Why have Shimano never updated their FlightDeck computer?

unixnerd
unixnerd Posts: 2,864
edited January 2011 in Workshop
I have a FlightDeck computer on my tourer and my road bike. I like the fact it shows gear selections and I love the cadence function, which doesn't need a dedicated sensor because it knows the current gearing. Both have been perfectly reliable over the years. Main downsides are the small fiddly buttons and the complex way you wade through the different displays.

But what I can't understand is that with such a huge base of possible users and such low market penetration why haven't they developed a new flightdeck computer? The current models are identical to the one I first bought around 8 years ago. Surely there's a decent sized market they're missing out on?
http://www.strathspey.co.uk - Quality Binoculars at a Sensible Price.
Specialized Roubaix SL3 Expert 2012, Cannondale CAAD5,
Marin Mount Vision (1997), Edinburgh Country tourer, 3 cats!

Comments

  • ADIHEAD
    ADIHEAD Posts: 575
    I suspect it's got something to do with the fact that everyone buys Garmins nowadays :roll:
  • So why not update the Flightdeck with GPS then?

    Or alternatively, with so many riders using Flightdeck compatible shifters why does Garmin or other GPS manufacturers not use the control buttons on the hoods to link with the head unit?

    I'm a very happy flightdeck user and find mine brilliant but would love GPS navigation in the same unit...
  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    Was thinking the same, STI control buttons for my 705 but what about when I use the 705 on my SS :roll:
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.
  • dilemna
    dilemna Posts: 2,187
    redvee wrote:
    Was thinking the same, STI control buttons for my 705 but what about when I use the 705 on my SS :roll:

    6666 posts redvee :shock: :twisted: !
    Life is like a roll of toilet paper; long and useful, but always ends at the wrong moment. Anon.
    Think how stupid the average person is.......
    half of them are even more stupid than you first thought.
  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    Soon change that.
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.
  • unixnerd
    unixnerd Posts: 2,864
    I'm a very happy flightdeck user and find mine brilliant but would love GPS navigation in the same unit...

    You're the only other FlightDeck user I've heard about, we must be a small and selective club :-)

    I'd like a display that would handle any number of gears. One of the reasons my tourer is still 8 speed is that I'd also need a new computer. It also needs a slightly bigged display so you can see more than two functions at once and larger buttons you can use whilst wearing gloves.

    Any idea what year FlightDeck came out? I get the impression it was an idea ahead of it's time that's never been updated.
    http://www.strathspey.co.uk - Quality Binoculars at a Sensible Price.
    Specialized Roubaix SL3 Expert 2012, Cannondale CAAD5,
    Marin Mount Vision (1997), Edinburgh Country tourer, 3 cats!
  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    unixnerd wrote:
    Any idea what year FlightDeck came out? I get the impression it was an idea ahead of it's time that's never been updated.

    Think 105 9speed was the first grouppo it was on, or that year.
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.
  • unixnerd
    unixnerd Posts: 2,864
    Ooooh, look what I found :

    http://techdocs.shimano.com/media/techd ... 703730.pdf

    http://techdocs.shimano.com/media/techd ... 703731.pdf

    They HAVE updated it. Heart rate monitor and other new bits too! Anyone seen this for sale?
    http://www.strathspey.co.uk - Quality Binoculars at a Sensible Price.
    Specialized Roubaix SL3 Expert 2012, Cannondale CAAD5,
    Marin Mount Vision (1997), Edinburgh Country tourer, 3 cats!
  • unixnerd
    unixnerd Posts: 2,864
    Fat Birds have it on discount at 270 quid including all the bits, quite a bit dearer than the old version! Looks like it only fits the lastest Dura Ace / Di2 and Ultegra groupsets. Nice to see it's wireless, saves having to rewrap the bars to install it.

    Without any kind of GPS I don't see it being a hot seller at that price. Not including 105 compatibility takes a big chunk out of their market too.
    http://www.strathspey.co.uk - Quality Binoculars at a Sensible Price.
    Specialized Roubaix SL3 Expert 2012, Cannondale CAAD5,
    Marin Mount Vision (1997), Edinburgh Country tourer, 3 cats!