View Poll Results: do you use heel shifter?
yes
678
58.55%
no
381
32.90%
sometimes
99
8.55%
Voters: 1158. You may not vote on this poll
do you use heel shifter?
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 943
Likes: 41
I like the heel toe shifter and use it all the time. I like not screwing up my shoes and boots and find it very comfortable to use. Makes a big difference when its adjusted properly. Didn't like it at first and almost removed it. After you use it a while it grows on you. It's what you get used to I guess.....you either love it or hate it.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Cumming, GA
I voted "sometimes" because when my toe shifter stripped out on a ride, I had to zip tie it to the heel shifter so I could downshift!!!
Just can't get used to using the heel shifter for some reason. I had thought about taking it off and man, I'm glad I didn't! I would have been stranded or towed the day the toe shifter went to flopping around!
Just can't get used to using the heel shifter for some reason. I had thought about taking it off and man, I'm glad I didn't! I would have been stranded or towed the day the toe shifter went to flopping around!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
I tried the heel shifter when I got my new bike and after getting used to it I actually liked it... To a point.
But what ended happening for me is I got so used to pressing down for all shifts, heel for upshift, toe for downshift, that I found myself occasionally downshifting when I meant to upshift. Not often, but after 3 or 4 times I finally said this heel shifter has got to go. Removed the heel shifter and after a day or two of realizing it's not there I don't miss it one bit.
Shifting isn't something you should have to think about, it's a more natural subliminal kind of thing for me. With the heel shifter I found myself needing to think about shifting. Anything that you have to think about to do on a bike is an unecessary distraction. It should be more natural. Lifting my toe up for upshifts and pressing down for downshifts is more natural to me. Therefore - no more heel shifter for me.
But what ended happening for me is I got so used to pressing down for all shifts, heel for upshift, toe for downshift, that I found myself occasionally downshifting when I meant to upshift. Not often, but after 3 or 4 times I finally said this heel shifter has got to go. Removed the heel shifter and after a day or two of realizing it's not there I don't miss it one bit.
Shifting isn't something you should have to think about, it's a more natural subliminal kind of thing for me. With the heel shifter I found myself needing to think about shifting. Anything that you have to think about to do on a bike is an unecessary distraction. It should be more natural. Lifting my toe up for upshifts and pressing down for downshifts is more natural to me. Therefore - no more heel shifter for me.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: McDonough,Ga.
Had one on my last 2 bikes. Never had a problem with them. Find it very easy to use. Would'nt want to be without it. Kinda like the floorboards too.. would'nt have another bike without those either.
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: CO
Mine fell off a month after I bought my SG. Tried to get the dealer to warranty the parts. HA! What was I thinking? After a few months I kind of missed it. Was looking for a longer arm because it seemed to get in the way. Found an arm that had a joint for the pad mount which would allow you to flip it back once you were at cruise speed. Just left it in that rear position and now if my heel hits it no big deal. More board space and still have the heel shifter available.