Do the Sachs/Huret New Success (down-tube) shifters have a "friction" setting? They are A.R.I.S., so we know they are index-compatible.

I don’t know about earlier models, but my 8 speed levers have a friction mode.

Thanks. These are six-speed.

Everything did back then.

Pic? especially of the side

If there is an indicator on the knurled ring above the 6 the triangle is probably friction. Mount it and try try turning the ring to it.

Here is the 8 speed version that appears to work in the same way as the earlier models. I have nothing but good things to say about these shifters and the Sachs NewSuccess stuff in general. The front derailleur is the best that I have ever used from any era. Isn’t it ironic that SRAM bought Sachs but now doesn’t seem to know how to make a front derailleur that shifts properly?

I looked a little more-closely, and now I see the indicators for the two settings.

Yes, those marks are subtle. Perhaps that is why they went to the other ring as on the 8 speed model. I prefer the looks of the ring on yours, but I can find no other fault with something that has functioned well for thirty plus years.

Thanks for the photo. Yeah, I like the New Success and Rival groups. I wish I could find some of that Sachs chain lube!

The wet version or the dry version?

I used to buy it in the late '90's-early 00's. It was a medium-grey bottle with blue writing. I don't remember two different versions.