Submitted by
Jesse Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Sanford, ME, York Date Reviewed: July 31, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Kellybike website
Strengths:
Versatility (attach any dt shifter and any brake lever, use 5,6,7,8,9,or 10 speed shifting systems) durability, price
Weaknesses:
Front shifting requires more than one finger
Similar Products Used:
Campy Ergo
Bike Setup:
DA 9-sp downtube shifter, Suntour Cyclone crankset, TA 50/38 rings, SRAM PG 970 12-26 cassette, SRAM PG89 chain
Bottom Line:
This is the best compromise between straightup downtube shifters and overpriced Campy Ergo or Shimano STI. I can shift from the largest cog to the smallest in one single sweep. I can shift from the large chain to the small in one single, one-finger sweep. Shifting from the small ring to the large ring requires maybe two fingers for one finger while bracing with the thumb.
I can shift from the drops, hoods, and bar tops. It takes a while to get your hands and fingers coordinated to position themselves for the easiest positioning for shifting, but if you ride more than once a week, you'll get it down.
You can use any dedicated brake lever, aero or non aero.
They are very solid. There's no movement on the bar. I've ridding several thousand miles on it without touching it.
In fact, the actual bent tubing used can in some cases be used both as a brace for your fingers while climbing out of the saddle, and as a hand brace for a semi-aero cruising position, sort of like the old Spinachi bars.
People who should buy it-People who had ERGO or STI, had them break, and can't afford to spend hundreds on a new set. People who bought a downtube shifting bike and want to shift without taking their hands off the bars. People who want an inexpensive road bike setup.
People who shouldn't buy it-People who are too adapted to Ergo or STI, people who want their bike to look exactly like the pro bikes, I'm not sure if anyone makes a triple from downtube shifter so that may be an issue.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ed scott
a Weekend Warrior
from louisville, ky, usa Date Reviewed: March 6, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
manufacturer
Strengths:
Better position, for me, than bar ends on my 'cross bike. And you can easily keep both hands on the bars while you shift. Good visual indication of what gear you're in. Kinda neat looking, in a retro way.
Weaknesses:
Unless you have big hands, it can be awkward to reach the lever. Downshifts can be accomplished fairly easily with your thumb, but upshifts require you to twist your wrist/fingers around the bar and flick them up. It can be a pain.
Similar Products Used:
Bar ends
Bottom Line:
Marginally better than bar ends, but fairly expensive and not for everyone. If you buy from Kelly, don't buy the 'kit' -- it's a ripoff. Forty extra bucks for 8 bucks worth of cable and housing and a couple of cable stops. Just get the mounts, and buy the other stuff from your LBS. Remember, you have to have your own shift levers -- the Take Offs are just a mount.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
Interbike 2008! Read news and info about new bikes and products from the upcoming show»
$ 40.00
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
