hayduke1972 said:
Anybody actually tried these?
I'm just wondering how well they work.
I'm more of a reader here [first post; slow cyclist
], but I actually have ridden two complete Microshift drivetrains that came on two bikes that my father and I ordered last fall - shifters, f/r derailleurs. I have a few hunderd miles of experience with them and lots of experience installing and tuning them.
Overall they seem to work well, but they don't feel as refined in ergonomics, quality, or function as a Shimano shifter. The "feel" of the shifting (downshifts) is more akin to Campy or SRAM because you get a very noticeable "click" for downshifts (small black upper lever); unlike the smooth feel that Shimano has. There is no cable slack in the downshift button from what I can tell; you hit it - it shifts. I ride SRAM Force, so I can't compare it to the feel of SRAM Red that has also eliminated cable slack. The upshifts require a large throw of the lower lever. I think that if you move it far enough you can get 4 gears in the back. The shifting is precise and quick - no complaints there considering the price and performance level. I'd put it on par with the performance of a Shimano 105 group; but with a different downshift feel. The upshifts are very smooth and feel very much like Shimano shifts.
The front derailleur and shifter offers a lot of trim options (4 or 5 different positions I think), but in the big ring (compact and non compact) you still will get a lot of chain rub in your top three gears on the cassette. I haven't been able to eliminate this yet - although with the trim options (both in the small and big ring) it would seem like it is possible. I think the shifter can be used for both triples and doubles depending on where you set the limits, but I have only used it for compact and non compact doubles so far.
The finish and quality is nowhere near the level of Shimano, SRAM, and especially Campy (as would be expected). The aluminum and other metal parts do not seems as precise as what you find on mainstream groups (specifically the levers and derailleurs). The plastics feel more flimsy and brittle as well. The larger lower lever on the shifters feel weak and flex slightly (especially on the left shifter as you move from the small ring to the big ring). The internals are a mix of metal and plastic. It seems they used a lot of plastic in areas they maybe shouldn't have in order to keep the weight down (which is about what they claim). My two biggest complaints is that the shifter cables are not easy to replace if you happen to have a cable go bad (had to drill a cable head out of the shifter) and the springs in the brake lever mechanism are poorly designed [exposed] and did break on one of our shifters (easily fixed, but annoying). I also do not find the ergonomics comfortable at all (I prefer SRAM and Campy), but that is more personal preference. Those who like Shimano ergonomics will find these very familiar and possibly slightly more comfortable as they provide an easier reach to the downshift button/lever and shift very fast.
I actually got rid of this drivetrain on my good carbon bike (KTM Strada LC) that it came on and went with SRAM Force. My father now uses both of the two groups we have; one on his good bike and the other on his bad weather bike. One of the groups has well over 2000 miles on it already with the only problem being the end of the spring in the brake lever breaking off when my father got curious and tore the shifter apart. The set with more miles have survived two crashes and are no worse for wear (unlucky year). The set with fewer miles have had no problems at all and are in perfect working condition with little upkeep required (probably have 300 or 400 miles on them).
If installing the shifters I would recommend a barrel adjuster for the left shifter so you can get rid of the cable rub in the big ring. For a budget 10-speed drivetrain they are a pretty good deal, especially since they are fully Shimano compatible (from what I understand - 5600, 6600, and 7800). They offer a good alternative to buying used components for a low-cost build if you're building with Shimano compatible components, although for a better low cost, high performance, durable 10s build I would recommend Campy Veloce components over these.
Greg
