Best friction Shifter (Non indexed)

[GuyBoden]

I'm wondering what you think has been your best Friction shifter.......

I like the Suntour Power Shifters.

But, the Simplex Retro Friction are supposed to be very good, has anyone used them.

 

[I like Skol]

XT thumbies

 

[mjr]

Shimano Arabesque. They work OK but they're just so lovely to look at.

 

[Saluki]

I'm wondering what you think has been your best Friction shifter.......

I like the Suntour Power Shifters.

But, the Simplex Retro Friction are supposed to be very good, has anyone used them.
View attachment 404641

I have those on my steel roadie. I like them and they polish up well.

 

[Spiderweb]

I have some Shimano 600 friction shifters on an old 80’s Orbit Thompson, they have been excellent.

 

[mickle]

STOP LIVING IN THE PAST!!

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Dura Ace bar end shifters rock in friction mode

 

[Drago]

What make were those ratcheting shifters fitted to some higher end Raleighs in the 80's?

 

[midlife]

What make were those ratcheting shifters fitted to some higher end Raleighs in the 80's?

Suntour Powershift ?

 

[GuyBoden]

Suntour Powershift ?

The only trouble I've had with Suntour Power shifters is that the small curved piece of hardened steel that holds the ratchet wheel from turning can snap internally.

 

[fr188]

I wouldn’t go back to down tube shifters, after using bar end shifters, I have the Dura Ace 9 speed ones , & they work brilliantly in friction mode on a 10 speed cassette.