I use the Shimanos on my 70s Hetchins Italia Spyder, and really like them. Mark nailed it, except one thing: The barrel that wraps the cable feels bigger than on Suntours, Campys, etc, which means very fast shifts (small angular change in the lever translates into lots of derailleur movement). I really like that for front shifters, particularly with triples, but found it a little too touchy with an UltraSix in back. But, your mileage may vary. harvey sachs mcLean va ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Kyle Brooks wrote: >> I recently picked up a pair of the old Shimano barcon shift levers -- >> pre-indexing -- the ones that are spring-loaded. Not really sure about how to set them up. They can be completely disassembled, but it seems that depending on which way you install the spring, the lever will want to gravitate/return to the "up" position, or to the "down" position (I don't currently have them hooked up with cables and derailleurs -- so I don't know if that will change anything). And if I tighten the screws enough so the levers don't gravitate, then they won't move at all. Does anyone on the list know the right way to set these up?
And Mark Bulgier responded:
Set 'em up so they want to go to the Up position. This balances the spring tension in the derailleur, allowing you to set the friction lower than with a regular shifter.
The trick is you have to set the tension high temporarily while threading the cable. After the cable is clamped in the derailleur, then loosen the friction screw to taste. They can feel almost frictionless and still not slip.
I slightly prefer them over the Suntour ratchet myself, because the ratchet clicks (while not really objectionable) are not as elegant a solution as the balancing spring IMO.