Thumbies, along with the 9spd indexed version I mentioned earlier, IRD also do a friction only thumbie that probably dosen't have any plastic parts to break.
http://store.biketouringnews.com/ird-th ... r-ratchet/
I've nothing against trigger shifters, even the cheap ones I've had have been reliable, but I like both the use and look of thumbies and the indexed front is a bonus.
Expedition bike - all thumbs on 8 or 9
Re: Expedition bike - all thumbs on 8 or 9
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/speeds.html
May be useful reference for anyone else wandering down the same thoughtways as me.
May be useful reference for anyone else wandering down the same thoughtways as me.
Sweep
Re: Expedition bike - all thumbs on 8 or 9
The touring bike below uses an 8 speed drive with thumbies, interesting. I always use 9 speed gear and replace the chain when worn, usually about 3000 km or after each trip, which is normally about 2500 km.
http://tomsbiketrip.com/bikes/
http://i1.wp.com/tomsbiketrip.com/wp-co ... uide37.jpg
http://tomsbiketrip.com/bikes/
http://i1.wp.com/tomsbiketrip.com/wp-co ... uide37.jpg
Re: Expedition bike - all thumbs on 8 or 9
It was that bike which originally got me thinking down those lines dandru.
Then posts on this thread made me concerned that thumbies might not be as uber reliable as i thought.
And at over £100 (the special mounts needed can cost £50!) It then didn't seem such a good idea.
And my cheap altus 21 speed changers have lasted 15 to 20 years.
So i have managed to get a pair of alivio 8 speed rapidshift shifters.
If i was uber-cautious i could always carry a pair of altus or acera shifters.
Or carry a pair of downtube shifter levers.
Since the bike will be 8 speed i won't be needing super slick shifting anyway.
Then posts on this thread made me concerned that thumbies might not be as uber reliable as i thought.
And at over £100 (the special mounts needed can cost £50!) It then didn't seem such a good idea.
And my cheap altus 21 speed changers have lasted 15 to 20 years.
So i have managed to get a pair of alivio 8 speed rapidshift shifters.
If i was uber-cautious i could always carry a pair of altus or acera shifters.
Or carry a pair of downtube shifter levers.
Since the bike will be 8 speed i won't be needing super slick shifting anyway.
Sweep