I've used these a lot over the past year or two. Retroshift is different at first, but I took to it pretty fast and now I really like them.
The main thing about them is that they are almost indestructible and should never require maintenance or fail due to dirt, dust, rain, etc. STI/SRAM levers? At some point those will fail, and then you have no recourse but to replace them
Downsides are you have to like the Tektro hood shape that the shifter base is grafted to and you won't be able to shift at all from the drops. Also- unless Retroshift recently added SRAM compatible bases on their levers, you are going to be limited to Shimano 10 speed stuff or older, (if you have the correct bar ends or are willing to go friction shifter style)
The purpose I had in mind for these was for my commuter, which on those rainy (low visibility) days sees about 90% gravel. It only takes a couple miles of that to really mess up my shifting. I was thinking that the friction shifters might work well for that situation. Never ridden on the Tektro hoods, not sure what they'd compare to.
\nSingle speed is my other solution.
\nThanks for the feedback.
I had a set but sold 'em.. The build quality was great but, I found the ergonomics a little awkward. I probably should have kept them because I find myself wanting to give them another shot.
I've had thumbies in one way or another on all my mountain bikes for many many years. When I saw the Retroshift set up I had to try it. I have to say I love it. It's predictable and tough.
Guitar Ted - I know you mentioned in your excellent review (thx!) that you preferred the shape of the grip of the CXV model (long pull version). We have plans to add a short pull version using that same shape body in the near future.
With a 'dirt drop' type bar I don't see what you gain with these vs. bar end shifters. With traditional bars bar ends do get in the way more of climbing standing and then I 'get' these?
rideonpurpose - Bar-ends are great. The advantage with this system is simply convenience and perhaps a little safety over stock bar-ends. System allows you to shift without removing your hands from the brakes. This set up is also lighter than running bar-ends but probably not enough for most to care.
I just ordered a set of Retroshift Audax and Paul's Mini Moto for my tandem to replace the 1996 vintage STI w Erickson Gizmo and XT v-brakes w travel agents.
I've had the hydraulic version of these on my Warbird for the past month or so. I love them. Yes they can be a little awkward and they take a little getting used to but I don't see myself going back to brifters.
Soon after purchasing my Moots Psychlo-X; I decided that Retroshift was the way I wanted to go for the build. From DK200 last year to my podium at the HHGG gravel stage race, they've never given me pause. The rear shifts are crisp and sweeping the cassette at the right moment when transitioning from descent to climb or vice versa is a great feature. I also dig that the front shifter is friction to easily dial in the right amount of trim at any time.
There are times where I wish I could shift from the drops when I'm tucked and trying to stay out of the wind but those times are few and far between. For the most part, shifting from the hoods doesn't require a second thought. I'm a bit anxious to try their hydro shifters when I can add them to my Warbird but that's down the road aways. I am pleased to see they've added an option to shift the Shimano MTB derailleurs for a wider range out back. That would definitely come in handy for some of the mountain cross races I do up in VA.
Does anyone have experience with their BURD rear mech? I'm very interested in one as I'm running a 1x11 Shimano hydraulic road setup on my GT Grade and want something like a clutched derailleur. This seems to be the best/cheapest option for that. I can't seem to find any actual reviews on them and was curious about weight, performance, etc.
lennymatuszewski wrote:Does anyone have experience with their BURD rear mech? I'm very interested in one as I'm running a 1x11 Shimano hydraulic road setup on my GT Grade and want something like a clutched derailleur. This seems to be the best/cheapest option for that. I can't seem to find any actual reviews on them and was curious about weight, performance, etc.
I went to to the Gevenalle website (nee Retroshift). They also sell a CX oriented front der. which I believe can be used as an effective 1x chain watcher. They do recommend a 1x specific front chain ring. But, you may be able to use your old rear 2x rear der. I was also interested in their CX specific front der. to run on my 11 speed 2x 105 and Ultegra setups. I've been having some minor issues with my 11 speed Shimano front der. -- very difficult to set up and adjust for 46/36 cx chainrings. They shift ok, but I have trouble with chain rub. Will the BURD front der. give me fewer problems with 11-speed 46/36 front chainrings and chain rub? I asked via e-mail to Retroshift. They said that the BURD was only good for 10 speed systems or 11 speed using their Retroshift. Doesn't make sense to me though?
lennymatuszewski wrote:Does anyone have experience with their BURD rear mech? I'm very interested in one as I'm running a 1x11 Shimano hydraulic road setup on my GT Grade and want something like a clutched derailleur. This seems to be the best/cheapest option for that. I can't seem to find any actual reviews on them and was curious about weight, performance, etc.
\n
\nNot clutched. Just has a stronger cage spring.
\nAlso it is rated for a 32t max cog size.
\n
\nOtherwise, it is a relabeled Microshift, which are very good.
shiggy wrote:
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\nNot clutched. Just has a stronger cage spring.
\nAlso it is rated for a 32t max cog size.
\n
\nOtherwise, it is a relabeled Microshift, which are very good.
\n
\nI realize it's not actually clutched, I just feel safer with the stronger cage spring. I'm running a Wolf Tooth chainring up front and currently an Ultegra GS derailleur. I haven't had any drops yet, but I was running a chain catcher/bashguard combo. I hate how cluttered it looks but currently only K-Edge makes a braze-on chain guide (at a gut-wrenching $130 price tag) that would fit on my carbon frame. So the thought of no chain guide and just a regular Shimano rear derailleur terrifies me.
bobknh wrote: I went to to the Gevenalle website (nee Retroshift). They also sell a CX oriented front der. which I believe can be used as an effective 1x chain watcher. They do recommend a 1x specific front chain ring. But, you may be able to use your old rear 2x rear der. I was also interested in their CX specific front der. to run on my 11 speed 2x 105 and Ultegra setups. I've been having some minor issues with my 11 speed Shimano front der. -- very difficult to set up and adjust for 46/36 cx chainrings. They shift ok, but I have trouble with chain rub. Will the BURD front der. give me fewer problems with 11-speed 46/36 front chainrings and chain rub? I asked via e-mail to Retroshift. They said that the BURD was only good for 10 speed systems or 11 speed using their Retroshift. Doesn't make sense to me though?
\n
\nFrom what I can tell, it's a 10 speed front derailleur. I believe it works with their 11 speed shifters because they aren't indexed. I could be wrong about that. Which Shimano FD are you currently using? I'm pretty sure that only the Ultegra 6800 is fit for the 46/36 setup.
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