STI v Downtube shifters

Not common, I probably let it happen more than it should. More frequent when the front rack is loaded and I'm not paying attention.

I use friction DT levers on 9-speed without any problems; if you're not racing, I don't think it's an issue if you have to fiddle with the lever slightly to get the trim right.

Anyone had any experience with the Dia Compe ENE DT shifters... friction but
able to work with 10 speed cassettes according to the manufacturer. Any good? Look to work on a similar mo as the Simplex Retrofriction levers but not quite as nice.

Hi,
I have used Shimano D/T levers in friction mode in the past widely.
Specifically, a pair of ultegra 6 speed index which I used on a 9 speed cassette.
It all worked perfectly well. I like this setup for touring as there is nothing to sort out - any problems are usually cable related and therefore easily replaceable.
So you if your a bit brassic just look for an older pair of shifters.

Due to circumstances, I am not brassic but thanks for the tip.

I got the DA SL7900 10 speed DT shifters in the end...thank you one and all for your advice and friendly suggestions.

I have used a variety of friction levers and much prefer them to indexed downtube shifters. This thread makes me want to use them again.

I did have my old trek running 10 speed with friction shifters. Indexing was not needed as getting into the right gear was easy.

Simplex retro friction is perfection. I ride the bike with these tomorrow.

Campagnolo also made retrofriction downtube shifters.
They made a few Nuovo Record style that are extremely rare, and some in the C-Record style that show up on EBay now and then. I have a pair of the C-Record version and they are very nice.

I tried Portacatena in 1979 or so.... It takes up space betweem the dropout and freewheel so it might be difficult to install on a new build.

Simplex retrofriction are excellent....until the 'friction' went. The trick was to run an elastic band (through the loop in the lever) to the bottle cage on the downtube!

DT shifters a pita.

They will affect the frequency with which you’ll change gears and you’ll end up “making do” at times you would otherwise have shifted IMO.

They do look nice, very instagrammable.

Sometimes, I over shift.