Custom shifting arrangement
People who know me are aware I am missing most of the fingers on my right hand. On modern bicycles, this is a big problem as the rear gears are shifted by using actuators on the right brake lever. This has proven to be nearly impossible for me. Over the years, I have experimented with all kinds of solutions, including an early version of electronic shifting (Mavic Mektronic).
This is a custom device, made by Kelly bike parts and is called a 'take off’. Basically it permits me to mount standard bar end shifters on a location near the left brake lever. My left hand is just fine, and from this location, I can shift both the front and rear derailleurs. It works so well, I have actually raced bikes with this setup and ridden in large pack events, shoulder to shoulder with other crazy cyclists.
When I was writing this up, I was going to say I have to be careful with this gizmo, as Kelly had gone out of business due to some unfortunate circumstances. However, as I looked on their old web site to add a link to the story, I discovered they are BACK in BUSINESS! This is great news, because Kelly makes awesome custom frames other cool stuff.
I am glad I featured the ‘Take Off’ in today’s photo, as I am not sure if/when I would have discovered that Kelly had returned from oblivion!
Custom shifting arrangement
People who know me are aware I am missing most of the fingers on my right hand. On modern bicycles, this is a big problem as the rear gears are shifted by using actuators on the right brake lever. This has proven to be nearly impossible for me. Over the years, I have experimented with all kinds of solutions, including an early version of electronic shifting (Mavic Mektronic).
This is a custom device, made by Kelly bike parts and is called a 'take off’. Basically it permits me to mount standard bar end shifters on a location near the left brake lever. My left hand is just fine, and from this location, I can shift both the front and rear derailleurs. It works so well, I have actually raced bikes with this setup and ridden in large pack events, shoulder to shoulder with other crazy cyclists.
When I was writing this up, I was going to say I have to be careful with this gizmo, as Kelly had gone out of business due to some unfortunate circumstances. However, as I looked on their old web site to add a link to the story, I discovered they are BACK in BUSINESS! This is great news, because Kelly makes awesome custom frames other cool stuff.
I am glad I featured the ‘Take Off’ in today’s photo, as I am not sure if/when I would have discovered that Kelly had returned from oblivion!