New-Old-Stock Suntour 4050/XCD Shifters...6-Speed Index (Accushift) or 5/6/7-Speed Friction Shifting Compatible
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Product Description:

Listing Update...
We are receiving some questions on index shifting compatibility/interchangeability among Suntour drivetrain components. Specifically, these questions concern the ability to mix-n-match different model (but still Suntour branded) shifters, derailleurs and freewheels/cassettes while still maintaining functional index shifting capabilities. Our response is that as long as index shifting (Accushift) capable Suntour drivetrain components are being considered, then mix-n-match drivetrains should still achieve functional index shifting. We understand the significance of this assessment, given the difficulty in acquiring exact Suntour component matches (down to the model name/number), as most of these components have been out of production for around 20 years (so the ability to mix-n-match different model drivetrain components should allow for some much needed flexibility).

Now I wish we could provide similar assurances concerning the mixing-n-matching of different branded drivetrain components (i.e., a combination Suntour and Shimano drivetrain). Unfortunately, the index shifting performance of such drivetrains has received mixed reviews. Feedback from customers is consistent with our experience in that sometimes functional index shifting is achievable, while other times it will not work properly. I say this to alert customers that even though these index capable shifters are significantly less expensive then our Shimano branded index capable shifters, I cannot comfirm they will properly index shift a drivetrain made up of predominently Shimano components. The possibility exists that index shifting may be achievable under this mix-n-match senario, but it's probably a 50/50 proposition at best.

Original Listing...
This offering is for one set of new-old-stock Suntour 4050/XCD index (or Accushift) capable shifters (Model SL-4050-CH). They are not high-end Suntour shifters, but still good quality that were probably intended for Suntour mountain or hybrid-type (sport/fitness) bikes with straight or riser bars.

For those that are interested, the pecking order of Suntour mountain bike groupsets with indexing capable drivetrains is somewhat confusing...due primarily to the various model number/name changes over a relatively short time period (from the late 80's to the early 90's...so the final years of the original Suntour company headquartered in Japan). To the best of my knowledge, there were anywhere from four to eight indexing capable mountain bike groupsets from the late 80's and into the early 90's...and these 4050/XCD drivetrain components were middle of the pack (and one step below Suntour's competition-level groupsets). So good quality bicycle components, but not designed for racing or other high-duress applications. I can also confirm Suntour originally referred to these components as part of the 4050 series groupset (and one step below their competition-level 5000 series components) in the late 80's. Although, at some point from the very late 80's to 1990, these components were rebranded as the XCD groupset (which placed them just below the competition-level XC-Comp groupset). I don't know the reason behind all the re-branding, other than it appears by the early 90's, Suntour was attempting to move away from labeling that included numbers in the branding name.

Some of the detailed specs include...

  • Index shifting compatibility: 6-speed (with Suntour branded or compatible freewheel/cassette...although avoid ultra/narrow 6-speed freewheels, as sprocket spacing is too close)

  • Friction shifting compatibility: Several options (most 5/6/7 speed freewheels/cassettes)

  • Mounting bracket/spacers: Clamp-on model (for straight or riser bars with 22.2 mm bar tubing)

  • Weight: 260 grams (including mounting hardware and cables/housing...just as pictured)

  • Other notes: The left-side shifter is designed for friction-mode only (although it does incorporate Suntour's ratcheting design, so the shifter makes a series of small "clicks" as the lever is pulled through the gears), so it should be compatible with most double/triple cranksets. The right-side shifter does not incorporate this same ratcheting design when switched over to friction mode.

As for condition, all the sets we have are new and in their original retail packaging (Suntour branded cardboard box). The black and bright silver finish is nice and still shows as new. Also (and as illustrated in the pictures), each set includes the full complement of shifter cables and cable housing.

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