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Old 02-16-13 | 06:37 AM
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Road Fan
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Ann Arbor, MI

Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8

Originally Posted by EnDLeSs_27
I have a 1980 Voyageur 11.8. It is a 12 speed.

But it is missing the down tube shifters. I know that he bike originally had shimano altus shifters. But does it matter which brand dt shifter I get?

will these work http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-Suntour-...item4ac0b2c374

or these
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-Dura...item27cfc3710b

or these
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SHIFTER-ROAD...item1e7031fa2d

Basically are any of downtube shifters speed specific? Do I need to make sure that the downtube shifter is 12 speed specific before purchasing?
Downtube friction shifters all have pretty much the same capabilities except for cable pull ratio (neglecting the obvious mechanical stuff like plastic versus metal parts). The lever bends the cable around a circle, call it a drum. The amount of cable pull for a given lever pull depends on the diameter of the drum. Bigger drum, more cable pull, faster derailleur movement. The original maker made it to match their derailleurs. The result of the "perfect match" is about lever effort, lack of lever slip, and how far the lever pulls to get you all your shifts. One (in my opinion) really nice-feeling set up is the much-maligned Campagnolo Nuovo Record. It just seemed to feel right, at least to my hand.

But, as long as you can get ENOUGH cable pull, ease of lever travel, and lack of slip, essentially any friction levers will work with any derailleur.

I don't think anyone has ever made a compatibility guide for this matching adventure.
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