Index and friction mode??

With index mode, you will feel a distinct "click" in the shifter as you shift from one gear to the next. The indexing in the shifter controls how far the derailleur travels on each shift.

With friction mode, there is no "click." You move the lever until you feel or hear the chain shift. You can then fine tune the position of the lever so that the chain isn't rubbing on the (front) derailleur or catching on the next cog (rear).

With barend shifters, the rear shifter is usually indexed, but the front shifter isn't.

Generally, indexing is probably easier because you just shift until you feel the click and don't have to worry about fine tuning the position. There may be times when friction mode would be necessary, however, such as when your shift levers don't match your drivetrain (e.g., using 8-speed shifters with a 9-speed drive train...it just won't work in index mode but probably will in friction mode).

Of course, friction mode is definitely better if you're old school!

Edited by MCH13 2006-10-03 11:40 PM

Indexed means that the shifter will "click" with each gear shift and cause the derailleur to jump from gear to gear. Friction doesn't click into gear, but the shifter moves smoothly along with the derailleur.

Edit:  Oops.  Someone beat me to it.  I took too long on the post page  

Edited by runningfoo 2006-10-03 11:47 PM

So in index mode on a bar end shifter - will the lever return to its original position after the click? Or does it travel up and down depending on the gear?

The shift lever will go through the exact same range of motion whether indexed or friction, there will just be a distinct "click" during indexed,

Edited by sty 2006-10-04 8:38 AM

I run my shifters in friction mode all the time -- that way it doesn't matter if I change wheels or if I get a cassette that's 8-, 9-, or 10-speed, it'll shift just fine (well, aside from chain width issues).