Re: Why is Shimano so hated by some?

In article <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, Chalo
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Evan Evans) wrote;
> 
> > As a frequent visitor to this group. I've noticed that there are a few
> > posters who use this  as a platform to steer people against the use of
> > Shimano components. What's wrong with Shimano?
> 
> My take: 
> 
> 1)  Shimano abuse their position as market leader to displace other
> options from the marketplace, particularly the market for new complete
> bikes.
> 

I think most dealers would be more than happy to stock just 1
manufacturer for the market they serve.  Not all bicycle dealers are
created equal.  Some are more affluent and well off than others.  The
ones that are just getting by serving 95% Shimano clients are not going
to go out of their way to stock bikes with SRAM, Campagnolo or Modolo
shifters or components.
Why should they?  Times are tough these days, and people don't like
stocking inventory that just sits there doing nothing, which sometimes
usually ends up sold for much less.  If customers want something
special, there's a number of custom bike works online as there's also
eBay to entertain their wallets with.

> 2)  Shimano make lots of  weak, breakage-prone, quick-wearing, and
> non-serviceable parts for the lowest possible cost, then proceed to
> charge just as much as the market will bear.
>

This I don't agree.  Other than their STI shifters which are mostly non
serviceable, *most* of their other components are serviceable.

> 3)  Shimano make equipment to serve the most easily accomodated 80% of
> users, while ignoring the rest.
> 
> If you don't have unusual requirements for bike components, don't care
> whether other sources and options are available to you, and don't care
> whether other sources and options are available to others, then there
> is no reason for you to avoid Shimano products.
> 
> If you appreciate variety and choices in the market for bike
> equipment, note that buying Shimano products works to reduce the
> variety and choices available.

Would you like to elaborate on the unusual requirements people need
that Shimano does not offer?