Friction gear shifters

[R.Y.K. LEE]

Hi!

Does anyone here have any experience with friction shifters for a push bike?

I currently have a hybrid bike, fitted with 21 gears on indexed shifters (unit is shifters and brake lever, integrated).

I was thinking about switching over to bar end friction shifters (on bull bars).

But I have no idea where to start. I have seen sets on eBay, which include an indexed rear shifter, and a friction front shifter. Is it possible to have both front and rear as friction type?

Also, when/if I get them, how do I fit them? Do I have to adjust front and rear derailleur as I would with indexed? Any help at this point would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[AgentOrange76]

Why? for what benefit, STI shifters combined with brake levers are perfectly placed to allow 2 finger braking and shifting by thumb with out removing hand from the bar. Friction shifters have been off general use bikes for 30 of years, took road bikes a bit longer as they tend not to like change. - Only just getting disc brakes despite MTB having them for 10+ years

 

[Leif Shuttyr]

Most Shimano bar end shifters can have the rear lever switched for indexed or friction shifting I believe. As long as the derailleurs currently have the limit screws set correctly so the chain does fall off the biggest or smallest cogs, it should be just a matter of attaching the cable through the shifters to the mechs.

However, one thing to note is that handlebars are not all the same size. You need road diameter bars (23.8mm) to have a chance of fitting bar end shifters in the ends, and even then sometimes the bar thickness means the hole in the end is too small. They definitely won't fit into MTB diameter (22.2mm) bars. Best bet is to try fitting the shifters to any bars you're considering before you buy. You'll also need to make sure whatever brake levers you use will fit road bars.