Since we first posted about Retroshift, they’ve worked through production and have been selling the units all over the world. According to founder Adam Clement the response has been pretty incredible.

The Retroshift is a modified Tektro brake lever for drop bars that fits a Shimano friction shifter on the top front. Clement says this gives the rider quick, precise shifting even in foul conditions, making it perfect for cyclocross and touring bikes where more expensive integrated brake/shift levers might get gunked up too easily.

The video above shows how quickly you can whip through the gears. The levers are actually a discontinued Tektro model that the company has revived production just for Retroshift. It’s available in two versions: Version 1 has only a right-hand shifter for single chainring setups and retails for $89. Version 2 sells for $119 and is ready for both front and rear shifters. They include only the shifters, you’ll need to source your own bar-end or downtube shifters to mount on them. For now…

Clement says he’s working on a complete set up with custom made shifters, hoping to have it available by this summer.

As it is, once shifters are added, he says it’s not only far cheaper than STI (or similar) levers, it’s anywhere from 50g to 100g lighter than Ultegra STI depending on whether you’re running multiple chainrings. Both versions are available in Feldman Grey (below) and Werle Red (above). Order ’em up at Retroshift.com.

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From Adam: