Author Topic: update on hydraulic shifting device (Read 5073 times)

Dennis · « **on:** November 15, 2003, 12:32:23 am »

I figured I'd start a new thread about this device that was started on the full length housing thread.
Trevor found out about a hydraulic shifting cable that is made in Europe that intrigued me.
I have been emailing the people to find out more about it. Turns out it works with either trigger or twist type shifters. It uses Magura hydraulic actuators at the shifter and the rear derailleur. It connects to the shifters and the derailleur via short cables which actuate the hydraulic "rams" (or should that be "ramlettes") in the actuators. The force is transferred from the shifters to the derailleur via the hydraulic fluid in the cable. They say that the only drawback to the system is that the cables are small diameter which makes it somewhat diffucult to bleed, but is doable with two people.

Link to the website:
http://userportal.iha.dk/~20033774/THE-MA~1/

Trevor found out that the price is about 850 Dkr. (danish kroners).

here's the update: I emailed them about purchasing one and the reply was this:
"Hello Dennis

Unfortunaly the person who assembles the shifter is vey ill at the moment, so we can't deliver them right now. It might take up to 6 months before he is able to start out again. So if you really want it, you have to be patient.

BR Anders, The Machinist"

which, of course, is a huge bummer for both the assembler person and anyone wishing to purchase the device. I really hope the guy ends up being well again.

so, thats the info. seems like a really cool upgrade. With hydro brakes, the only cable device would be the front derailleur cable.

what do you all think about this?
[smiley=groucho.gif]

Scott · « **Reply #1 on:** November 15, 2003, 10:54:22 am »

Hi Dennis,
I checked out the site too and was surprised to see he's the maker of the worlds lightest bar ends-quite some time ago he'd posted that how to on the MTBR lose some weight section and I was impressed enough to download it for a winter project. Quality all around but I wonder what the actual advantages are to the hydraulic shifters? I like gadgets but have to see a practical side to pony up... otherwise I just admire the work

jedoaks · « **Reply #2 on:** November 15, 2003, 12:50:44 pm »

Hey Dennis, interesting. Hard to beat cables and der. though. Ever thought about a Speedhub, talk about trick and reliable. They are expensive, but everybody that uses them, loves um. Rich

kiwi · « **Reply #3 on:** November 15, 2003, 04:49:08 pm »

the trick is you lose the $%#@ cables.Most or all shifting problems stem from the cables...get rid of them and hey,,,virtually no maintenance....I am sure the front deraullieur could also be replaced.There was a similar device sold by an american outfit a few years ago,they suffered the difficult bleeding too.Cant remember tho what they were called or if they even went out of business or what.

Old Proflexer · « **Reply #4 on:** November 16, 2003, 01:21:10 am »

suprised at you guys, 'specially kiwi, didn't mention the crosslink and noleen in the picture -

OP

(hydraulic shifter and center pull brakes?)

tmaybee · « **Reply #5 on:** November 16, 2003, 01:45:13 am »

The American product was made by S.A.F.E. Products. I have a Mountain Bike Action mag somewhere that has an ad about it.

I figure I will get one of these when I finally have to replace my cables. Gore cables will cost at least $50 USD so for $210 CAD (=850 DKR) it will be about 3X as much but I should have better shifting and never need to replace the rear cable again. As Kiwi said ,just need something for the front....

Trevor

Simon · « **Reply #6 on:** November 16, 2003, 02:55:58 am »

Looks a clever little device,I'd be a bit concerned with the vunrability of the slave cylinder at the rear mech though,although it connects to the mech with a small cable is it mounted solid or flexable?could be an expensive repair over a cable system. Simon

kiwi · « **Reply #7 on:** November 16, 2003, 03:26:04 pm »

Quote

suprised at you guys, 'specially kiwi, didn't mention the crosslink and noleen in the picture

Re: full length housing pro's vs con's
« Reply #8 on: Nov 12th, 2003, 8:38pm » Quote | Modify | Remove

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
anyone notice the crosslink /noleen shock in the picture of the front actuator??

ahem!!!

not that i am sensitive to criticsm or anything!!

tmaybee · « **Reply #8 on:** November 16, 2003, 10:51:46 pm »

Here is another article on the same device:

http://weightweenies.starbike.com/articles.php?ID=28

This has much better pics and explanation.

Trevor

Old Proflexer · « **Reply #9 on:** November 16, 2003, 11:58:57 pm »

ok kiwi, you got me there - i guess i should read all the posts first -

my bad [smiley=disbelief.gif]

OP

numbnuts · « **Reply #10 on:** November 17, 2003, 01:04:34 am »

the thing about cables is that, yes they do need to be replaced, but are readily available and easy to work on. That's one reason why I stuck with the Avid mech discs. In my location if something breaks or goes wrong I need to be able to fix it myself quickly. even if it means using crappy cheapo cables I can still keep riding!

kiwi · « **Reply #11 on:** November 17, 2003, 04:16:56 pm »

good point but hydraulics are as reliable as stones.the actuators may be vunerable but we have been using hydraulics in cars for eons........when was the last time you had trouble with them?

Matno · « **Reply #12 on:** November 17, 2003, 09:51:17 pm »

Well, my clutch/brake fluid used to leak all the time in my VW... Nothing worse than getting up in the morning, late for school or work, in the dead of winter, only to find that your clutch pedal drops straight to the floor. Fortunately, the fluid reservoir was right behind the speedometer (yes, in the dash) and easily accessible. It was still annoying having to pump the brakes and wait 10-15 minutes for it to actually work.

But then again, I also use Avid mechanicals. I wonder why...

tmaybee · « **Reply #13 on:** November 18, 2003, 12:26:41 am »

My VW has a clutch cable. Is yours a new model Manto? My magura brakes have been perfect for about 6 years, just bleed them every now and again. the Gore cables eventually did not need any maintance but I CONSTANTLY had problems with regular cables, even with a full run of housing. I was probably replacing them every 2-3 weeks at one point!

Trevor

Matno · « **Reply #14 on:** November 18, 2003, 04:01:29 am »

87 Vanagon Syncro. One of the greatest vehicles ever made. My first car and I was sad to part with it after 7 years (it only had 180,000 miles on it). I still get to see it though since I sold it to a guy who works next door!

In all fairness, the fluid leak did not start until right after I had the clutch replaced - obviously a less than perfect job. Both the clutch pedal and the brake pedal used the same fluid reservoir...

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Author Topic: update on hydraulic shifting device (Read 5073 times)