First And Last Dura-Ace Downtube Shifters: Index Vs Friction

What are Downtube Shifters?

Dura-Ace 7900 Index Downtube Shifters (2008)
Dura-Ace First Gen. Friction Downtime Shifters (1973)

Downtube shifters are shift levers mounted on the downtube of the bicycle, in order to shift a gear, you need to take one hand off the handlebar and push the levers from the downtube. It might take some time to learn at the beginning, but once you get used to it, you’ll benefit from having shorter cables and housing, least resistance to the moving handlebars and minimal adjustments.

The installation is simple, all you need is to make sure that the cables are tight and the limit screws are all set so that the chain doesn’t fall off the drivetrain.

Indexed shifting has a *click* in the shifter for each gear selected, each pull or push moves a fixed amount of cable to the derailleur. With that accurate positioning, the shifting can be precise and consistent once you have it adjusted properly.

Friction shifting doesn’t have any notches or clicks, you move your derailleur exactly as much as you push the shifter. They are compatible to all speeds, no matter from 5 to 12 speeds or even 13 speeds, you simply need to learn how far to move the lever for each shift, once you have control of it, it becomes faster, quieter and you just hit to the gear you want with less effort.

So which one do you think is better? Index or Friction shifters? What do you think about downtube shifting? Are they any good or shifters should better be located on the handlebars?

Track: Alan Walker - Force [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds.

#shimano #durace #downtubeshifters

Danyo Sports Channel Episode 61

[grahamogle]

I have a Surly Cross Check with drop bars, v brakes and Dura Ace 9 speed down tube shifters in friction mode and love it. For medium speed riding, touring and utility, the gear change is faultless and silent. The only real difference to integrated shifters is that I change down early for a climb and change up later after a climb, but I am not racing, and a second here or there is irrelevant.

[RyansuBike]

I always use the analogy that Friction is like tuning a radio with no preset you know your "in gear" when the station is loud and clear, and Index is like presets on your radio ...I switched from brifters to Friction about 20 years ago and I am not going back. Bullet proof and works with many combinations of gear.

[petergiourelas]

still riding 86 motioncraft with 105 groupset the iindex shifting works great, no plans to change

[cyrilgorgonio]

My father loves his bike with that type of shifter for almost 22 years.

[tlister]

Down tube shifters are simple and have less friction points. I think they are more reliable than brifter type shifters or at least they are less difficult to do roadside fixes. I normally only have to tighten them occasionally. There is a greater barrier to shifting and I usually tend to power through on small hills or coast on short descents. I don’t think that is a problem but is probably a less optimized ride.

[GangplankPhilly]

dang that puegot is mint, im jealous. i love that frame. Would love to own one one day. beautiful dura ace and ride as well

[htothebeee]

Great vid. Good pacing, chill music and narration, clear and concise explanations.

[OsmanKErol]

I'm currently using both. I've noticed that I pick the index system equipped bikes mostly. However from time time I ride a Peugeot, like you, with friction downtube shifters. That's another story. Being able to ride it as confortably as index bikes, the strong sound of derailleur when shifting, especially from the largest cog to one smaller are details that I love. The simplex derailleur is very different than Shimano's. When touring I would go for a friction system, when the road and traffic situations change often, I would choose index one. Friction systems are more reliable, index ones are more easy. Each one have their own souls. I like both.

[dungareenavy]

Thanks for this video. I am going back to these. Modern shifters on the brakes are just awful.

[jmo_on]

friction is really cool. definitely quieter, being all that you hear is the chain shifting gears.

[oidf]

Big advantages of the friction system: infinite mixing of components in terms of number of speeds or brand of product and you can wear out all the components until the chain can no longer take it.

[stuartliddle]

I only use 3 of my 12 speeds on my friction downtube shifter. 10 miles a day every day on my commute. Never changed a cable.

[tmayberry]

Friction shifting stem mount. Cleans up the front end nicely

[theparalexview]

Nice. I just switched my Ironman from Suntour GPX indexed shifters to Shimano L422 Light Action downtube friction shifters, just for giggles. These are similar to retrofriction and have a smoother feel than my Shimano SIS downtube shifters in friction mode.

I haven't used friction shifters on road bikes since the 1970s. Takes a little practice to estimate the lever movement.

I'll probably switch this bike back to indexed shifters and save these L422 friction shifters for another project. It would be great for an early 1980s bike.

[ignaciobenjamindebortoli]

Thanks for the video, was great. That Peugeot bike is such a beauty.

[pablouvedoble]

Friction shifters are the best. It's like comparing a manual car with an automatic. Maybe auto is faster, but manual is way funnier.
I have a 1990 basic MTB with stem friction shifters, but I'm planning on using downtube shifters, just because I need less housing and cables and they will have a little less friction.

[KKBED]

How old is your Peugeot? I just got a 1979 Peugeot and it has been the most reliable bike I have ever owned. Also downtube shifters are much easier to use than everyone thinks. I mean I’m 15 right now and with minor experience can shift through the gears flawlessly. Anyways love your videos.

[GOWIndustries]

I also have a shimano ty-20 friction shifter, in my federal bike 👍

[edwardhim]

Index shifting is easier but friction is indestructible

[PRH]

A plus that’s not often mentioned is cost, as anyone who has had to replace a brifter, or contemplated swapping them, can tell you.