Band style fasteners were originally introduced by Sun Tour circa 1981. Originally they were called "endless clamp" mounting but this was later changed to "endless band". It was offered on both shift levers and front derailleurs. The prime purpose was to apply the clamping force uniformly along the band, reducing the possibility of deforming thin wall tubing, such as Reynolds 753, Columbus KL, Tange Champion Pro and Ishiwata 017. Secondary attributes included a sleeker appearance, less weight and, since this was the birth of the aerodynamic era, less frontal area for reduced aerodynamic drag. As noted, there was special version of some models of front derailleurs which used a brazed-on fitting.