Hi all, It has been very interesting seeing peoples reactions to RetroShift. I will say again this system is NOT for everyone and I am NOT going to say it is the latest and greatest (it is neither) but just that I hope that we (who call ourselves cyclists) will welcome it as another option.
climbinthebigring - no these levers will probably have no advantages for you over STI. If you spend most of your time in the drops for instance I would not recommend them. I will admit also they are not the aesthetic cup of tea for all. Other riders though might like some of the benefits they offer:
They are very simply and serviceable. This is a benefit to some CX riders who like their STI too much to use it in CX. You will still find many good CX riders using barcons for this reason and need I mention the popularity of single speed for CX? I think the reason for this in no small part is simply... simplicity. Some just want to race and not have to mess with maintenance on STI etc.
They should work out to be very reasonable as far as cost. $120 will get you a set that you can add your barcon or downtube shifters to if you still have some. I am trying to get set to have them available with shift levers for $220. We will be offering a re-build service for crash damaged units that will offer additional savings. Some might prefer to just open up and service their STI
They will shift from smallest to largest (or back) in less than a second. Is this necessary? Probably not but it is their if you want it. I personally find it useful when removing a rear wheel. One of our test riders who is a national level rider says it is beneficial in racing CX (actually winning them too!) I am not good enough to ever find out this benefit.
Weight. These were designed to be durable not dainty! That said a set with Dura-Ace downtube shifters will be about 16 grams heavier than Dura-Ace 7900 or 100 grams lighter than Ultegra 6700. Yes due to many questions on this I went out and bought a Park Tool's Co. scale. Now I really am a nerd
Friction. This is a great back up. Not something that a full-on race bike will care about as you have support vehicles and spare bikes at hand but for a person touring it provides a safety net. I had a younger rider (younger as in only knew index) try the system in friction and he loved it. He actually thought it was a new technology and wanted it! Do I think friction is better than index? i like it on my 'round town' 7sp but for 10sp (or heavens 11sp) absolutely not, its a pain! But it has its place.
Green. Isn't it in vogue to be 'green' and earth conscious?
I do like to hope that for many casual commuters and people who you see riding out for beer etc (people who just ride, not for sport but just as part of life) will find this a great way to re-claim older derailleurs, cassettes etc that might otherwise be thought of as obsolete and use them. This system makes possible a really nice brake/shift feel with even 5sp friction.
I have found peoples response absolutely fascinating. I thought people would say, 'wow, that's pretty 'neat' and maybe give it a second look or not, but instead it has been more like 'WOW - that is fantastic!!!!' or 'Ugh!!! that sucks!' I think the use of existing old style shifters might be part of the issue. We all like new and shiny technology (yeah I ride a carbon bike) and the idea that something can be new, let alone bring some advancements (no matter how small) but at the same time be a step backwards in some way does not fit. I really am not trying to prove a point of any kind with this system, just share something that I feel will improve some (not all) peoples cycling.
More than anything I just hope people get to try it as I am quite sure of one thing. Just as it has done for me, each and every rider who has tried it has cracked a smile. It really is just unexpected how well it works, even if it looks like it shouldn't!
Cheer!
Adam
p.s. I am a Campagnolo fan and my brother a Shimano devote and yeah we argue a bit but really we know we should just shut up and ride! It's not all about the gear its the miles under our wheels.