Since we first posted about Retroshift, they’ve worked through production and have been selling the units all over the world. According to founder Adam Clement the response has been pretty incredible.
The Retroshift is a modified Tektro brake lever for drop bars that fits a Shimano friction shifter on the top front. Clement says this gives the rider quick, precise shifting even in foul conditions, making it perfect for cyclocross and touring bikes where more expensive integrated brake/shift levers might get gunked up too easily.
The video above shows how quickly you can whip through the gears. The levers are actually a discontinued Tektro model that the company has revived production just for Retroshift. It’s available in two versions: Version 1 has only a right-hand shifter for single chainring setups and retails for $89. Version 2 sells for $119 and is ready for both front and rear shifters. They include only the shifters, you’ll need to source your own bar-end or downtube shifters to mount on them. For now…
Clement says he’s working on a complete set up with custom made shifters, hoping to have it available by this summer.
As it is, once shifters are added, he says it’s not only far cheaper than STI (or similar) levers, it’s anywhere from 50g to 100g lighter than Ultegra STI depending on whether you’re running multiple chainrings. Both versions are available in Feldman Grey (below) and Werle Red (above). Order ’em up at Retroshift.com.
The Gallery
From Adam:
Strong, Light or Cheap, the usual saying is “pick two.” With Retroshift you can now have all three. Utilizing proven and durable bar-end/down-tube shifters a fully serviceable Retroshift system is lighter than Ultegra 6700 and easily comes in at under half the price (about 1/3rd if you already have shift levers on hand) and ongoing costs of ownership are lower still. A Stronger, Lighter, Cheaper alternative to STI it offers a great option where the advantages of Retroshift are desired. Cross, Touring, Commuting etc.
We are up and running and in just the first month shipped not only within the USA but also to Japan, Canada, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Norway and the Czech Republic. We have been contacted by distributors in a number of countries including TKC Productions who will be distributing in Japan (they also distribute Portland Design Works and Tonic). Overall we are thrilled at the response.
The initial system is selling very well and we are running a little low on the model 0ne and Werle Red and are looking at doing a second run of parts in the coming month to remedy this. We are also working with a manufacturer to have custom shift levers produced to best match the system and hope by the fall to have complete systems (with shifters) available. We are just starting to set up a network of dealers in the U.S.
