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Vivo Sports Launches a Customizable 12sp Shifter

Vivo Sports F3 Custom Shifter up closePhoto c. Vivo Sports
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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

Vivo Sports F3 Custom Shifter TRR one
Photo c. Vivo Sports

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 Sports F3 Custom Shifter TRR two

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

Vivo Sports F3 Custom Shifter Grip choices

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

Vivo Sports F3 Custom Shifter choices

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.

VivoCycling.com

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13 Comments
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Dockboy
Dockboy
11 months ago

Add this to the list of Things I Want But Will Never Ever Buy.

Justin Walsh
Justin Walsh
11 months ago

With the high-end Sram customers moving mostly to electronic, I would hope they’d have a Shimano version in the works also.

Seraph
Seraph
11 months ago

I love that you have to read through the whole article to get to the part where it says that they’re SRAM-compatible.

Veganpotter
Veganpotter
11 months ago
Reply to  Seraph

Reading hard

SBART
SBART
11 months ago

Having a shimano version would be awesome, I’ve had 2 shimano 12 spd shifters fail internally.

Philipp
Philipp
11 months ago
Reply to  SBART

I’m using a shimano shifter with a standard 12 speed eagle rear derailleur. The cable pull must be the same so I guess there is a cross compatibility anyway

Agun
11 months ago

Price will be justified if the cable pull ratio and speeds is customizable, i guess. $315 but i could pair it with basically every derailleurs out there, thats a lifetime investment

bigben
bigben
11 months ago

Cables, sweet step back in time. Once you go electric there is no going back

Nick
Nick
11 months ago
Reply to  bigben

a bit trollish comment, especially from someone that barely rides…

Reid
Reid
11 months ago
Reply to  bigben

100% your car has cvt and a ton of screens

fitness
fitness
11 months ago
Reply to  Reid

Imagine actually purchasing a car with a CVT intentionally. Gross

Justin Walsh
Justin Walsh
11 months ago
Reply to  bigben

I’ve gone back to XTR after having AXS for 6 months. Personal preference.

bigben
bigben
11 months ago
Reply to  Justin Walsh

Cool story, hopefully you could afford di2

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