Originally Posted by
Carbonfiberboy
Riding a 3X on group rides with 2X riders, it depends on the 2X riders' chainrings. With standard 50-34 compact gearing (or it was standard when I was doing a lot of group rides) the 2X riders shifted a lot more than I did and it was a total PITA to be behind one in varied terrain. I'm 53-39-26 in front, so like you I mostly run the middle ring with granny for long climbs and big ring descending, very seldom shifting the front. IMO dispensing with 3X was profitable for the industry, but a bummer for recreational riders who like a close ratio cassette.
It seems there is virtually no limit to what people are willing to spend for any fraction of perceived performance increase with cycling gear. I highly doubt the industry would abandon what, in your opinion, would be a highly lucrative opportunity. Due to the increased capacity of modern derailleur systems and 11-speed cassettes, the need for 3x systems has become redundant.