When Shimano released the STI (Shimano Total Integration) shifters/brake levers for road bikes nearly 20 years ago it was a game changing moment. Why would anyone go back to the old school thumb shifters that Retroshift has created? Well, the answer is that cyclocross – the off-road racing that occurs in the fall and winter – can benefit from having shifters that can stand up to mud and abuse and keep shifting. Retroshift has introduced its new 9- and 10-speed shifters, which are compatible with Shimano style derailleurs.
The Retroshift shifters do have some advantages, mostly for those who race cyclocross but it is unlikely this type of shifter could ever edge out STI or other similar systems. However, these do have a look that suggests this is where shifters might have headed had STI not come along. Oh what might have been.