What shifters to get
09-06-15, 08:37 AM
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What shifters to get
I am renovating an old Raleigh road bike from late 70s, early 80s. It has on it a pair of Suntour Power friction ratchet shifters that I can't get to work. The shafts of the thing turns around so I can't tighten them. So I want to get new set, not necessarily Suntour but something that works well. Any ideas of what I should look for?
09-06-15, 08:48 AM
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Those are great shifters. You can run any downtube shifters you like. I'd go visit a local bike shop and hunt through their old parts (some keep old parts lying around) or visit a bike co-op. Here is where buying used helps. You could put up some pics and wtb on C&V sale thread; you'll get hit with a ton of possibilities from members here who keep old stuff like that squirreled away for the apocalypse; I know I do.
Heck I even have a set of raleigh branded suntour downtube shifters that I'd be willing to let go for what I paid for them plus shipping.
Heck I even have a set of raleigh branded suntour downtube shifters that I'd be willing to let go for what I paid for them plus shipping.
09-06-15, 09:34 AM
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If you're in Europe - you may be able to find a set of Simplex/Spidel Retrofriction shifters. IMO- the best EvAr.
Best of luck!!
Best of luck!!
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09-06-15, 03:39 PM
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I concur. If you are willing to stay non-indexed, you have many good shifter options. Pick what looks good and feels good to you.
Note that Campagnolo and Simplex levers generally have smaller-diameter capstans than other brands, which will translate into a longer lever throw. This may actually be a benefit for you, unless you just cannot wrap enough cable to handle something like a 3x9 gear setup.
Note that Campagnolo and Simplex levers generally have smaller-diameter capstans than other brands, which will translate into a longer lever throw. This may actually be a benefit for you, unless you just cannot wrap enough cable to handle something like a 3x9 gear setup.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
