Cyclocross - Why are bar-end shifters promoted as good for cyclocross?

Bar ends are great. But I was wondering, why are they sometimes advertised as being a good choice for cyclocross? Does anyone who races CX use them? Just curious.

They are cheaper and more reliable then brifters. I did a couple of races last fall with them, but I didn't take to them like I thought I would. I think it was mostly because the courses had enough variations that faster shifting would have been helpful. I also kept on hitting the left (FD) shifter every time I dismounted. I think if the course was pretty flat and muddy, the bar end shifter would be great. I've been toying with the idea of building up a backup rig with a single chain ring up front and 9sp RD with a bar end shifter and using V-brakes/287v brake levers.

I race with them because as mentioned they are cheap and reliable. I think if I could afford it I probably would upgrade to 9 speed STI but I do fine on bar ends. IMO there is absolutely no place in cross for 10 speed. In fact a 5 speed would be ideal. I am running campy 8 speed with my bar ends in friction mode. This way if I blow a wheel I can get a campy or Shimano 9 replacement in a hurry and it still works fine. They are very practical.

Although not as convenient to use as brifters, bar end shifters are less prone to destruction in a crash, and they function properly regardless of the amount of mud and sand being flung about. And, as others have mentioned, they are less expensive than brifters.

One look at the brake levers on my bike will answer your question-they are beat to hell. The brake levers get hit all the time when you crash-I can't imagine brifters lasting very long in that environment.

Don't forget, bar-end shifters predate integrated brake/shifters by about 40 years. For a long time, the only choice was between bar-ends and downtube shifters.

If you hit your knees on bar-ends, you can trim your handlebars by an inch or so.

I liked barends so well on my cross bikes that I've put them on two of my roadbikes instead of Campy Ergo. I've got to tell you that I can barely tell the difference in operation. Yes, sometimes Ergo would be more convenient. But that's a very rare occassion.

I love my bar ends. I just can't justify the cost and complexity of brifters for everyday riders. Sure, if you are a pro that little difference can mean a lot. It's like the difference between a stick shift and the steering wheel shifters on a race car. Is the cost and maintencance for road riding worth it? And for CX why risk losing your transmission in a fall?

I liked barends so well on my cross bikes that I've put them on two of my roadbikes instead of Campy Ergo. I've got to tell you that I can barely tell the difference in operation. Yes, sometimes Ergo would be more convenient. But that's a very rare occassion.

I've used barcons since about 1989. They are indestructable. I have a set of Campy 9 speed on a bike and they work very well. Also, Campy barcons take about 15 minutes and $10 to rebuild. I just did a set. Shimano barcons are a lot cheaper than Campy. Either one is still cheaper than brifters though. Try a set, if they don't work out, sell them on ebay. Good luck

Tim