Dia-Compe ENE Silver1 Downtube Shift Levers (pair)

Dia-Compe ENE Silver1 is a pair of classic friction downtube shifters for touring, randonneuring and long-distance bikes. They mount to the frame’s downtube shifter bosses and are a great choice for anyone who appreciates simple mechanics, broad compatibility and complete control over shifting.

We often talk about “being one with the bike” when riding fixed gear, but there’s a trick for achieving the same mechanical control on a geared bike: friction shifters. Dia-Compe’s Power Ratchet mechanism provides clear resistance in the lever, and after a while the shift positions become muscle memory. There are no fixed indexed clicks—you move the lever yourself until the chain runs quietly and precisely.

Silver1 shifters are designed by Rivendell Bicycle Works in the USA and are part of their Silver series of components for bikes where function and durability take priority over racing. The left shifter works with 2- or 3-speed front derailleurs, while the right shifter works with 6–10-speed cassettes or freewheels together with most mechanical rear derailleurs. Since shifting is friction-based, the shifter does not need to match a specific indexing system. If you want to break free from the compatibility charts of the major manufacturers, it’s hard to make it simpler than this.

Remember that the frame must have bosses for downtube shifters. Brother Cycles Mr Wooden is an example of a frame built for this type of shifter.

Quick Specs

• Type: Downtube shifters
• Shifting: Friction
• Mechanism: Dia-Compe Power Ratchet
• Quantity: One pair, right and left
• Left: For 2- or 3-speed front derailleurs
• Right: For 6–10-speed cassettes or freewheels
• Rear derailleur: Compatible with most mechanical rear derailleurs
• Mounting: Requires downtube shifter bosses
• Weight: Approximately 64 g per pair
• Finish: Silver clear