Originally Posted by
icemilkcoffee
STI brifters are definitely better than the old DT shifters. But are 11speed STI drivetrain all that much better than 7 speed STI drivetrains? I don’t think so:
1. With the 7 speed you never have to trim. With 11 speed you do all the time.
We can argue over where the point of diminishing returns is. I do like 8- and 9-speeds better than 7, because I like closely spaced gears without sacrificing range of gears. I don't enjoy my bike with 10-speed cassette any better than my 9. I have a bike with an 11-speed cassette, and I'm not sure why, but it shifts better than any bike I've ever had. It's probably because of improvements to the designs, not the greater number of cogs. This is my 3x11 tandem where the extra speeds are a real asset, and I would even enjoy more.
I don't like downtube shifters because they're not convenient. Bar-end shifters are convenient, reliable, though still not as accessible and fast as brifters. My favorites are trigger shifters, but they are for upright bars. I have them on my tandem. Hmm, maybe that's why I like that rear derailleur so much.
2. 7 speed chains range from $8 to $25- and they’re tough. 11speed chains range from $25 to over $100- for a chain that’s more fragile.
Agreed. It's the price we pay, and you could argue it's not worth it. Maybe 8-speed is a sweet spot between cost, reliability and a nice choice of gears. I'm building a 2x8 bike now and will soon see. My wife has a 3x8 bike, and it seems like a champ.