A couple of seasons,it's here now,it's the Lahar,it won a world Champs,that bike did a whole season before the world champs,all it got was an oil change(25ml,10minutes)and a new chain and it won a world champs while every other bike was new or totally rebuilt. Lahar is small and has no budget for top riders so you won't see any more mega wins probablly but look at New Zealand results and you'll see Lahar smashing it or just wait until ones winning your local races to see it. Yes it is the rider that makes the biggest difference but then it'll be the Lahar that makes the biggest difference to the rider.5 runs on a Lahar(set up properly for you obviously) and you'll beat your own personal best.The single biggest advantage any rider has is that they are fast enough to win a world cup. The biggest disadvantage any rider has is that they aren't fast enough to win a world cup. Cedric at Fort Bill '06. Cedric and Peaty and 3/4 of the top 10 at Brasil '06. Mick Hannah at the first 3 WC rounds '05. And on, and on....
It seems obvious that gearboxes are the future. It will take a dedicated effort from a group of good minds with good funding and we could have it in couple seasons. And, when it comes it will be great, and there will be guys who can still win on derailleurs until they stop making them.