In a world of electronic shifters and hyper-precise drivetrains, could a system rooted in the simplicity of the 1980s be the ultimate solution for modern cyclists? Shifting gears on a bike is as second nature today as clicking a remote control – quick, precise, and, in most cases, low-maintenance. But as with many technological advancements, the question remains: Was everything really worse back in the day?

In this post, I’ll explore the Gevenalle system, its unique blend of friction and indexed shifting, and why it might be the perfect choice for adventurers, bikepackers, and minimalists alike.

How I Discovered Gevenalle

My journey with Gevenalle began quite by accident. I stumbled across the website of Fern Fahrräder, a frame builder based in Berlin. Flo, the guy behind Fern, has been building bikes with this unique shifter system for quite some time. That piqued my curiosity.

Back then, I was looking for a way to run a 12-speed mountain bike drivetrain on my drop bar setup. At that time, there were barely any options to achieve that, aside from using bar-end shifters or, well, Gevenalle. The concept intrigued me – a mix of simplicity and functionality. So, I placed my first order, and I've been really happy with it ever since.

Who Is Gevenalle?

Gevenalle is a small company based in Portland, Oregon, that focuses on shift and brake systems built for durability and simplicity. The name itself is a combination of the Dutch words "geven" (to give) and "alle" (all), pointing to their philosophy of providing high-quality products for all cyclists. Gevenalle gear speaks to those who prefer their bikes like their coffee – strong, reliable, and without unnecessary frills. Whether you're dodging traffic on your daily commute or chasing sunsets on a weekend tour, these components have your back. They're like that friend who never complains, no matter the weather or the distance.

The Gevenalle System: How It Works

At the core of the Gevenalle system is a modified single-speed lever. Originally, it's just a brake lever, but it’s been reworked to accommodate an additional shift lever. Gevenalle gives you the option to mount either a downtube shifter or a bar-end shifter onto this lever.

The combination of brake and shift mechanisms creates the Gevenalle brake-shifter combo. You can either buy the levers without shifters to use your own or get them with pre-installed friction shifters. This flexibility allows riders to set up their bikes exactly how they want. It’s a robust and straightforward solution that fits almost any bike setup.

Gevenalle now offers several lever options. The OM system is based on Tektro's short-pull lever, while the Gran Compe system uses Dia-Compe GC08 levers. The latter stands out for its retro look combined with modern performance.

What makes the Gevenalle system unique is that it supports both friction and indexed shifting. While many downtube shifters are friction-only, there’s actually a rich history of vintage levers from Shimano, Suntour, and Campagnolo that offered both index and friction options when index shifting was introduced. Even today, Shimano’s bar-end shifters continue to provide this dual functionality. Gevenalle and Microshift levers offer the option to use indexed shifting as well. This versatility opens up many possibilities for riders, depending on their shifting preferences.

Friction vs. Indexed Shifting: A Quick Primer

For those unfamiliar with the terms:

• Indexed Shifting: The more common type of shifting today. The shift lever clicks into place with each gear change. You shift from the 3rd to the 4th gear, and the derailleur moves precisely to that position. The result? Quick, precise, and intuitive.

• Friction Shifting: The "old-school" method. The shift lever moves freely, and it's up to the rider to position the chain correctly on the cog. No clicks, no indexing – all manual.

Think of friction shifting like manually tuning a radio dial – it’s all about feel and precision, whereas indexed shifting is like pressing preset buttons on a car stereo.

Why I Chose Gevenalle: A Personal Story

I’ve been using the Gevenalle system for about 2.5 years now, and it’s become one of my favorite components. That bikepacking trip through Tuscany is just one example of why. I made the classic mistake of heading out without a spare derailleur hanger, and of course, it bent halfway through the trip – a nightmare scenario for anyone with an indexed shifter. But thanks to the friction shifter, I was able to keep riding without any issues. I simply adjusted the lever so the chain ran smoothly. No fiddling, no compatibility headaches – just ride on. Honestly, that saved my trip, and I was genuinely thankful for my choice.

Pros and Cons of Friction Shifting

Why Choose the Gevenalle System or Friction Shifting?

• Reliability: No dependence on ultra-precise adjustments. If your derailleur is slightly misaligned – no problem. You just fine-tune it with the lever.

• Durability: Fewer components mean less wear and tear. Friction shifters allow you to use parts much longer, even when modern indexed systems stop working correctly.

• Flexibility: You’re not tied to a specific cassette or chain. As long as the chain fits the cog, you’re good to go.

• Minimalism: Less is more. No batteries to charge, no complex electronics – just robust, analog tech that gets the job done.

The Downsides of Friction Shifting

• Learning Curve: It takes some practice to shift efficiently with a friction shifter. On challenging terrain or during quick gear changes, this can be tricky.

• Lack of Precision: With older or less precise systems, you might end up "between" two gears, leading to noisy shifting. However, this is less of an issue with modern 11- or 12-speed setups, where the spacing is minimal.

• Aesthetics: The Gevenalle system uses a downtube shifter with a direct cable run, which might not appeal to everyone’s visual preferences.

Conclusion: Is Gevenalle the Ultimate Adventure Shifter?

Gevenalle isn’t for everyone. If you’re the type who dreams of perfect Strava segments and needs to shave milliseconds off your gear changes, you’re probably better off with an indexed or electronic system. But for those of us who like our bikes a bit more analog, Gevenalle hits a sweet spot.

Sure, it’s a little quirky, and you might need to explain to your riding buddies why your bike looks like it’s stuck in the ‘80s. But once you’ve tried it, you’ll realize that simplicity doesn’t mean compromise. In fact, the speed and precision of the Gevenalle setup are surprising – it’s not slow; it’s just different.

I’ve been seriously into cycling for about five years, and while I’ve only had Gevenalle for half that time, it’s hands-down my favorite component. It’s robust, adaptable, and perfect for the kind of riding I do. It’s not about being trendy; it’s about having gear that works when you need it most. And for that, Gevenalle earns a permanent spot on my bike.

Your Turn

Have you tried friction shifting or the Gevenalle system? Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear your thoughts!