ShannonM

So, I want to convert my 1x6 Fuji League (42x14-26) to a 46x34 1.5-step double, with bar-end levers. I've got a pair of Simplex/Mavic teardrop retrofriction levers, which I adored when I had a pair on the downtube of a curved-seat-tube Otero, shifting a pushrod Croce D'Aune derailleur. (Lost the bike in the divorce, very sad.)

Will they fit onto the currently-available bar-end shifter pods, without modification to either shifter or pod?

Has anyone done this, and how did you like it? Is the long throw of the Simplex lever really weird on a bar-end shifter? (On the Otero, the rear shifter was almost parallel to the downtube in the lowest gear. Took some getting used to, but still the best shifting I've ever had.

--Shannon

PS - Also looking for the best-looking chainrings... I'm thinking black would look great on this bike, especially drilled...

Bianchigirll 

Is there a reason you don’t want to use use the fabulous Suntour barends?

ShannonM

Indeed there is... I have the Simplex levers, and I don't have Suntour Barcons. But they are an option to be considered, as are the Dia Compe / Rivendell ratcheting levers... which I've never used, but I do remember the Suntour Sprint levers being pretty danged awesome back in the day.

--Shannon

bikemig 

You can try it and report back to the team. Or buy the equally awesome sun tour bar cons; that’s what I’d do.

cudak888 

It's been done, using the Shimano-style pod: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...-ends-1101400/

-Kurt

bikemig 

That's a good thread with a great BF flamewar over who made the "best" bar end shifters. I may have to try out the Shimano finger tip control L 600 bar ends with some first gen dura ace stuff I have on a build one day.

cudak888 

If that's a flamewar, we could use more flamewars in C&V these days. That thread is a lot more civil and intelligent than some of the heinously stupid troll threads that have been been going on as of late.

I only have Mavic (Simplex) retrofrictions on one of my builds, but they're quite nice to use. Not entirely my cup of tea, but they're best when paired with just the right derailleur - and the Huret Jubilee I'm using just doesn't cut it.

-Kurt

bikemig 

Agreed. One of the posters called it a flamewar I think which is why I used that word. It was a good discussion with evidence based, rational disagreement. Hmm, we could use more of that.

The simplex retrofrictions are very nice indeed paired with simplex derailleurs. This is the first time I've used them. I may have to try them out on a Mercier 300 I am rebuilding: