Electronic gear shifting emerged a few years ago, taking the job of manual gear change from the cyclist and giving it a motorised boost. As of yet many cyclists seem to be in two minds whether this makes for a worthwhile change, or if it's merely a pointless attempt to improve on something that needs no improvement. Bicycles have been around for centuries relatively unchanged, after all, and if it isn't broke, why fix it?
For some the idea of the electronic gear shifters complete takeover means more than just a ticket to an easier ride, it takes away the core purpose of cycling altogether. Cycling's charm lies in the fact that the rider maintains complete control; they provide the sole energy source in producing motion. It's what differentiates from its transportation successor, the car.
Some of the biggest worries about electronic shifters are the added cost and weight. While a little extra weight may not seem like a massive issue while momentum is propelling the bike downhill, tackling the return ascent with a significantly weighty motor and battery attached may not prove to be such an easy endeavour. Some suggest that adding electronic gear shifters is just unnecessary, not to mention costly, interference into a method of transportation that already functions well.
Perhaps the ordinary bicycle is a little out-dated in the current climate. Things are progressing at the speed of light; if the bicycle doesn't become accustomed to this its future may be limited. The introduction of the automatic gear shifter is likely to be just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to future updates and is a relatively minor addition to a centuries old means of transportation.
Whether ease of use conquers over traditionalism, or battery power out-functions cable reliability is down to personal preference. The electronic shifters functionality will only improve with time, with both electric and manual shifters sure to remain on the market for the foreseeable future. Any of those undecided on which to choose can afford to wait a little while longer before deciding on a preference just yet.
For some the idea of the electronic gear shifters complete takeover means more than just a ticket to an easier ride, it takes away the core purpose of cycling altogether. Cycling's charm lies in the fact that the rider maintains complete control; they provide the sole energy source in producing motion. It's what differentiates from its transportation successor, the car.
Some of the biggest worries about electronic shifters are the added cost and weight. While a little extra weight may not seem like a massive issue while momentum is propelling the bike downhill, tackling the return ascent with a significantly weighty motor and battery attached may not prove to be such an easy endeavour. Some suggest that adding electronic gear shifters is just unnecessary, not to mention costly, interference into a method of transportation that already functions well.
Perhaps the ordinary bicycle is a little out-dated in the current climate. Things are progressing at the speed of light; if the bicycle doesn't become accustomed to this its future may be limited. The introduction of the automatic gear shifter is likely to be just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to future updates and is a relatively minor addition to a centuries old means of transportation.
Whether ease of use conquers over traditionalism, or battery power out-functions cable reliability is down to personal preference. The electronic shifters functionality will only improve with time, with both electric and manual shifters sure to remain on the market for the foreseeable future. Any of those undecided on which to choose can afford to wait a little while longer before deciding on a preference just yet.
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