This is possibly the most offensive piece of gear I have encountered on a bike. Do you really need a little orange wand to tell you what gear you’re in? There is only one gear to be in: the hardest one at which you can still make the pedals go around in something resembling a circle.
These goofy little things were found on the bike I rented last weekend for a benefit ride on the east coast in honor of my late Aunt. It was a wonderful ride and great family time… but really, shift indicators? Further proof that all has been in decline since the advent of indexed derailleurs. What added insult to injury in this case was the quality (or lack there of) in the shifting itself. Tiagra is a far cry from my beloved Dura Ace. I would try to shift and the little orange wand would wobble uselessly back and forth — like a Seattle driver trying to merge on the highway — until, finally, an enormous noise would ripple up the bike and a new gear *might* be achieved. I began to brace myself for the effort…. and…. SHHHHHIIIIIFFFFFFTTTTT. Like passing a gallbladder stone. (Or so I imagine.)
In the end, this Cannondale Synapse was just fine. It even had a sharp paint job. Almost sharp enough to make up for the kiddie shifters.
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@Tilesey
You are in for a whole world of "enlightenment" on Tuesday? Enjoy, and never look back!
@Matt
I think you will find most of the exasperation is directed at the manufacturer not the rider. People ride what they can afford. It's good that you got the anger out there but the bottom line is.....you wouldn't find a gruppo with that kind of dick wand on it!
please lord merckx let be correct or my faith in italian awesomeness will be severely and irreversibly dented!
@lordmoos3
I think you already in your heart of hearts know the answer to this question, otherwise you would not be lurking on this site...
While totally agreeing with the stupidity of even thinking to need a gear indicator (something only for automatic cars) you young-uns will have to watch out and remember one day you'll have to start trading back down from the top of the line spec'd carbon beauty equipment with Dura Ace or Super Record. Hopefully you will have an understanding spouse who appreciates that you just can't got below a 105 spec'd lower end italian carbon job (don't pick on the Pinarello - I love the ONDA forks and seat stays). I haven't been able to part with the older machines (Rule 12) and Rule 11 has to mean you get to keep some self respect in old age. My next machine just has to be a Super Record Focus Izalco!
First time long time ...
Recently rented a Tiagra equipped bike while on vaca with the wife - worked well enough.
Didn't even realize the gear indicators were there, and took a second to figure out what they were once discovered.
As @Steampunk and others have said, its easy to jump in the deep end and start with the good stuff - but do you really know how to swim? I shake my head every time a newish/inexperienced rider shows up on a $$$ bike and gets shat out when the pace picks up or the road turns even slightly skyward. I have alot more respect for a rider who earns their equipment with lots of km's, sweat, and time, as opposed to those with nothing more than a fat wallet.
I have almost 20 years of riding under my belt, and I still question whether or not I'm worthy.
@Polly
I know I'm not worthy of my bike (or my wife) but it's only when I stop appreciating it (and her) that it becomes an issue.
We all have differing means at our disposal. Those that can roll Record, Red or the like, Merckx bless you. Reading this, I kept recalling two of the truest things I've ever heard regarding cycling: the Prophet once said, "Don't buy upgrades, ride up grades." And, "It's the Indian, not the arrow." End of.
@ten B
+1 sir. Well said!
I don't have a fat wallet, but I do have a great shop discount. There is no real need in my cycling life justifying ownership of my TCR Advanced SL. My abilities are not commensurate with those of the equipment on my #1, but should that stop me from riding it?
Very few of us are truly able to earn our bikes with sweat - that means we're getting paid in some way to ride them. I understand the sentiment - that one must pay his or her dues in order to be deserving of fine equipment - and I call bullshit. If one doesn't appreciate the equipment, then bets are off and the owner is a twat. But both the racer looking for every advantage and the weekend warrior who takes immaculate care of the finest frames and parts available to keep them pristine are worthy of them.
With all that said, I've worked on plenty of the 10-speed Tiagra, and it's neither amazing nor junk. It can be tuned well and function every bit as reliably as 105 if properly adjusted. The indicators are hideous and should be removed, and the external cabling is an ugly throwback and should also be changed to bring all of Shimano's 10-speed Groups-san into line.
@ten B
Probably the wisest words posted this side the spring classics. Chapeau!
@V-olcano
I applaud the sentiment...and the correct use of the plural of group-san!