Steel Frame Compatible Shimano Sora SL-R400 8spd Downtube Shifter Set with Braze-On SP-3300 Review

shifters are easy to install and work well. I've never used friction mode on other down tube shifters (105, DuraAce) so its absence doesn't bother me.

I broke the Old Campy Record derailleur and wanted to get back on the road. I ordered this down tube derailleur and it works great. The friction style comes in handy when you want to fine-tune in "cross chain" situations. :)

I bought these downtube shifters because I like the classic feel of using them. When I bought the bike I had ergo shifters, but when one of those broke I switched to shifters on the end of the handlebars. They worked fine, but I switched handlebars and decided to use these shifters with the downtube. Haven't used it yet but if I do I will update my review. Although they were very easy to install.

I put them on my commuter bike for an old school vibe with a down tube derailleur. Also, I use disc brakes up front and V-brakes at the rear, and I didn't want to bother with finding derailleurs with linear brakes for a drop bar. I've used them for 6 months and they are solidly built. For those new to downtube shifters, beware: they require a little more work than bar shifters, but they have a certain simplicity that can't be beat. After a few rides, switching with them feels very natural…

I used these as part of a project to convert flat bars to my wife's old Trek road bike. It has Shimano RS rear derailleurs from around 1993. 3 gears in the front and 7 in the rear. Standard rear aisle SIS spacing. The shifters are of good quality, well finished and have a nice feel. The front shifter has enough travel to work with a triple reduction gear. Getting in and out of granny and high gear is easy. The derailleur has a bit of a ratchet feel, but it's not indexed, just for friction…