How do downtube shifters wear out?
08-26-18, 01:33 PM
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How do downtube shifters wear out?
Out of curiosity, how do those things wear out? They seem pretty long lasting but I think there's a point in life when they give up... or don't they?
08-26-18, 01:45 PM
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Need to be a bit more specific as to brand and age.
Friction levers rarely die. But some can be temperamental if assembled with or without lubrication depending on the design.
Index shifters or retrofriction shifters can get very specific.
Friction levers rarely die. But some can be temperamental if assembled with or without lubrication depending on the design.
Index shifters or retrofriction shifters can get very specific.
08-26-18, 02:09 PM
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They're made to last as long as they've lasted, except for defects, like the 6200 early series indexed.
However, every part wears if in contact with something, eventually. I'm going to assume indexed shifters can and do.
After all, Campy Ergos wear out and can be rebuilt. Almost as if they knew it would happen!
However, every part wears if in contact with something, eventually. I'm going to assume indexed shifters can and do.
After all, Campy Ergos wear out and can be rebuilt. Almost as if they knew it would happen!
08-26-18, 02:32 PM
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They give up when people upgrade to brifters otherwise they keep working forever YMMV
Last edited by ryansu; 08-26-18 at 02:36 PM.
08-26-18, 02:52 PM
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Well the Chorus (I think) ones on my Greg Lemond Maillot Jaune wore out by the spings weakening. It would ghost shift when I really got on it. I was told that the current Ergo Lever springs would work of it and that's what I "fixed" it with. Only it didn't fix it. Turns out you do need the older ones which were stiffer. Once I sourced the right ones the DT shifter started working perfectly. But these also can fail when the indexing ring wears out too.
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08-26-18, 03:08 PM
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My old bike came with slotted Campagnolo shifters similar to this.
I'm not sure if it was a factory option, or a "drillium" aftermarket option.
However, over time, both sides eventually flexed, bent, and broke.
They were replaced with levers without the cutout. In fact, I think I still have two left levers, and no right levers on the bike. Someday I'll get all the parts together at the same time I wear out a derailleur cable, and get the right lever installed.
I'm not sure if it was a factory option, or a "drillium" aftermarket option.
However, over time, both sides eventually flexed, bent, and broke.
They were replaced with levers without the cutout. In fact, I think I still have two left levers, and no right levers on the bike. Someday I'll get all the parts together at the same time I wear out a derailleur cable, and get the right lever installed.
08-26-18, 05:39 PM
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I used the shifter so much for the rear derailleur on my Motobecane Gran Jubile that I wore through the casting where the cable end sits and had to switch levers from side to side. It's presently still only a five speed. Anybody know where I can get a replacement rear lever for the Huret shifter?
08-26-18, 05:47 PM
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08-26-18, 07:37 PM
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They don’t! Worst case, may have to replace a bushing or two.
Tim
Tim
