Friction shifting campagnolo 8 speed

[thinpin]

Looking to do an Eroica type of event here in a couple of months. Down tube shifters only. I understand campagnolo 7 speed synchro shifters will work in friction mode on 8 speed cassettes. How does one go about converting to friction? What shifters do I need to buy. Looks like there are two 7 speed levers with different RD cable drum sizes.

[dana_e]

My Eddy has old record friction shifters and I run it with 10 speed rear wheel

perfecto

[pavel]

Take your synchro apart, look at the guts, and figure out how to fill that space with something of an equal size that is going to create friction against the big inner metallic plate of the synchro. I've replaced the 7 speed index with a flat plastic washer from a super record and maybe a thin metal washer underneath.

Presto change-o, you've got friction.

Realistically, you're better off hunting down some simplex retrofriction shifters though. As much as I love campy, their friction shifters were not all that great. Simplex retrofriction to campy nuovo record was a very common mod.

[peanutgallery]

thinpin

you can take the clicks out upon installation similar to shimano. just loosen the fixing bolt a few turns and turn the knurled part, friction. that was how they were all set up back in the day as Syncros 2 was pretty much the worst

here is a neat article about them:
http://www.tearsforgears.com/2005/11/campagnolo-syncro-ii-shifters.html

[palincss]

The Silver downtube shifters (Sun Tour Sprint, brought back by DiaCompe thanks to Rivendell) are excellent and far more readily available than Simplex.
http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/sh11.htm $44

http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/ctxtv.wmppt/v/vspfiles/photos/sh11-2.jpg

[pavel]

also a fine choice

[Ken Robb]

yep old Sun Tour or new Silver shifters with Power Ratchet system are much easier and more pleasant to shift than my old Campy friction shifters.

[wallymann]

simplex retro-frictions, suntour power-ratchets, and c-record retro-frictions.

all are nice...i have them all, but most of my bikes have the simplex (also available under mavic, spidel, and some other names).

the c-record retros are rare as hen's teeth. i'm very fortunate to have found a set! yet to install them, though...

yep old Sun Tour or new Silver shifters with Power Ratchet system are much easier and more pleasant to shift than my old Campy friction shifters.

[thinpin]

The Silver downtube shifters (Sun Tour Sprint, brought back by DiaCompe thanks to Rivendell) are excellent and far more readily available than Simplex.
http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/sh11.htm $44

http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/ctxtv.wmppt/v/vspfiles/photos/sh11-2.jpg
Thanks all. I might try these then!

[Louis]

Replace the Campy shifter with a Shimano - to convert from index to friction (or vice-versa) you turn the D-ring about 30* and you're done. ;)

[19wisconsin64]

hi, there are two great choices for your build. first, the very first generation of c record friction shifters by campagnolo. second, the "retrofriction" campagnolo shifters.

you can find both of these on ebay. the older, first generation version, has a slightly more compact body. on both of these versions, as will all friction shifters, you may have to adjust the tension every now and then by hand-tightening the wide looped bolt that is designed to be hand-adjusted.

here's version on ebay now of the first generation: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Campagnolo-C-Record-friction-Shifters-6-7-Speed-Complete-Excellent-/270930520847?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f14b7ab0f#ht_3975wt_1275

here's another set, much cheaper: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Campagnolo-C-Record-C-retrofriction-shifting-lever-/140716488900?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20c35b38c4#ht_1276wt_1275

i'd say to avoid the indexed shifters if you want to only run it in the friction mode.

good luck in your build, post photos afterward! cheers

[cuda2k]

Realistically, you're better off hunting down some simplex retrofriction shifters though. As much as I love campy, their friction shifters were not all that great. Simplex retrofriction to campy nuovo record was a very common mod.

Truth

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sD-A614mXbc/SgDxsYgSRuI/AAAAAAAAA7s/EM2eQxGDJ58/s640/P6062696.JPG

[oldpotatoe]

Looking to do an Eroica type of event here in a couple of months. Down tube shifters only. I understand campagnolo 7 speed synchro shifters will work in friction mode on 8 speed cassettes. How does one go about converting to friction? What shifters do I need to buy. Looks like there are two 7 speed levers with different RD cable drum sizes.

2 friction/index type DT shifters from Campagnolo. Syncro 1 had an extra lever on the right hand shifter, pulled aft-made them friction. The other, Syncro 2 had a big knurled knob right under the nut holding the shifter together, Pull out(to the right) and rotate for friction. The last gen were index only.

First gen friction C-Record were retro friction, easy to pull aft, more difficult to push forward. N0 neede to tightening or stuff necessary with SR/NR DT shifters. Last gen of friction DT shifters were the more simple, plastic innard type like SR.