Originally Posted by
waynesulak
I have found that bar ends and Campy left shifters result in an incremental small movements of the FD which helps reliably move the chain off the middle ring onto the small ring. The Shimano design makes one spring release movement which is more likely to fail to move the chain.
Interesting observation.
Originally Posted by
waynesulak
I like a Shimano 105 FD for its large stiff cage ....
It seems to be a trend that, within reason, the farther down Shimano's line you go, the better suited the component is to tandem usage. I found that their $35 "below grouppo level" calipers work better for tandem brakes than Dura Ace. I suppose it's just the old adage, "Strong, light, cheap. Pick two." They have to be competitive with each other in both weight and price, so ...
Originally Posted by
waynesulak
I have not used one but it seems to me that an electronic system would by its nature move the FD smoothly like a bar end and have that benefit in addition to higher force than a spring release.
Boy, howdy! The Di2 front mech comes with a warning about having your fingers ANYWHERE around the chainrings when you're operating it! Apparently it WILL take your finger off!
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BICYCLE - [[I]bahy-si-kuhl] - Noun :> A medical device used to correct the common geriatric condition of OFS, (Old, Fat & Slow), in a manner that does not induce brain-decaying boredom like walking or running.
2005 Trek T2000 tandem, Giant TCR, Eddie Merckx Majestic Ti, Fuji Team, Giant Revel 29er, Windsor Clockwork (Orange) fixie, and a BikTrix Juggernaut Ultra 1000 fat tire eBike