On one bike, I use a 9-speed cassette with simple friction shifting. Yes, a lot of cogs, but not excessive when using only a single chainring. In fact, it simplifies everything and eliminates all gear overlap. With a centered chainline everything shifts VERY smoothly and runs quietly. With this setup I can take full advantage of an 11-32 Shimano XT (MTB) cassette. My gears with 44t chainring range from 37 to 108 inches. For me this gear range and these increments are perfectly adequate. Very practical for any of my typical rides, while it still preserves my knees. Fine on steep local roads with a 5-mile climb up 1200 feet (400 meters). Most city riding is mainly on the middle sprockets, anyway... So, any increase in wear seems to be quite minimal (after 4000 miles).
BOB HANSON, ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, USA
**************************************Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)