Tuning: Dual Control

Tomek

· 03.04.2005

Photo: Unbekannt

Tuning: Dual Control

Dual Control is coming to all Shimano groupsets this year. We'll show you how to get the best out of the combi grips for braking and shifting.

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Rubber overcoat

The hard and angular levers are not particularly comfortable. "Retro" neoprene covers provide a softer feel. When your fingers are cold and frozen, shifting gears with Dual Control is particularly uncomfortable. There is no protective muscle layer on the upper side of the fingers. In the days of Canti brakes, neoprene covers adorned the brake levers. Now the "retro" pads are making a comeback. Pulling them over the dual-control levers significantly improves shifting comfort.

For example: Lizard Skins Lever Grips, for 4.99 euros via Shock Therapy, Tel. 06126/2267700, www.shock-therapy.com

Train driver

The Dual Control system works worse with dirty cables than other shifting systems. You should therefore seal the cables and lay them with particular care. Sluggish cables make shifting with Dual Control strenuous. You should therefore lay the cables with particular care. Only give them enough shifting sleeve so that they do not break off at full steering lock. With the "Nightcrawlers" from SRAM, you can seal the cables perfectly. Other systems such as those from Nokon, Gore or Miresistor also keep dirt out.

The right angle

The position of the hand in relation to the brake is important for pain-free biking. Even with Dual Control. If the angle between hand and brake is not correct, this can lead to poor posture - wrists, shoulders and back hurt. Align the Dual Control levers like a normal brake. Your fingers should be in line with your forearms. BIKE tip: If you often ride down steep terrain, tilt the Dual Control levers slightly upwards. This way you will shift less.

A topsy-turvy world

In addition to the Dual Control system, Shimano introduced the inverse shifting logic. This is not an ideal solution for all bikers. Beginners quickly get used to the new shifting logic, in which the rear derailleur moves in the opposite direction to the usual direction. However, some people find it particularly difficult to get used to the new shifting logic. They can easily fit an old rear derailleur with the conventional logic. They are compatible with the Dual Control system.

Bigger is not always better

The dual-control levers need a lot of space on the handlebars. Thick oversize handlebars exacerbate the problem. The further out you grip the brake levers, the easier it is to achieve maximum braking force. To do this, you have to push the brake levers far inwards. This is already problematic on straight, narrow handlebars with the protruding dual-control levers. There is even less space on handlebars with an oversize stem clamp with a thicker diameter. It is better to fit handlebars with a standard diameter.

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