Friction Brifters
03-25-23, 06:27 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Reston VA
Posts: 561
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 85 Post(s)
Liked 74 Times
in
55 Posts
Friction Brifters
Looking forward to seeing these. Based on the price of their brake components, probably will not be cheap. https://growtac.com/en/2023/03/20/eq...ei/#outline__6
03-25-23, 06:35 AM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 17,155
Mentioned: 481 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3808 Post(s)
Liked 6,680 Times
in
2,608 Posts
Yeah, I saw that yesterday on the iBOB list. Makes me wonder why—how many of those devoted to friction shifting really would want the capability in a brifter-like system? I suppose if it’s easy to go from index to friction, such as with most downtube and bar-end systems, those might be useful. Some years back, I participated in a 360k overnight ride, and realized early on that my 9-speed Ultegra drivetrain with bar-end shifters was having serious problems shifting reliably in index mode. I switched to friction, and completed the ride (the problem was that I inadvertently switched the two pulleys when cleaning and reassembling the RD).
03-25-23, 07:09 AM
#4
Newbie
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: missouri
Posts: 70
Bikes: Waterford W-13, Ritchey road logic; Ritchey SwissCross; Pinarello Paris ; Surly Karate Monkey monstergravel hauler 1983 Mike Mullet, mid 80s Alpina, late 70s schwinn world sport tourer
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
19 Posts
....if its a lever on the brifter, look at gevenalle
this seems like dual purposed tho, so I will wait til more comes out
chinese quality is questionable
this seems like dual purposed tho, so I will wait til more comes out
chinese quality is questionable
Likes For jon c.:
03-25-23, 08:27 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,703
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1947 Post(s)
Liked 2,010 Times
in
1,109 Posts
For folks like us who move bits and pieces around, I think this is cool. Swapping winding pulleys and/or index plates to go anywhere from 6 to 10 or more speeds brifter shifting would be a reason for me to have one set of brifters.
__________________
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs.
Likes For Classtime:
03-25-23, 11:49 AM
#7
aka: Dr. Cannondale
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,729
Mentioned: 234 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2152 Post(s)
Liked 3,402 Times
in
1,203 Posts
Not something that interests me, as I’m not an STI/Ergo user. However (if I understand the text and illustrations correctly) the idea that one could control up to three cable operated items per side is interesting. Theoretically, one could operate a derailleur (friction or indexed) & brake PLUS a dropper post, generator, or any other cable actuated item from a single control unit. Might make it easier to set up one of Jan’s push-pull derailleurs too.
__________________
Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
03-25-23, 12:23 PM
#8
Port
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Boston
Posts: 6,648
Bikes: 2022 Soma Fog Cutter, 2021 Calfee Draqonfly 44, 1984 Peter Mooney, 2017 Soma Stanyan, 1990 Fuji Ace, 1990 Bridgestone RB-1, 1995 Independent Fabrications Track, 2003 Calfee Dragonfly Pro
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 983 Post(s)
Liked 1,860 Times
in
1,061 Posts
Pic assist:
Aren't (mechanical) front derailleur shifter/brake systems already effectively friction? So this seems like it applies the same sort of mechanics to the rear??
Aren't (mechanical) front derailleur shifter/brake systems already effectively friction? So this seems like it applies the same sort of mechanics to the rear??
__________________
https://rowdml.tripod.com/panmass
https://rowdml.tripod.com/panmass
Last edited by Rocket-Sauce; 03-25-23 at 12:27 PM.
03-25-23, 01:43 PM
#10
Bianchi Goddess
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Shady Pines Retirement Fort Wayne, In
Posts: 27,858
Bikes: Too many to list here check my signature.
Mentioned: 192 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2930 Post(s)
Liked 2,923 Times
in
1,491 Posts
It's like a 18spd transmission just a needless extra amount of stuff to worry about
__________________
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
03-25-23, 01:54 PM
#11
I don't know.
Join Date: May 2003
Location: South Meriden, CT
Posts: 2,014
Bikes: '90 B'stone RB-1, '92 B'stone RB-2, '89 SuperGo Access Comp, '03 Access 69er, '23 Trek 520, '14 Ritchey Road Logic, '09 Kestrel Evoke, '08 Windsor Tourist, '17 Surly Wednesday, '89 Centurion Accordo, '15 CruX, '17 Ridley X-Night, '89 Marinoni
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 317 Post(s)
Liked 852 Times
in
445 Posts
I don't see me needing this, but I'm interested in learning more.
03-25-23, 01:56 PM
#12
Passista
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,597
Bikes: 1998 Pinarello Asolo, 1992 KHS Montaña pro, 1980 Raleigh DL-1, IGH Hybrid, IGH Utility
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 866 Post(s)
Liked 721 Times
in
396 Posts
I like it, specially because it's entirely mechanical - no batteries or electronlcs!
03-25-23, 02:02 PM
#13
Full Member
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 469
Bikes: Two Peter Mooney customs, a 1980 Trek 510 townie, a Marin Stelvio set up for TTs.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 228 Post(s)
Liked 293 Times
in
161 Posts
As someone who has had Ergo 10 for two decades, I find this intriguing. Would a friction mechanism make the control assembly simpler? Would this make for easier transition between freehub types? Would it make it possible to fine tune the FD position?
Likes For MooneyBloke:
03-25-23, 02:05 PM
#14
Catching Smallmouth
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: In a boat
Posts: 590
Bikes: 1990 Specialized Sirrus Triple, 1985 Trek 460, 2005 Lemond Tourmalet, 1984 Schwinn LeTour 'Luxe, 1988 Trek 400T, 1985 Trek 450, 1997 Lemond Zurich, 1993 Diamond Back Apex, 1988 Schwinn Circuit, 1988 Schwinn Prologue, 1978 Trek TX700, Sannino
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 88 Post(s)
Liked 134 Times
in
79 Posts
The ability to have Shimano compatible, indexed rear and friction front would appeal to me. I like to be able to trim the front. Being able to overshift and trim back up front would make ramps & pins much less critical. Not for $500 though.
03-25-23, 03:38 PM
#15
Palmer
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 8,611
Bikes: Mike Melton custom, Alex Moulton AM, Dahon Curl
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1661 Post(s)
Liked 1,815 Times
in
1,055 Posts
Hmm. If one could 3D print that index plate...
03-25-23, 03:54 PM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Germany
Posts: 1,090
Bikes: 80s Alan Super Record, 79' Somec Special, 90s Rossin(?) Columbus Ego Triathlon, previously: Bianchi SBX Reparto Corse (stolen) and so on...
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 391 Post(s)
Liked 812 Times
in
602 Posts
great minds think alike as they say. When I saw the drawings the recent "what would be a use case in CV for 3d printing" (or something similar) came to my mind.I guess there is a chance many of us look at it from the wrong perspective (end user). For the OEM's it brings a variety to the table, and now they could offer the bikes with whatever hybrid stuff the client wants.
I'm sure a massive company could pry our reasonable prices for these controls by swinging the "if you are good to us, we'll be good to you" promise for huge orders, and the not really conscious soon to be new bike owner pays the price for something which he might not need (since he doesn't know the benefit, or would never tamper around the new bike).
It is one of those "I like it but wouldn't know why would I need one" things. If it won't be terroist expensive, it could be good for people with fewer momo, since they can save up for the better derailleur without the need for the more expensive control, although if it doesn't bring the same "perfect feeling" as a full OEM kit, the the fun is lost. I still wish good luck for them, something new on the market does not hurt.
Last edited by Lattz; 03-25-23 at 03:59 PM.
03-25-23, 06:03 PM
#17
Pedalin' Erry Day
Did one or more of Campagnolo's patents related to Ergo levers recently expire? Seems like the same concept with but one or maybe two changes: first, obviously the components are in a different order so that the two indexing-related elements can be swapped out without touching the ratchet/lever mechanism. And second, perhaps there's a bi-directional clutch involved?
Either way, I don't have any real desire to use these myself, but they are fascinating. I wonder if they'll actually be able to operate 10+ speed systems in friction mode effectively? Only real downside to these levers I see is the size and weight - they're the size of hydraulic brake/shift levers but mechanical only.
Either way, I don't have any real desire to use these myself, but they are fascinating. I wonder if they'll actually be able to operate 10+ speed systems in friction mode effectively? Only real downside to these levers I see is the size and weight - they're the size of hydraulic brake/shift levers but mechanical only.
03-26-23, 10:00 AM
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Reston VA
Posts: 561
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 85 Post(s)
Liked 74 Times
in
55 Posts
I'd definitely use friction brifters but I have bought very few new components. I've found lots of perfectly good Ultegra and 105 STI shifters dirt cheap at swap meets, Marketplace, etc. It would be many many years before these things showed up used at my cheapskate price point. And who knows if they'll last that long.
