Originally Posted by
auchencrow
"Retro" basically means backward. In the case of Retrofriction shifters, I would surmise that the name came from the concept that the internal spring provided a counteracting (backward) force to obviate slippage. In rocketry, it's a rocket that blows in the reverse direction.
I think for everything else it's just a marketing buzzword: I.e., anything that harkens back to an earlier stage or period.
Actually, I think the Simplex "retrofriction" is some kind of one-way clutch arrangement. Supposed to provide very light downshift action because you're not pulling against both the derailleur spring AND lever friction.
And as far as the term "retro", AFAIAC it just means new crap designed to look old without any regard to the the qualities that made the old stuff good in the first place.
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