Gear changer as clutch lever?

toytime · Mar 15, 2009

I leaned my bike, well OK , I'll be honest , I almost dropped my bike and it fell against a wall and snapped that crappy clutch lever. I wrote my seller and he said he uses a gear shifter. I've never used one of these but I believe it locks and unlocks by pushing on another lever. If it locks (because I like that) it may be worth thinking about.
Anyone have an old style lever for sale? I like the older style because I always find myself pushing the button in with my right hand. I like the self locking feature and would love to get one if anyone knows where.
Here is what he is using. $45 for a set...any thoughts?

Large Filipino · Mar 15, 2009

I guess it would work. It would add to the individuality of the bike and it may slow down thieves enough so you can catch up to them and #$%$#@.

toytime · Mar 15, 2009

He paid $45 for a pair and only used the left one, I just don't know if it's worth the cost.
I also don't know if it would give you the leverage needed for these kits. I know it would most likely work like a charm with the clutch set-up you have. Yes, it was a long time ago but I still remember !

cityevader · Mar 16, 2009

I used one...worked great. They "lock" just like they do when used as shifters. They're cheap on ebay. You could also use a grip shifter for clutch to reduce the clutter of levers on the bar.

donuts31 · Mar 16, 2009

It doesn't work well if you don't have a centrifugal clutch. The 3 clicks to pull the clutch in take too long for my preference. I have one on a bike with centrifugal clutch which it is ideally suited for.

oylavabeer · Mar 16, 2009

donuts31 said:
It doesn't work well if you don't have a centrifugal clutch. The 3 clicks to pull the clutch in take too long for my preference. I have one on a bike with centrifugal clutch which it is ideally suited for.

didn"t think that you would need a lever with a centrifical, can we doctor the lever so it has 1 larger or longer click to pull the clutch in in one hit? dnut

cityevader · Mar 16, 2009

I can see what you mean about possibly taking too long for two clicks to disengage clutch, however, when I had it set up with the cable slack just taken up without the lever shaft rubbing, that first click darn near fully disengaged it.

I think I read somewhere that SRAM shifter-movement-to-deraileur-movement was 1.1 to 1, while Shimano was 1 to 1. SRAM compatible components would likely give just enough more throw?

donuts31 · Mar 17, 2009

oylavabeer said:
didn"t think that you would need a lever with a centrifical, can we doctor the lever so it has 1 larger or longer click to pull the clutch in in one hit?

Yep, you do. Two clutches on a centrifugal clutch engine.

Graham · Mar 17, 2009

I know its prolly stating the obvious...but why not use a break lever...u can get a single for like 5-10 bucks and they never have any issues

TigerToothBikes.com · Mar 17, 2009

those gear changers are poor and make the clutch extremely difficult to disengage, remember all that force is concentrated on your left thumb! (not so bad if you have Jims actuator) I'd advise a push button brake lever, or a twist grip. The twist grip a)cuts down levers b)locks off c) allows you to find the "biting" point which the gear shifter shown does not. You can adjust so its either 1 engaged 2 disengaged but from experience it is very stiff and hurts.

toytime · Mar 17, 2009

Thanks for all the help guys. The guy who sold me the kit says there is one on it's way. He's sending me the older style. I like the self lock style and they are not made out of that cheap pot metal crap like my last one. My last one did rattle to bits, losing the spring after a year but I can live with that.

skjjoe · Mar 17, 2009

i dont understand the two clutch on a centrifugal clutch motor whats the purpose of the centrifugal clutch .is that not what the point is to get rid of the clutch handle sorry i must be stupid

donuts31 · Mar 18, 2009

My thoughts on the manual clutch with the centrifugal clutch:

1. I use it to start the engine when I pedal start. The clutch must be engaged for power to get to desired location, i.e. wheels.

2. I releast the manual clutch when I wish to pedal. It provies for less rolling resistance.

3. If I'm idling for long periods of time, I pull the manual clutch because the auto-clutch occasionally will engage at random at at stop. Brakes should be depressed so bike doesn't move or lurch.

skjjoe · Mar 18, 2009

ok i think i understand

cityevader · Mar 18, 2009

Perhaps he has the Grubee gearbox on a fourstroke? It has a "disengager" to allow cold start and revving while testing to prevent the bike from taking off with the centifugal clutch.

oylavabeer · Mar 19, 2009

where does the second clutch come into play?? (surely not another lever ) iff it is a dissengager 99 clicks should work sufficiently . Speaking of witch can I alter a quick release so it only have 1 click?

toytime · Mar 19, 2009

Never had one apart before but I would think there is one spring loaded ball or rod of some kind that falls into little holes or groves. I guess if you will in those holes with a filling that turns hard, it would work.
Just a wild guess......

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