Originally Posted by
RobbieTunes
Yes. It generally required spare parts and fabricated tools.
Curtis Dobbins (REI/Cycling Margeurite?) was the only rebuilder I know who even worked on them.
He had a boneyard for parts. I doubt he does it any more.
They worked fine, but by way of comparison, hmm..
Running in boots compared to running shoes.
Dancing in tight jeans compared to spandex (from what I've heard).
FM compared to satellite HD.
Thunk compared to click.
Pull compared to select.
Jerk/clank compared to looking down to see if it shifted.
Oscar Goldman had it right.
That’s great 👍
I like to think of similar comparisons when I ride my retro SunTour 3x8 Command shifting drivetrain driving an Accushift AP (1st generation square cut cassette cogs) 8 speed 12-26 cassette with the mechanical confidence inspired by a SunTour XC Pro short cage rear rear derailleur.
Comparing the above drivetrain to a Dura Ace 7800 2x10 is apples to oranges but both are valid. The single
clunk per each gear click on the Accushift Command lever mounted inboard of my Campy-style Tektro aero levers is more idiot-proof, more robust than the precious, incredible 7800 levers - take your pick.
BTW; If you can make the Flight Deck function properly, you’ll have a reliable (now old-school) cockpit gear readout that relieves you of having to look down & back to determine what gear you are in.