Re: Disc brake maintenance tips

On Mon, 01 Jul 2024 16:32:11 GMT, Tom Kunich <cyclintom@yahoo.com>
wrote:

To shift downtube shifters you have to pause pedalling.

Where did you mount your downtube shifters when you shifted that way?
Some downtube shifters use a clamp that allows installation anywhere
along the downtube.  If you mounted your shifters too low on the
downtube, you might have hit your arms with your knees. 

This video shows where they're mounted and how they're used.  Notice
that the rider does NOT stop pedaling when shifting:

"Downtube shifters are easy"
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1-CyMzCwk4>

Oh, now I see.  You never tried downtube shifters and are imagined how
they might be used.  As usual, you're wrong.

This causes the man behind you with brifters to run into the
back of you as you suddenly slow down.

If I were shifting under a heavy load, that might happen.  However, I
avoided shifting under a heavy load.

They did have 10 speed downtube shifters. Since they were lighter
than brifters why did not some pro's with the emphasis on lighter
and lighter weight use them?

The author of the above video offers:
"I recommend downtube shifters for all cyclists except racers, because
racers need to shift a little faster during sprints."

My Miyata 610 was sold mostly as a "touring bicycle".
<https://geometrygeeks.bike/bike/miyata-610-1983/>
Unlike racers, the wheel base is longer at 1040mm (which you can see
by the large gap between the seat tube and the rear wheel) and the
relaxed 73 deg head tube angle.  Racing features are sometimes nice to
have but comfort was more important for touring.  Unfortunately, these
were friction shifters.  As I vaguely recall from the early 1980's,
indexed shifters were not commonly available.



--
Jeff Liebermann                 jeffl@cruzio.com
PO Box 272      http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Ben Lomond CA 95005-0272
Skype: JeffLiebermann      AE6KS    831-336-2558