Basically, Shimano have realised that no one really wanted the system in the first place, and are winding it down.

I didn't like the thought of not being able to grab a thumbful of a lower gear when I misjudged something, as its always better IMO to be able to get into an easier gear faster than a high one...

P-ness wrote (see)

There are still plenty of non-shadow options available and will continue to be so.

It was all starting to look a bit grim there for a minute, but P-ness has buoyed me up (first time I've been pleased by one of them that's not mine).

The reason I like 'em is exactly that they *are* easier to get into a lower gear - an easy shift when you're running out of steam on a climb. They're fast enough not to need to force shifts. Then again, I like my flappy paddle brake levers too, so what do I know?

I get the Shadow thing, and can live without that (I hear tell of broken mechs instead of broken hangers?). Shame they don't do a Saint though.

Time to search for an XT or much-reduced XTR then. Thanks for the start Mike.

P-ness wrote (see)

Argh, what am I saying?  Mike, stock up now just in case