R-long,

Some of the shifters Shimano market has the name "Rapid Fire" on them and in our cycling fraternity speak all of the SIS (i think self indexing system) type are called "rapid fire ". They are not the new single padle type that includes braking and shifting. The Rapid Fire type has seperate upshift and downshift paddles as well as seperate brake handles. Go and look at the Shimano website to identify your type.

The button kit is Shimano and supplied as a wiring kit that includes the mounting base for my Flightdeck. It is also wireless from the Flightdeck to the pickup on the wheel.The buttons have the same purpose as the button setup on STI levers of roadbikes.

We have two tandems (road and MTB) and I will not ride without my Flightdeck for the simple reason that it gives me an indication of which ger the bike is in with the bubbles displayed on the Flightdeck. On a half bike you can crank your head beack to see what gear you are in. On a tandem you have to rely on your stoker. My wife normally takes ages and then she is never sure.

I tried to look at the Shimano website but is seems they are down.

FLIGHTDECK RULES.

Big H