Re: [CR]missing link shifters

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Avocet)

Date: Sun, 24 Jun 2007 11:18:27 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jerome & Elizabeth Moos <jerrymoos@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: [CR]missing link shifters
To: "Ted E. Baer" <wickedsky@sbcglobal.net>, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
In-Reply-To: <346493.19659.qm@web80612.mail.mud.yahoo.com>


I think it is fairly well accepted that the Retrofriction shifter, at least in the modern version, was invented by Simplex. I know that Thevenet was using them at the 1974 World Championships at Monteal, which I attended, and they may have been out a year or so before that. I think Campy was simplly copying Simplex and a good many years later at that. SunTour, of course, made excellent ratcheted shifters, both barend and DT, a slightly dofferent design with a similar objective. The Suntour ratcheted shifters I think came out about the same time as the Simplex Retrofrictions.

Regards,

Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX

"Ted E. Baer" <wickedsky@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

Well, Campagnolo once again succeeded in giving the consumer the shaft as to not listing this item in any of its catalogues thereby leaving the hobbyist in the dark as to the item's designated grouppo, and any history of the item. But seeing as though I am not a Campagnolo expert (or collector for that matter,) I could be wrong.

I have found a few sets of these but have since sold them.

I know very little about these shifters.

Does anyone know or can anyone confirm whether or not Simplex "Retrofriction" shifters may have been related to the Campagnolo missing link shifters or vise-versa?

You can see the "missing link" Campagnolo shifters on Mr. Hiroshi Ichikawa's (Hi-Campy's) website.

The link is below; scroll 3/4 of the way down to see the shifters:

Ted E. Baer
Palo Alto, CA