New York’s Vivo Sports has released an option for cyclists who like to customize their steeds. It’s called the Vivo F3 12-speed shifter and is a customizable shifter pod.
The F3 Shifter is not a mass-produced shifter. Being customizable, Vivo Sports says that you can choose “the fit you want, the feel you like, even choose the look that’s right for your ride.”
Its mechanism is made with hardened steel, stainless steel, G5 titanium, and anodized 6061 & 7075 aluminum, giving it “precise and robust movement of the cable with watch-like precision”.
I’m convinced that this product would land squarely in the “indulgence” category of components and not the “need” category, at least for me. But, you never know, I could be wrong…doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. *wink*
F3 Shifter TRR: Thumb Reach Rating
Basically, what Vivo Sports is calling TRR (thumb reach rating), is the amount of curvature the shift paddle has towards your thumb. The higher the number, the closer the lever is moved or curved toward your thumb.
This TRR will help determine when the paddle meets your thumb when going to make a shift. This may be able to help riders with smaller hands, where larger hands might prefer a longer reach.
Vivo says that the rating number is related to a “virtual contact point between the thumb and the paddle. The paddle shapes are concave or convex, being rounded and shaped in different ways”. Choose a paddle that is aesthetically pleasing and functional.
F3 Shifter Mega Grip
Using 3D printing to achieve “crazy and extreme” grip textures Vivo Sports can provide paddle surfaces that have “outstanding grip”. Texture options go up, down, and side to side. The material is reinforced with glass beads for sharper definition and better durability. Resulting in a solid feel when the thumb connects with the paddle, especially while riding in rough or wet condition .
F3 Shifter Retail and Features
Retail: $315
- Interchangeable 3D printed paddles, housing, cable barrel, and optional clamp band
- Precise positive shifting
- Clear audible shift clicks
- G5 titanium hardware
- Push and pull release lever
- Weight: 118-123 grams
- CNC 6061 & 7075 Aluminum construction
- Choose a paddle fit by TRR (Thumb Reach Rating
- Glass-reinforced MEGA GRIP paddle textures
- Each shifter is hand-built and numbered
- Double cartridge bearings
- Over 30,000 possible custom combinations
- MSRP: $315
At this point, it seems to only be compatible with the SRAM 12-speed Eagle mechanical parts.
