Originally Posted by
desconhecido
I agree about using friction shifters and having them on the downtube. Works fine, lasts a long time, all that. But, indexed shifting really is a nice feature and many people, for whatever reason, just don't like shifters on the downtube. Somebody I've known a long time told me the other day that they are "dangerous" on the downtube. I held my tongue. Sort of like manual transmission cars. That's what I drive, and always will. Auto transmissions are for little old ladies with one leg. But, it seems I am in the minority on that issue as well. Actually, auto transmission technology has advanced to the level that they are more efficient than manual and if I ever buy a car again, it will probably be auto for that reason.
I understand the downtube shifter objections, but there are lots of good
friction workarounds, including barcons and handlebar mounting pods. My point is simply that indexing contributes very little, and it is downright counterproductive on the front derailleur. My sons choose to drive cars with manual transmissions, but I really like tiptronics and similar shiftable automatics, maybe because my left knee has been immobilized twice because of patellar dislocations. When I am physically unable to ride a bike, I want at least to be able to drive a car.
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
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