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Friction or Indexed Shifting Poll

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View Poll Results: I you could choose only one, would it be friction or index shifting?
Friction
59.63%
Index
44.04%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 109. You may not vote on this poll

Friction or Indexed Shifting Poll

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Old 02-26-11, 05:44 PM
  #1  
Capecodder
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Friction or Indexed Shifting Poll

If you could choose only one, would it be friction or index shifting.
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Old 02-26-11, 05:47 PM
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3speed
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Hmm... I'll assume you're referring to indexing that actually works as it's intended under current circumstance where I can adjust the shifting once in a great while if needed. In that case, Definitely indexed.
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Old 02-26-11, 05:57 PM
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storckm
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I have both (and none) on different bikes. But if I had to choose only one, I'd take friction. It seems less fiddly, although indexed does work pretty well.
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Old 02-26-11, 06:01 PM
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bikenut2011
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Friction... no muss, no fuss

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Old 02-26-11, 06:08 PM
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mazdaspeed
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Good indexed shifting is pretty awesome, but most of it isn't. Friction is usually a safer choice.
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Old 02-26-11, 06:10 PM
  #6  
Roger M
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How about a third option? Brought to you by Landrider

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Old 02-26-11, 06:11 PM
  #7  
abarth
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I don't mind friction but prefer indexed.
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Old 02-26-11, 06:17 PM
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Friction all the way. Its like Ron Popiel, "set it and forget it". No fuss no muss!
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Old 02-26-11, 06:19 PM
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Must me a sloooooow Saturday. Indexed.
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Old 02-26-11, 06:21 PM
  #10  
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Originally Posted by Old Fat Guy
Modern Campy Ergos.
This
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Old 02-26-11, 06:24 PM
  #11  
nwbikeman
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I have 5 friction Down tube bikes,Dura-Ace or Campy,1 simplex and 1 Suntour down tube index bike.
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Old 02-26-11, 06:28 PM
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old's'cool
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I chose friction because all but one of the bikes in my fleet are from that era and not only do I like to keep them period correct, but I have more confidence in friction not giving me issues between maintenance events. I also like the greater precision afforded by their analog (vs discrete) nature.
That said, I'm quite content with the Shimano SIS 6-spd system on my Versailles; on those commuting trips when I just want to pedal and not think so much it has its merits.
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Old 02-26-11, 06:38 PM
  #13  
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I choose "yes"
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Old 02-26-11, 06:46 PM
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auchencrow
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The only thing worse than indexed shifters are brifters.
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Old 02-26-11, 06:50 PM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by Old Fat Guy
Modern Campy Ergos.
I voted friction because that is all I have, but ^this^ would be my goal.
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Old 02-26-11, 06:54 PM
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You gave me the choice, so I picked both. I've used both friction and indexed. Can't say I prefer one over the other. Indexed is convenient, but requires more adjustment. Friction is a little less convenient, but doesn't require nearly the same adjustment.
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Old 02-26-11, 06:55 PM
  #17  
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Retro........friction,......Of course!

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Old 02-26-11, 06:55 PM
  #18  
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I like this type of click shifting:



Neal
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Old 02-26-11, 07:01 PM
  #19  
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Definitely index shifting. Friction shifting is my biggest gripe with C&V bikes.
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Old 02-26-11, 07:12 PM
  #20  
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If I lived someplace relatively flat friction would be the choice. Living in the hills, index shifting a wide range of gears is the way to go.
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Old 02-26-11, 07:18 PM
  #21  
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What neal said.
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Old 02-26-11, 07:20 PM
  #22  
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Friction. I've got both index ad friction, including Ergos (brifters) on various bikes. I don't race any more, so down tube friction (especially Simplex retro friction) is my gear change of choice.
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Old 02-26-11, 07:41 PM
  #23  
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Index.

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Old 02-26-11, 07:41 PM
  #24  
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That's like asking whether I prefer flip-flops or snow boots. They both have their place.
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Old 02-26-11, 09:40 PM
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I never could stand or get used to indexed shifting, friction is so much easier and maintain and you never have to deal with an 'As good as it gets' adjustment situation.
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