15
After fixing my old ten-speed, I'm torn between friction shifting charm and modern precision.
Friction shifters required skill, but indexed ones are easier, so which style makes a better mechanic?
2 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In2 Comments
elizabeth_garcia6d ago
A mechanic at my local shop said understanding friction shifting teaches you the core cable tension feel that modern systems still rely on. That basic skill makes diagnosing finicky indexed setups way easier later on. Getting good with both seems like the real mechanic's advantage.
3
mitchell.wade6d ago
Yeah, that shop mechanic is totally right. Once you get that muscle memory from friction, you can pretty much feel when any rear derailleur is even a tiny bit out of whack just by how the cable moves. It turns you into a better troubleshooter for all the fancy electronic stuff too.
1