12 speed is here, but why?

[e-rider]

I was told that 12 speed was unlikely to ever make an appearance on 130mm spaced hubs (i.e. the current road bike standard) but SRAM have just launched 12 speed for MTBs (135mm spacing).

Does this mean that road frames will switch to 135 very soon, esp considering that disc brakes are now common place (at least with newbies and a few pro teams)

http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/article/sram-12-speed-xx1-and-x01-eagle-first-ride-review-46692/

 

[Cubist]

Here we go. Eyes down for a game of "newfangled nonsense" bingo.

I'll start us off with "there's nowt wrong with 8 speed. A 12 speed chain will break as soon as you breathe on it."

 

[Kajjal]

The way things are going it is likely, after many years of pretty fixed standards the manufacturers have started changing things on a regular basis to force things into obsolescence or start a new trend so they can sell more. It is good to have the variety but some is more for the sake of it rather than a real need or improvement. This is especially noticeable in mountain biking with 26" wheels being replaced by 27.5" wheels, plus sized bikes, boost hubs etc.

 

[Milkfloat]

Personally I don't think it will jump quickly to road frames. 12 speed is great for a 1 X setup, but I think that an out and out road frame needs a wider range for most of the market. I could see adventure bikes or CX going first.

 

[numbnuts]

Here we go. Eyes down for a game of "newfangled nonsense" bingo.

I'll start us off with "there's nowt wrong with 8 speed. A 12 speed chain will break as soon as you breathe on it."

And the next question will be “I've got an 8 speed can I convert it to a 12”

 

[Tim Hall]

The way things are going it is likely, after many years of pretty fixed standards the manufacturers have started changing things on a regular basis to force things into obsolescence or start a new trend so they can sell more. It is good to have the variety but some is more for the sake of it rather than a real need or improvement. This is especially noticeable in mountain biking with 26" wheels being replaced by 27.5" wheels, plus sized bikes, boost hubs etc.

I've just educated myself about Boost hubs. I'd say you're smack on the money about a new trend to sell more.

 

[I like Skol]

12 speed is here, but why?

Because it will make a lot of middle aged men with more money than sense think they need to upgrade to the latest kit. Bike/Component manufacturers like this because it means they can rejuvenate what could otherwise be a slightly stagnant market (how do you sell more bikes when nearly everyone has a really good bike already?). Cynic, Me?

 

[lutonloony]

Maybe the next progression will be quad chainwheels so we can have 48 gears

 

[wonderloaf]

Bring it on. Might reduce the price of 11 speed to a point where I might actually be able to afford it.

 

[Jenkins]

Maybe the next progression will be quad chainwheels so we can have 48 gears

Had those in the '90s(?) on my Emmelle 24 MTB

 

[T4tomo]

No need to go beyond 11, spinal tap's amps only went to 11 so why the heck would anyone want to go to 12?

 

[Nigel-YZ1]

Less hardware for the manufacturers to have made in China or Taiwan for pennies, and a new fashion that can be sold for £hundreds.
Or maybe I'm cynical cos it's been a long couple of weeks.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Moving to 135mm hubs would be a good move for road bikes. I can't see a downside.

 

[lutonloony]

Had those in the '90s(?) on my Emmelle 24 MTB

That will teach me!

 

[biggs682]

Less hardware for the manufacturers to have made in China or Taiwan for pennies, and a new fashion that can be sold for £hundreds.
Or maybe I'm cynical cos it's been a long couple of weeks.

very true and they wont stop doing it