J-Tek Shiftmate

[slisk]

This product is designed to change the indexing between Campy and Shimano so a rider can interchange between the two platforms in various configurations. I purchased the version which would enable Campy shifting with a Dura ace cassette. This is a very cheap (about 30 bucks) alternative to purchasing conversion cassettes that may or may not offer the results you want.

I purchased this product to solve a problem using Chris King hubbed wheels (do not accept Campy) with my Campy Record bike. I also have a set of Zipp and Mavic ES with both Campy and Shimano cassette bodies and cassettes so I figured this was a good way to solve the problem of using all the wheels.

It works by threading the rear cable around a pulley system that is shaped to slightly adjust the indexing. After 1200 miles using this and switching from the Zipp and King hub dozens of times I can offer this review.

It works. It works as well as full Campy. The ease of shifting and function is nearly perfect. I'd give it a 95% score and recommend it highly.

[JudgeNick]

Thought I'd offer my own take. There are a few different models of Shiftmade, depending on what you want to achieve. I used Shiftmate #3, in order to mate Campy shifters into an otherwise Shimano drivetrain. My experience was as above: flawless. Shifting worked just as if it was a native component. Wonderful little piece of kit.

[ericdesouza]

When doing the few days of research I did, I noticed that the Rollamajig looks the same--I really can't say that there is or isn't a huge difference, but I know that the Shiftmate is specifically designed to get the compatibility that I wanted. It seems to me though that Jay has more than likely done the math to figure out the distance the cable is pulled/moved by the different shift levers and derailleurs, and how the combination will work together. There is a little circular pulley in the middle of the "cage" that can be reversed to give a slightly different effect. (I'm not an engineer or anything, so if someone can explain that better please do).