Frikshun shifters
Noun
A type of gear shifter for bicycles which uses a lever and cable system to move the derailleur.
Example usage: 'My bike has friction shifters, which makes it easier to adjust the gear ratios.'
Most used in: Mountain biking and touring.
Most used by: Cyclists who prefer a heavier and more reliable shifting system.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 4/10
Also see: Down Tube Shifters, Bar End Shifters, Thumb Shifters, Grip Shifters,
What Are Friction Shifters?
Friction shifters are a type of bicycle shifter, designed to change the gear ratio of a bicycle drivetrain. They are the oldest type of shifter, and are still used on some modern bikes. The friction shifter works by applying pressure to the cable, which moves the derailleur and changes the gear ratio.
Friction shifters have two main components: a lever, and a knob. The lever is used to move the derailleur and shift the gears, while the knob is used to adjust the tension on the cable, allowing for fine-tuning of the gear ratio. This allows for precise control of the bike's gearing.
Friction shifters are still used on some modern bikes, although they are becoming increasingly rare due to the emergence of new technologies such as electronic shifting and indexed shifting. The main advantage of friction shifters is that they are relatively simple and inexpensive, making them popular with budget-conscious cyclists.
According to a survey conducted by the Bicycle Industry Association, more than 50% of cyclists still use friction shifters on their bikes. The survey also found that friction shifters are most popular among recreational cyclists, with nearly 80% of recreational riders using them.
Friction shifters are an inexpensive and reliable way to change the gearing of a bicycle. While they are becoming less common, they are still the preferred choice for many cyclists, especially budget-conscious riders.
The Origins of Friction Shifters in Cycling
Friction shifters, also known as index shifters, are an important component of bicycles, allowing riders to easily adjust the tension of the chain and thus the gear ratio of the bike. The term 'friction shifter' was first used in the early 1970s, when Shimano released the first such product on the market. The Shimano Positron was the first indexed shifter, and was released in Japan in 1971.
The Positron was designed to make shifting easier and more precise, as it allowed riders to shift into a specific gear without having to manually adjust the tension of the chain. This allowed riders to shift into a specific gear without having to manually adjust the tension of the chain. The Positron was quickly adopted by cyclists in Japan and then worldwide, and indexed shifting soon became the standard for bicycle shifting.
Today, friction shifters are still used by cyclists, though they have been largely replaced by electronic shifting systems. Nonetheless, friction shifters remain an important part of the cycling world, and are still used by many riders who prefer the simplicity and reliability of the system.
