Is this really necessary? I think shimano have engineered a solution to a problem that doesn't exist here.

That will be the MTB version then :p

problem that doesn't exist? Clearly haven't ridden it!

Problem that doesn't exist? Ask any rider that has ridden Paris-Roubaix and spends 90% of the time on the top of the bars.

There are already people asking for this so there is definitely a market for it.

Isn't riding about being at one with your bike and not an extension of you sofa & Sky plus remote control??

Who cares if your hands are on the tops, I guess you are going to be in a similar gear the whole time whilst climbing, just as well handlebars were designed to hold all equipment within arms reach. It's not like they're moving shifters from the down tube to the bar?? haha

Just a pity they cant invent something that makes you pedal like Lance.

While I'm struggling along up long climbs and wondering how I can be more like Lance I would be VERY happy to be able to execute a perfect shift from the tops without having to move my poor aching back, arms and hands to the hoods. I ride with manly men who are perfectly happy to inflict maximum suffering upon themselves by eschewing gears altogether. Me, I am incorrigibly lazy and want an easy life. Is that OK with you?

Oh, and thank you, Mr Shimano. And my back arms and hands thank you

surely you'd not be riding a bike and instead be on the sofa watching cycling rather than having to turn pedals then? Or just avoid hills altogether?

"Shimano's new and improved Lance-Cycle, using a small motor attached using a titanium shaft can help you climb hills like Lance and even faster"

It's true though, we all want fancy stuff on our bikes, the latest gadet, etc. And if given the set for free, I would probably say how it stops me from having to move my hands.

It's rather strange. As this unit plugs into the drop shifter they obviously anticipated a satellite shifter. My (and I'm sure a lot of others) question was why wasn't this released along with the groupset? Compared to the rest of the kit it was very simple piece of kit. Do they just do these things so that they can anounce a new part 12 months down the line? Doesn't quite come in as a major item does it?

It is one of the cruel ironies of life that just when you can afford all the toys you're also in the worst possible shape to enjoy them. I could avoid hills but apart from the scenery, good company, fresh air, exercise and adventure I do also enjoy shiny kit and I'm sorry if that doesn't make me a proper cyclist. Heaven forbid but I do also then enjoy my sofa and TV with a clear conscience once I've been out on the bike.

if u want to ride like lance u will have to cheat like Lance!!!

What? Not at all?

When improvement is possible it should be done.

Shimano are taking it to the next level here. if this is not necessary it will go away in a year Darwinian like.

Many ranted about 11 speed not been a necessity and no it's not but it's better than 10.