All the recent talk of Simplex Retrofriction levers brings up a common misconception of how they work. Most think that there is a spring to counterbalance the pull on the lever, that the spring reduces the friction needed to keep the lever from being pulled back by the derailleur spring.
While there is something inside the levers that resembles a spring, it is in reality a clutch. There is no "spring" action that counterbalances any backwards pull. It is a clutch and it releases friction when the lever is pushed forward.
I noticed that both 1st and 2nd editions of The Dancing Chain perpetuate
this misconception...
>From The Dancing Chain (1st Ed):
"1973-95. Simple Retrofriction shift levers used a ratchet and a spring
to reduce the friction needed to keep the shift lever from being pulled
backwards by the derailleur. These worked so well that you often saw
them on full-Campy bikes."
>From The Dancing Chain (2nd ed):
"The 1973 Simplex Retrofriction shift levers used a balancing spring to
reduce the friction needed to keep the shift lever from being pulled
backward by the derailleur spring. These worked so nicely that you
often saw them on fully Campagnolo-equipped bikes."
I remember the T.I.-Raliegh team used the levers towards the end of the team. Anyone ever see any other Campagnolo-equipped teams using them? The shape of the second generation Retrofriction levers is pretty easy to pick out in race photos because of the very large cutout in the lever.
Incidentally, I've had two of the "springs" break where the wire makes a 90° bend.
Chuck "gottem on 5 bikes" Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California, Southwestern USA
.