Friction vs Index Shifting?
If you have ever had an itch to see what you might be missing out on with your 'new' index technology, here is a great review of how our index and friction shifting systems compare.
Big thank you to Benedikt Sörries for taking the deep dive into giving the OM Mountain version of our friction shifters a good in depth review.
Gevenalle Review: Friction vs. Index – A Little Revolution or Just Old-School?
Link to full story here
January 26th
Written by Benedikt Sörries
In a world of electronic shifters and hyper-precise drivetrains, could a system rooted in the simplicity of the 1980s be the ultimate solution for modern cyclists? Shifting gears on a bike is as second nature today as clicking a remote control – quick, precise, and, in most cases, low-maintenance. But as with many technological advancements, the question remains: Was everything really worse back in the day?
In this post, I'll explore the Gevenalle system, its unique blend of friction and indexed shifting, and why it might be the perfect choice for adventurers, bikepackers, and minimalists alike.
How I Discovered Gevenalle
This is the bike which introduced me to Gevenalle - a bike from German custom builder Fern Bicycles
My journey with Gevenalle began quite by accident. I stumbled across the website of Fern Bicycles, a frame builder based in Berlin. Flo, the guy behind Fern, has been building bikes with this unique shifter system for quite some time. That piqued my curiosity.
Back then, I was looking for a way to run a 12-speed mountain bike drivetrain on my drop bar setup. At that time, there were barely any options to achieve that, aside from using bar-end shifters or, well, Gevenalle. The concept intrigued me – a mix of simplicity and functionality. So, I placed my first order, and I've been really happy with it ever since.
Who is Gevenalle?
Gevenalle is a small company based in Portland, Oregon, that focuses on shift and brake systems built for durability and simplicity. The name itself is a combination of the Dutch words "geven" (to give) and "alle" (all), pointing to their philosophy of providing high-quality products for all cyclists. Gevenalle gear speaks to those who prefer their bikes like their coffee – strong, reliable, and without unnecessary frills. Whether you're dodging traffic on your daily commute or chasing sunsets on a weekend tour, these components have your back. They're like that friend who never complains, no matter the weather or the distance.
The Gevenalle System: How It Works
At the core of the Gevenalle system is a modified single-speed lever. Originally, it's just a brake lever, but it's been reworked to accommodate an additional shift lever. Gevenalle gives you the option to mount either a downtube shifter or a bar-end shifter onto this lever.
The combination of brake and shift mechanisms creates the Gevenalle brake-shifter combo. You can either buy the levers without shifters to use your own or get them with pre-installed friction shifters. This flexibility allows riders to set up their bikes exactly how they want. It's a robust and straightforward solution that fits almost any bike setup.
Gevenalle now offers several lever options. The OM system is based on Tektro's short-pull lever, while the Gran Compe system uses Dia-Compe GC08 levers. The latter stands out for its retro look combined with modern performance.
What makes the Gevenalle system unique is that it supports both friction and indexed shifting. While many downtube shifters are friction-only, there's actually a rich history of vintage levers from Shimano, Suntour, and Campagnolo that offered both index and friction options when index shifting was introduced. Even today, Shimano's bar-end shifters continue to provide this dual functionality. Gevenalle and Microshift levers offer the option to use indexed shifting as well. This versatility opens up many possibilities for riders, depending on their shifting preferences.
Friction vs. Indexed Shifting: A Quick Primer
For those unfamiliar with the terms:
- Indexed Shifting: The more common type of shifting today. The shift levers click into place with each gear change. You shift from the 3rd to the 4th gear, and the derailleur moves precisely to that position. The result? Quick, precise, and intuitive.
- Friction Shifting: The “old-school” method. The shift lever moves, and it's up to the rider to position the chain correctly on the cog. No clicks, no indexing – all manual.
Think of friction shifting like manually tuning a radio dial – it's all about feel and precision, whereas indexed shifting is like pressing preset buttons on a car stereo.
Why I Chose Gevenalle: A Personal Story
I've been using the Gevenalle system for about 2.5 years now, and it's become one of my favorite components. That bikepacking trip through Tuscany is just one example of why. I made the classic mistake of heading out without a spare derailleur hanger, and of course, it bent halfway through the trip – a nightmare scenario for anyone with an indexed shifter. But thanks to the friction shifter, I was able to keep riding without any issues. I simply adjusted the lever so the chain ran smoothly. No fiddling, no compatibility headaches – just ride on. Honestly, that saved my trip, and I was genuinely grateful for my choice.