Quote:
Originally Posted by simonov
Since you're such a genius, why not go explain to SRAM how to cram bluetooth hardware into all the eTap 11 speed gear out on the road. Just because you can do something doesn't mean that's how products are designed when accounting for all the technical and business factors at play. All your post proves is that old stuff was more compatible than new stuff, regardless of whether it's electronic or mechanical.
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AXS uses Bluetooth only for setup, not for operation. SRAM 11spd systems already have their own system for setup, so Bluetooth is not required. Both AXS and the previous SRAM electronic shifting systems use the same proprietary Airea wireless communication for actual shifting operations.
Backwards/forwards compatibility doesn't mean that older components will get all the functionality of new components - it means that older components will at least retain their previous functionality when used with newer components (and
may get new functionality when possible).
In my current industry, not retaining backward compatibility would mean that customers might have to replace their whole system (at larger cost) when upgrading a single component. And if customers have to replace their whole systems, that opens up the possibility of replacing our systems with a competitors - which means lost sales to us. On the hand, if maintaining backward compatibility resulting in cost increases in our products, that might discourage sales to new customers. So we have to think ahead and do careful design work.
But apparently, the bicycle industry has enough customers like you, who are willing to jump at any shiny new trinkets at any cost, so they don't have to put as much forethought into their products.