I think it was just recently nick named a "crash box" because people my age were expected to learn to drive them without crashing the gears.
ken are you sure your not talking about a two speed rear when shifted incorrectly ?
they crash
as for the pros and cons from my perspective is the pros outweigh all the cons with an improvement or they would have made them longer. i operate both types regularly and have no issues with either one. the biggest issue i have is the noise the crashbox makes in all but fourth gear. realizing it has straight cut gears i understand the noise. the pro is the reverse lockout mechanism. ive embarrest myself too many times playing with the lever and not beeing able to have it in the proper gear when the light turns green. the lever also makes for a good conversation piece.
