What is your favorite friction shifter?
09-10-13, 10:51 AM
#1
What's this lever do?
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Salem, MA
Posts: 497
Bikes: 1987 Centurion Sport DLX | 1996 GT Vertigo
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What is your favorite friction shifter?
Ok, I'll admit, I really like friction shifting a LOT
what do you consider to be the best friction shifter?
what do you consider to be the best friction shifter?
09-10-13, 10:59 AM
#2
Senior Member
I like this version of Superbe/Cyclone. I'm not sure of the model number.
09-10-13, 11:03 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Bethesda/Baltimore MD
Posts: 3,683
Bikes: '72 Moto Grand Record, '72 Gitane tandem, '72 Raleigh Super Course, '73 Raleigh Gran Sport, '73 and '76 Colnagos Super, '76 Fiorelli Coppi, '78 Raleigh SBDU Team Pro, '78 Trek 930, '81 Holdsworth Special 650B, '86 Masi GC, '87 Panasonic DX5000
Mentioned: 57 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 648 Post(s)
Liked 242 Times
in
146 Posts
Having finally had a chance to try some Simplex retrofrictions, they would now be at the top of my list. So smoooth.
__________________
The man who dies with the most toys…is dead. - Rootboy
The man who dies with the most toys…is dead. - Rootboy
09-10-13, 11:03 AM
#4
Journeyman Bike Commuter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 6,468
Bikes: '71 Jeunet 640, '79 Peugeot PXN10LE, '88 Fuji Saratoga, '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '16 Motobecane Gran Premio Elite, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1230 Post(s)
Liked 1,056 Times
in
572 Posts
SunTour "barcon" ratcheting bar end shifter for me.
09-10-13, 11:03 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Berwyn PA
Posts: 6,095
Bikes: I hate bikes!
Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 295 Post(s)
Liked 140 Times
in
52 Posts
Suntour Sprint/ Rivendell Silver shifter. Paired with a modern chain and freewheel, shifting is a joy.
09-10-13, 11:05 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: n.w. superdrome
Posts: 17,688
Bikes: 1 trek, serotta, rih, de Reus, Pogliaghi and finally a Zieleman! and got a DeRosa
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Simplex Retrofriction silky smooth and flawless shifting...
second would be the Suntour Ratchet version
second would be the Suntour Ratchet version
__________________
Sono più lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
Sono più lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
09-10-13, 11:15 AM
#7
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 12,625
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 76 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2181 Post(s)
Liked 654 Times
in
407 Posts
I wish I could find a better picture of these- The Sachs/Huret downtube shifters as found on the 1985 Trek 620 and 1986 Schwinn Passage:
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
09-10-13, 11:24 AM
#8
What's this lever do?
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Salem, MA
Posts: 497
Bikes: 1987 Centurion Sport DLX | 1996 GT Vertigo
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Phil_gretz
SunTour "barcon" ratcheting bar end shifter for me.
Originally Posted by fender1
Suntour Sprint/ Rivendell Silver shifter. Paired with a modern chain and freewheel, shifting is a joy.
09-10-13, 11:39 AM
#9
Journeyman Bike Commuter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 6,468
Bikes: '71 Jeunet 640, '79 Peugeot PXN10LE, '88 Fuji Saratoga, '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '16 Motobecane Gran Premio Elite, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1230 Post(s)
Liked 1,056 Times
in
572 Posts
Originally Posted by chapel
Is that these?
I've heard the same. How are they 'ratcheting'?
I've heard the same. How are they 'ratcheting'?
No, the Sprint shifters were friction and on the downtube. With the listed conversion pods, they're a hybridized bar end shifter. I suspect that they're very nice. I haven't tried them.
The Barcon was designed to fit exclusively on the bar end. The similar mechanism was found on the larger SunTour PowerShifter down tube and stem shifter mounts. An internal ratchet "clicked" as you pull back on the shifter...
Do a Google Image search on the SunTour barcon...
09-10-13, 11:47 AM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: n.w. superdrome
Posts: 17,688
Bikes: 1 trek, serotta, rih, de Reus, Pogliaghi and finally a Zieleman! and got a DeRosa
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
barcon:
Power Shifter:
Power Shifter:
__________________
Sono più lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
Sono più lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
09-10-13, 11:53 AM
#11
What's this lever do?
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Salem, MA
Posts: 497
Bikes: 1987 Centurion Sport DLX | 1996 GT Vertigo
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Phil_gretz
No, the Sprint shifters were friction and on the downtube. With the listed conversion pods, they're a hybridized bar end shifter. I suspect that they're very nice. I haven't tried them.
The Barcon was designed to fit exclusively on the bar end. The similar mechanism was found on the larger SunTour PowerShifter down tube and stem shifter mounts. An internal ratchet "clicked" as you pull back on the shifter...
Do a Google Image search on the SunTour barcon...
The Barcon was designed to fit exclusively on the bar end. The similar mechanism was found on the larger SunTour PowerShifter down tube and stem shifter mounts. An internal ratchet "clicked" as you pull back on the shifter...
Do a Google Image search on the SunTour barcon...
09-10-13, 11:56 AM
#12
Bianchi Goddess
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 27,353
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
Mentioned: 145 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1947 Post(s)
Liked 733 Times
in
463 Posts
But isn't the OP asking about friction shifters? I think we need to clarify whether he means friction or retro friction.
I don't have a pair in use but I think the for their beauty and simplicity of the Victory or Triomphe shifters would be my pic.
These have to one of the ugliest shifters made... but they work great! Right now they are on my Trek 2000
I don't have a pair in use but I think the for their beauty and simplicity of the Victory or Triomphe shifters would be my pic.
Originally Posted by The Golden Boy
I wish I could find a better picture of these- The Sachs/Huret downtube shifters as found on the 1985 Trek 620 and 1986 Schwinn Passage:
These have to one of the ugliest shifters made... but they work great! Right now they are on my Trek 2000
__________________
Bianchis '90 Proto, '90 Campione del Fausto Giamondi Specialisma Italiano Mundo, '91 Boarala 'cross, '93 Project 3, '86 Volpe, '97 Ti Megatube, '93 Reparto Corse SBX
Others but still loved; '80 Batavus Professional, '87 Cornelo, '?? Jane Doe (still on the drawing board), '90ish Haro Escape SLX Bertoni "Speckled Trout"
Bianchis '90 Proto, '90 Campione del Fausto Giamondi Specialisma Italiano Mundo, '91 Boarala 'cross, '93 Project 3, '86 Volpe, '97 Ti Megatube, '93 Reparto Corse SBX
Others but still loved; '80 Batavus Professional, '87 Cornelo, '?? Jane Doe (still on the drawing board), '90ish Haro Escape SLX Bertoni "Speckled Trout"
09-10-13, 12:10 PM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Berkeley, CA
Posts: 6,785
Bikes: '72 Cilo Pacer, '72 Gitane Gran Tourisme, '72 Peugeot PX10, '73 Speedwell Ti, '74 Nishiki Competition, '74 Peugeot UE-8, '75 Peugeot PR-10L, '85 De Rosa Pro, '86 Look Equipe 753, '86 Look KG86, '89 Parkpre Team, '90 Parkpre Team MTB, '90 Merlin
Mentioned: 72 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 574 Post(s)
Liked 416 Times
in
184 Posts
^There is an internal spring in the shifter which counteracts the pull from the derailleur spring. Makes for a really nice smooth shifting action. And they look great, too.
+1 on simplex retrofriction.
+1 on simplex retrofriction.
09-10-13, 12:13 PM
#15
Senior Member
Originally Posted by chapel
what's retrofriction?
https://www.classiclightweights.co.uk...omponents.html
Oh wait, they suck. I need another pair, so if you find some, PM me for my address and send them to me for proper disposal
09-10-13, 12:22 PM
#17
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 12,625
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 76 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2181 Post(s)
Liked 654 Times
in
407 Posts
Originally Posted by Drakonchik
Suntour Command shifters in all their iterations.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
09-10-13, 12:23 PM
#18
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 12,625
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 76 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2181 Post(s)
Liked 654 Times
in
407 Posts
Originally Posted by Bianchigirll
These have to one of the ugliest shifters made... but they work great! Right now they are on my Trek 2000
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
09-10-13, 01:06 PM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Pinole, CA, USA
Posts: 17,415
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 437 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
8 Posts
Originally Posted by chapel
what's retrofriction?
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...friction-model
Based on your questions in this thread, I'm betting on the latter.
09-10-13, 02:26 PM
#21
self propelled lifer
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Manitoba
Posts: 555
Bikes: 1962 Dawes Galaxy; 72 Gitane Interclub;73 Peugeot PR10;78 Torpado Luxe;73 Grandis; 81 Raleigh/Carlton Comp; 85 Bianchi Stelvio; 87 Bianchi Brava; 73 Bottechia Special; 1969 or70 Bob Jackson
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
I've never tried the Simplex retrofriction shifters but I really like Suntour powershifters.
09-10-13, 02:44 PM
#22
Banned.
Join Date: May 2011
Location: on the beach
Posts: 4,859
Bikes: '73 falcon sr, '76 grand record, '84 davidson
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 59 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
9 Posts
the smoothest i've owned were brazed shimano 600 arabesque on an '81 univega. they were the prettiest too.
09-10-13, 02:53 PM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,138
Bikes: 1986 Alan Record Carbonio, 1985 Vitus Plus Carbone 7, 1984 Peugeot PSV, 1972 Line Seeker, 1986(est.) Medici Aerodynamic (Project), 1985(est.) Peugeot PY10FC
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 145 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
14 Posts
Originally Posted by peter_d
I've never tried the Simplex retrofriction shifters but I really like Suntour powershifters.
09-10-13, 02:57 PM
#24
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,330
Bikes: 73 Raleigh Carlton Gran Sport, 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 87 Centurion Ironman Expert, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Mentioned: 183 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1189 Post(s)
Liked 273 Times
in
139 Posts
I've been happy with every DT friction shifter I ever used. Suntour's straightforward shifter is nice I dunno' what model it might be. So is DuraAce. I've got a newfangled ratcheting shifter on the Centurion. It works fine but I'm not sure I'm used to the asymmetric action. Heck, I even like Simplex Delrin (no they haven't broken after 40 years on the UO8), but admittedly the metal Simplex ones are also nice. I've got some switchable index/friction Suntour levers on the Bianchi's braze-on studs and they also work great in friction mode. What's not to like?
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
09-10-13, 03:04 PM
#25
Bianchi Goddess
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 27,353
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
Mentioned: 145 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1947 Post(s)
Liked 733 Times
in
463 Posts
Of course I can't find a pic of them but I can't believe there hasn't been a mention of the CampI C-Rec Doppler shifter.
gleaned from the bay, however I am not sure if these are regular friction or the retro "Doppler" style
gleaned from the bay, however I am not sure if these are regular friction or the retro "Doppler" style
__________________
Bianchis '90 Proto, '90 Campione del Fausto Giamondi Specialisma Italiano Mundo, '91 Boarala 'cross, '93 Project 3, '86 Volpe, '97 Ti Megatube, '93 Reparto Corse SBX
Others but still loved; '80 Batavus Professional, '87 Cornelo, '?? Jane Doe (still on the drawing board), '90ish Haro Escape SLX Bertoni "Speckled Trout"
Bianchis '90 Proto, '90 Campione del Fausto Giamondi Specialisma Italiano Mundo, '91 Boarala 'cross, '93 Project 3, '86 Volpe, '97 Ti Megatube, '93 Reparto Corse SBX
Others but still loved; '80 Batavus Professional, '87 Cornelo, '?? Jane Doe (still on the drawing board), '90ish Haro Escape SLX Bertoni "Speckled Trout"
Last edited by Bianchigirll; 09-10-13 at 03:11 PM.
