Quote Originally Posted by pll View Post
I don't buy the 'it's not fair, not everyone has the technology' argument on DI2. There is LOTS that people don't have (and cannot afford) and is allowed in races on the same footing: lighter bikes, nice carbon wheels, amazing TT bikes, properly fit bikes, components that are higher grade than others. Some even race with powermeters and heart rate monitors, aero skin suits, aero helmets. I won't go on. I don't see a fundamental problem with electronic shifting in this dimension -- the playing field isn't level already. Electronic shifting does not propel the bike and, at the end, a strong rider in a clunker can drop the fanciest equipment ridden by a bad rider.
All very true. But there is still a supplimental power source that replaces part of the physical effort of effectively operating a bike. No it doesn't propel you forward, but it is part of what allows you to move forward efficiently. I think that actually makes a difference. Having said that, advances in technology like lighter frames, better none electronic shifting, brakes etc don't bother me at all. I'm not trying to claim that my objection to Di2 is fully rational.