[focusedone]

You're not wrong. I built up a frame from '89 with random leftovers from more recent bikes and it works. No oddball standards or 'well, you'll have to get an adapter' silliness. It was kindof refreshing to build AND it functions just fine.

Somewhere in the 90's - early 00's was peak bike and I think most (but not all) progress after that came from marketing departments.

Exceptions: MTB geometry changes (debatable), dropper posts, aero wheels.

Not exceptions: internal cable routing, proprietary integrated brakes/handlebars/stems/bottle cages/forks, 1x don't @ me.