Brifters vs. Downtube shifters
03-19-14, 11:20 AM
#276
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Even if a cyclist wants brifters, it is a good idea to buy a frame that has downtube braze-ons in case he (or the person he later sells the frame to) wants downtube shifters in the future. The only new bikes that come with downtube braze-ons are bikes that come with downtube shifters. It is like buying a computer that is backward compatible.
Last edited by joe932; 03-19-14 at 11:32 AM.
03-20-14, 06:43 PM
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Just idly wondering. OP buys himself the bike with DT shifters. Digs it and gets used to it. Then later purchases a ride equipped with handlebar mounted gear changers.
While riding his cool new bike, reaches down to shift before realizing the changers aren't there.. heck it happened to me today..
While riding his cool new bike, reaches down to shift before realizing the changers aren't there.. heck it happened to me today..
It happens to me all the time switching between my bar-ens bike, dt bike, STI bike, and SS. My body is confused.
03-20-14, 06:54 PM
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03-21-14, 03:35 AM
#281
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Not sure why anyone would want to go back to down tube shifters after using brifters - one of the best inventions for the bicycle in my lifetime. They make it so much easier to shift quickly and efficiently.
03-21-14, 04:01 AM
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Even if a cyclist wants brifters, it is a good idea to buy a frame that has downtube braze-ons in case he (or the person he later sells the frame to) wants downtube shifters in the future. The only new bikes that come with downtube braze-ons are bikes that come with downtube shifters. It is like buying a computer that is backward compatible.
I'm going with the DT shifters indexed to cassette size and may go with 9sp barcons at some point.
But please dont send me back to Schwinn Varsity stem shifters, turkey levers and pie plate dork disc. Ugh.
03-21-14, 04:44 AM
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03-21-14, 06:21 AM
#284
Portland Fred
Just idly wondering. OP buys himself the bike with DT shifters. Digs it and gets used to it. Then later purchases a ride equipped with handlebar mounted gear changers.
While riding his cool new bike, reaches down to shift before realizing the changers aren't there.. heck it happened to me today..
While riding his cool new bike, reaches down to shift before realizing the changers aren't there.. heck it happened to me today..
03-21-14, 04:28 PM
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03-21-14, 05:55 PM
#286
WV is not flat..
Very cool thread. If this was started in the C&V section the answers would be very similar I think. I just changed my Black Lightning from indexed downtubes to these 7 speed Tourney STI's (not top of the line, but easy and inexpensive to switch). I liked the downtubes, but I've been spoiled by STI's over the years. And much more comfortable hoods to ride on.
03-21-14, 06:23 PM
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If someone wants extremely comfortable hoods on a DT shifter bike or single speed, TRP RRL levers are phenomenal, and IMO are as comfortable as my Campagnolo Ergo levers.
03-21-14, 06:29 PM
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How is this thread still going?
03-21-14, 07:33 PM
#290
Fresh Garbage
Cane Creek SCR-5 if you want imitation Campy
Last edited by hairnet; 03-21-14 at 07:37 PM.
03-21-14, 07:46 PM
#291
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I like the feel of shifting downtube shifters. Fishing about, dialing in the right cable tension, listening for the chain to quiet and sync up on the cog. Feels like....... victory.
03-22-14, 08:52 AM
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03-22-14, 10:00 AM
#295
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I was just out on the main biking road in my area. Lots of small groups riding. I look at their bikes, the way they're dressed, it's very foreign to the way I look and the bikes I ride. To each his own. Downtube shifters are simple, easy, and I can feel whats happening to my gear selection. I tried brifters on one of my bikes. Just didn't think much of them. No breakthrough moment of marvelous technology. But then I prefer tubular tires, rat trap pedals, and luxurious french leather saddles from the 50's.
03-22-14, 03:39 PM
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I was just out on the main biking road in my area. Lots of small groups riding. I look at their bikes, the way they're dressed, it's very foreign to the way I look and the bikes I ride. To each his own. Downtube shifters are simple, easy, and I can feel whats happening to my gear selection. I tried brifters on one of my bikes. Just didn't think much of them. No breakthrough moment of marvelous technology. But then I prefer tubular tires, rat trap pedals, and luxurious french leather saddles from the 50's.
03-22-14, 05:26 PM
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I was just out on the main biking road in my area. Lots of small groups riding. I look at their bikes, the way they're dressed, it's very foreign to the way I look and the bikes I ride. To each his own. Downtube shifters are simple, easy, and I can feel whats happening to my gear selection. I tried brifters on one of my bikes. Just didn't think much of them. No breakthrough moment of marvelous technology. But then I prefer tubular tires, rat trap pedals, and luxurious french leather saddles from the 50's.