll have to deal with.
I think very well-done external cabling up to the headtube and molded/brazed internal full routing with tubes is perfect.
I suspect the new to be released Sram Code brake is being changed to further this absurd trend.....
Oct. 3, 2022, 12:14 a.m. - cornedbeef
As a current bike mechanic whom worked on too many road bikes with "integrated cockpits", I really hate this purely aesthetics turn (unless you drink the marketing kool-aid. Imagine trying to explain you have to replace both brake lines to install a longer stem/replacement headsets - because the last mechanic cut the lines just barely long enough for the current setup. In the land of entry level road bikes, Scott sells one equipped with Claris and an integrated stem/handlebar setup. I can imagine the angry conversations I'll have to deal with. I think very well-done external cabling up to the headtube and molded/brazed internal full routing with tubes is perfect. I suspect the new to be released Sram Code brake is being changed to further this absurd trend.....