These were designed prior to the suntour or shimano barcons, AFAIK. I think they were introed in the 1950s! The design remained basically the same, a crude friction shifter. I will be using them as they are period correct for a restoration project I am doing. I don't hold much faith that they will perform well. In fact, I expect them to work like crap, but that is not what restoring a show worthy bike is about now is it!