The first two links below show two types of Simplex shifters. The first is a bastardized assembly that I created specifically for the bike in the photo, using the band clamp mount from one of the resin shifters and an old "starburst" shifter body, and whatever other parts made it all work. But that shifter body is still quite different than what's commonly known as the later retro-friction shifter. I believe the internal workings are quite different as well, but I'd have to look at the pieces when I'm in my shop to be more specific. The third link shows the old "starburst" set disassembled. I don't have a shot of the retro-friction disassembled, but I'll try to do that later, since I have more of these in stock.. The forth link shows the Simplex-badged version of that shifter.
http://www.wooljersey.com/
http://www.wooljersey.com/
http://www.wooljersey.com/
http://www.wooljersey.com/
Was there a different, later "starburst" shifter that was more like the later retro-friction shifter? Anyone have a picture of one?
Shifter-fetish types want to know.
Wayne Bingham
Lovettsville VA USA