I feel like Shimano has been more stubborn about hanging onto an idea that is both less desirable and less functional or convenient than the competition but SRAM wins this one. Of course they have hung their hat on AXS posts so providing a cable actuated option likely feels like a step backward.
Two Shimano examples are microspline - which makes their hubs incompatible with other systems because they don’t accept XD drivers, and, also with hubs, persisting with loose bearings when cartridges last longer and don’t destroy hub shells if you fail to maintain them properly. The Luddite in me loves them and I will happily rebuild them but most riders do not in my experience.
Dec. 6, 2024, 6:53 a.m. - Cam McRae
I feel like Shimano has been more stubborn about hanging onto an idea that is both less desirable and less functional or convenient than the competition but SRAM wins this one. Of course they have hung their hat on AXS posts so providing a cable actuated option likely feels like a step backward. Two Shimano examples are microspline - which makes their hubs incompatible with other systems because they don’t accept XD drivers, and, also with hubs, persisting with loose bearings when cartridges last longer and don’t destroy hub shells if you fail to maintain them properly. The Luddite in me loves them and I will happily rebuild them but most riders do not in my experience.