I would think it wouldn't be too hard to find some friction shifters from an old downtube bike if thats what you wanted to do. I could be wrong though.

There is more conversation in this thread and comments from Bikes Direct. This page has some good info that I didn't quote.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...er-Tires/page7

"I hope so too; but factories are running slow this year; which I think is a pre price increase indictator. [2011 will probably see lots of price increases]

but we do have on order a good order of Mercier Nano mini-velos and I am determined to keep the price under $300
And we will offer it at a special deal to newsletter members; please sign up at http://www.bikesdirect.com/deals/

I hope this fun type of bike gets some at least some interest from early adopters; and then we can several varitions later. I can think of dozens of different specs on these bikes "