Shimano had a version of Retrofriction in the '70's called Unishift. These were traditional looking, with short, black rubber lever covers, band-mounted, and available in two lengths. They were more like retrofriction shifters than Suntour's in that the well-hidden clutch didn't click like a ratchet. Supplied as OEM on many Viscount bikes. The best shift control for me is with the low-mid-range Suntour ratchet dt shifters with black plastic covers. The added bulk of these levers helps me move the lever more precisely. I added the black covers to the version with the fully machined/finished levers and found great improvement.
David Snyder Auburn, CA usa
Subject: Re: Zeus retrofriction shifters; was Re: [CR]Simplex shifters
<< Zeus also made a retrofriction lever (which does not appear to be a
>> branded variety of the Simplex, but rather their own design)>>