When did the shifters start appearing next to the brakes?

mrchainsaw said:

You know, instead of on the frame.

On a side note, do the new shifters click to different gears or do you have to feel your way?

The STI (Shimano total integration) shifters were first released in 1990. And yes, they click into gear.

1990? I've been testing used bikes supposedly from the 90s and they have the "friction shifters" on them. Thanks for the info.

mrchainsaw said:

1990? I've been testing used bikes supposedly from the 90s and they have the "friction shifters" on them. Thanks for the info.

Found that on the shimano web site.
corporate.shimano.comcompany history.htmlOpen ↗
Not sure what "first released" really means, but I suspect it took some time to filter down to the masses.

I had campag record levers in 93 / 94 (I cant remember exactly) 8 spedd back then!

The new shifters click through the gears and are configured for 8,9 or 10 speed. They are a lot better than the ones on the frame cause you can shift while your standing or sprinting.

There has been many various ways to bring shifting closer to your hands. Campy had bar end shifter back in the early eighties for sure maybe even earlier than that. Shimano integrated brakes and shifters with STI early 90's. The local bike shop had something that made me laugh. The two were seperated againg with the brake lever on the top bar and shifters on the drops. Reminded me of the late seventies when there were horizontal bars coming out of the break levers. Makes me think everything will become new again in cycling and cost more. For the record I still have a bike with Campy record friction downshifters. The rest of the equipment is fairly recent on that bike. Went retro since the friction levers never get dirty and go out of adjustement. Set it and forget it. Its a commuter bike I have a bike with fancy ergo levers as well.

FYI You can still buy 2005 down tube shifter bikes.

mrchainsaw said:

1990? I've been testing used bikes supposedly from the 90s and they have the "friction shifters" on them. Thanks for the info.

bar end shifters have been around a while.

as for the click, if shimano, you click up 'n down waiting for some kind of delayed gratification. with campy, you realize instant ecstacy...

mrchainsaw said:

You know, instead of on the frame.

On a side note, do the new shifters click to different gears or do you have to feel your way?

and i thought, whilst stompin', you just banged it all the way into the 12 with your knee...

Cyclist14 said:

The new shifters click through the gears and are configured for 8,9 or 10 speed. They are a lot better than the ones on the frame cause you can shift while your standing or sprinting.