Bicycle Mechanics - Question about Shimano SL-R400 downtube shifters

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Old Apollo

07-11-10, 06:29 PM

I hope this is the right place to ask this question, but does anyone out there know whether these downtube shifters will run friction for both front and rear derailleurs? I've just ordered some, and the supplier said they work in both indexed and friction. However, what little I've been able to find online states they only work friction for the front and indexed for the back.

Thanks for any help.

HillRider

07-11-10, 06:33 PM

You are correct. All downtube (and barend) shifters work only in friction mode for front derailleur shifting. Most newer ones have settings for both index and friction for rear shifting.

Old Apollo

07-11-10, 09:15 PM

Thanks for the reply. Do you know if it's the case that if the downtube shifter for the rear derailleur works in indexed mode, it can also work in friction mode? Or do some new ones ONLY work in indexed, without the option to run it friction?