Why do bike shops keep pushing indexed shifters like they're the only option?

I was at Velofix in Portland last month getting a cable replaced and the guy tried to sell me on some pricey indexed shifters when my old friction shifters work just fine. Has anyone else noticed shops acting like friction shifting is some ancient secret nobody should touch anymore?

2 comments

2 Comments

grant90122d ago

Honestly, that's frustrating. Friction shifters are totally fine.

rubybarnes22d ago

Did the sales guy actually explain why indexed shifters would be better for your specific bike or riding style, or was it just the standard upsell pitch? Friction shifters are bulletproof and way easier to adjust if something goes wrong mid-ride. I've got a buddy who still runs a 70s touring bike with friction and he can outshift most people on modern groupsets. What kind of terrain do you ride mostly, because maybe that's why they pushed indexed?