[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

3087.0. "Shimano RSX--is it reliable?" by ROCK::EDMONDSON () Thu May 16 1996 15:51

	My wife and I are considering buying road bikes.  Two we've seen
        had the Shimano RSX shifter which have the shift controls build
        into the brake levers.  My wife is suspicious of the reliability
        of these.  They look complicated and she worrys that they will
        break.  We like the ease of control and the triple gearing in
        front.  What do people think?

        John
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
3087.1They work for meMKOTS3::claptn.mko.dec.com::raymondThu May 16 1996 16:0710

I upgraded my TREK 2120 from barend shifters to the STI type last year.
I really like the way they work.  I find it easier than the barend 
shifters.  So far I have not had any problems with them.
I have seen more and more bicycle companies coming out with this type of 
shifting.  I dont think it's new technology anymore so the bugs should be 
all worked out by now.

MikeR
3087.2MROA::MESSIERThu May 16 1996 21:407
    I bought a Cannondale R500 the year before they went to the RSX
    shifters.  After a couple of years of downtube shifting, I decided
    to upgrade to RSX shifters last year and think they're great.  It
    makes everything so easy, and I find myself making better use of the
    gears, as the shifters, brake levers, and "riding position" are all
    up front.
    
3087.3Wrong topic title?ROWLET::AINSLEYDCU Board of Directors CandidateMon May 20 1996 18:5110
    This appears to be a general question about the reliability of
    brake-hood shifting in general, rather than specifically RSX.
    
    I believe that RSX is the entry-level STI shifting from Shimano for
    road bikes.
    
    I'm afraid I've had mine for too short of a time to come to any
    conclusions about reliability.
    
    Bob
3087.4WMOIS::GIROUARD_CTue May 21 1996 10:159
If general reliability is the question, I've been running
my Campy Record Ergos for a few years now. They have close
20k miles on them without a problem (including having
survived one nasty criterium crash).

Of course, Campy is legendary for their bullet-proof
design.

Chip
3087.5I like Campy/SachsEDSCLU::NICHOLSTue May 21 1996 12:0010
I can vouch for Campy (or Sachs in my case) reliability.  My set hit the
ground at 40+ mph.  I bent the brake lever, and took a chunk out of the 'case.'
That was 1.5k miles ago.  They still work fine, except I occasionally bind the
upshift lever w/ brake lever.

Cant say anything about Shimano, except I liked the Campy/Sachs better.

ymmv
.02
--roger (who still has a circle of bright purple skin on his knee)
3087.6I'm amazedHERON::16.40.96.211::HEMMINGSLanterne RougeTue May 21 1996 13:447
I don't think the Ergo or STI versions will ever be as good or reliable as 
the old frame fitting versions.  Anyone who can remember the arrival of the 
steering column gearshift on cars in the 50's will also remember how dreadful 
they were in comparison with the stick fixed directly on the box.

Like I said before, I'm amazed the Ergo's and STI's work as well as they do, 
there's just too many bits to go wrong.
3087.7WMOIS::GIROUARD_CTue May 21 1996 17:034
-1 come on Robin, step into the 90's. I promise it won't
   hurt one bit :-)

   Chip
3087.8can I fit Ergo to an Ordinary ?HERON::virenq.vbo.dec.com::HEMMINGSLanterne RougeFri May 24 1996 08:1718
But, I AM in the '90's -

The 1890's of course ....



No, don't get me wrong, there are some modern things I agree with, and I have 
1 bike with Mirage Ergo and it works fine, but I repeat, I am still surprised 
it works as well as it does - it offends my engineering mind.

It's a question of choice - I wouldn't say it's an essential which would make 
me skimp on other things just to have it, but it's nice.  For example, if the 
difference between Ergo and non-Ergo meant in my mind a better pair of wheels 
or a better frame - then I'd buy non-Ergo.  On the other hand if I was an 
overpaid American I would be buying top of the range with all the bells and 
whistles, wouldn't I??

Whoops, nearly forgot the obligatory ;>)
3087.9WMOIS::GIROUARD_CFri May 24 1996 10:431
Over-paid american, eh?   :-)
3087.10une gousse d'ail, seulementHERON::16.40.96.211::HEMMINGSLanterne RougeFri May 24 1996 12:515
most of my colleagues take what I say with a pinch of garlic - I advise you 
to do the same ...
                                 ;>)

PS I hope this trip in July comes off - I'm looking forward to it!!