robertorolfo

Agreed, at least a few rides in this guy's honor, and you may just have him smiling down on you as you go along...

SwimmerMike 

Well.... I did the final checkout of the bike and did a really short shake-out ride on the bike. These shifters are definitely different. They work, but the shifting is odd it's an awkward hand movement. The shake out was more for the bike in general to see if I can take it out for a longer ride. No major issues found!

Hopefully tomorrow I can take it out for 20 miles or so where I'll have to shift a lot from different hand positions. it'll give me the opportunity to see it in real action.

SwimmerMike 

First real test ride complete. Very mixed results.

Overall shifting accuracy is comparable to down tube set-up I have on my Colnago. I was worried the extra cable length (especially since I haven't swapped out any cables/housing) would impact shifting. The big variables in the "likability" are the direction of shifting and the hand position you are in.

Shifting to a smaller cog/chainring from the drops. "A+" These are phenomenal in this application. You can reach your thumb up just push the lever don't even need to move your hands.

Shifting to a larger cog/chainring from the tops. "B-" works but a little awkward, I could see getting used to it.

Shifting to a smaller cog/chainring from the tops. "B" works but requires some funny moves, again, I can see getting used to it.

Shifting from the hoods. "B" Again. Comparable hand moves.

Shifting to a larger cog/chainring from the drops. "D-" Not a complete fail, but having to lift your hand up and shift can be really bad. Reaching to the downtime is natural and your body can stay down, the up-reach causes more body moves.

Shifting both levers (The bike has a half-step in front, so I would normally do a lot of shifting of chainring and freewheel in the same reach) "C-" not easy to do, requires shifting one then the other (not really able to do both at once since you are de-weighting your hand to shift), vs. the simple reach down and shift both levers (maybe not simultaneously) in one motion for shifters on the downtime.

SwimmerMike 

I have removed them from the bike and they were different than I expected. I figured they would be machined billet Aluminum or a flimsy band with the post for the shifter slipped into the band. I have to admit they were interesting to try and I'm glad I was able to play with them, but I'm glad that they are off and the down tube shifters are on the bike now.

They have found a new home with a fellow BF member. @jackbombay they are in transit now. Enjoy!

jackbombay

Many thanks! I'll post some pics when I get them set up :-)