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Revolvo
Yahoo User
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 Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 10:58 pm Post subject: What's a really good USED hybrid bike model with 29" or 700c wheels that employs friction shifting? |
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| It can be from any year, with an original price of $300-$500. I'm looking for a commuter bike to get me around these rough city streets, but all the modern hybrid bikes I know of (Trek 7000 series, Giant Cypress, etc.) use indexed, twist (no less) shifters. I'm kind of new to cycling, still, but I've read a bit about the two systems, have experienced them both, and had a lot of success in fine tuning the gearing of my old Raleigh 10-speed. The friction shifting seems much more reliable to anyone willing to tune their ears to their bike's mechanics while riding. Also, is it possible to replace just the shifters on an indexed bike with a friction shifter setup, or are the cassette and deraillueres specific to the indexed system as well? |
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M R
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 5:59 am Post subject: |
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| Friction shifting is infinitely variable. The only concern would be using a very old friction shifter that may not have the range for a 8-10 cluster. As far as reliability, if you have good equipment and it's dialed in, indexed shifting will work flawlessly. I use grip shifter on my MTB and have for a long time. I raced with them and they work perfectly. STI on my road bike is a dream. All pros used indexed and they wouldn't if they didn't perform the best. But if you like friction go for it, it's your bike... |
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mirageguitarworks
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 11:01 am Post subject: |
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| MR is correct.Another problem you may run into is that most friction shifters don't have the "throw" necessary to operate anything more than 6 gears on the back. There are a couple that can go to 8 speed, but not many. You can use friction shifters with any derailleurs except some old Shimano stuff that had an indexing rear derailleur... it didn't work very well.Proper adjustment of a good indexed system is far easier than friction and it causes less wear on the drivetrain. You may also find that since it is so much easier to shift that you will do it more often and as a result you can ride farther and faster.I would never discount friction shifting, but in the grand scheme of things indexed shifting is better. |
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