Electric shifting

Every major components manufacturer appears to be investing in new and innovative technology. The latest to let a cat out of the bag is Shimano with electric shifting. There's still a lot of rough edges to smooth out before it's available for the consumer market, projected 2008, but there are several Pro Tour riders testing out prototypes.

Read Cyclingnews.com for Tech News.

Read Velonews for Tech Talk.

What I wonder about is how this technology could potentially change the average bicycle. I cannot imagine this becoming mainstream until 2010 or beyond, if ever. Unless electric shifting offers a dramatic increase in cycling efficiency then what's it for? We humans don't take to change very easily, but cyclists could be the lone exception to that assumed nature in man.

Imagine what the riders of the 80s and prior think of the bicycles of today. I bet they look at today's bicycle and say, "If only I had that!" Between the shifting and pedal efficiency improvements retired riders surely shake their heads in wonder.

Which leads me to dream about one day in the future when you and I will say, "Remember when we used to have to...."