Friction Shifters-Lube or No Lube?
 

Should Campy NR/SR friction shifters be lubed or dry? When lubed with Tri-Flo they tend to slip and if I clean the lube off and use them dry they feel sort of rough but dont slip.

I've never lubed friction shifters, just cleaned them
well when they begin to feel gritty.

Marty

:D friction shifters need to be dry, otherwise NO friction!!!

I ad a touch of bearing grease for the smooth feel. I guess I risk slippage, and it means they have to be taken apart and cleans every now and then but, meh...

I've always greased the barrels, then stick a screwdriver through the 'D' ring and spin it really TIGHT!

Nah, just kidding about that part. The friction works fine with lube.

+1 ;)

There are two answers I think, Older all metallic Campagnolo shift levers, use Campagnolo grease. Later units with the nylon or nylon looking washer, I put a bit on the pivot barrel only, none on the business, compression carrying parts.

Thanks for all the replies. I'll clean them up and put a dab of grease on the shift boss and be done with it. Hopefully that'll cure the slipping.

I like silicone dielectric grease for this and derailleur bearings.