Bicycle Mechanics - Shimano Bar End Shifter Question

I purchased a used Atlantis that came with an extra pair of bar end shifters (Shimano Model SL BS50). I have an Ultegra derailleur and an 8-speed cassette. I put the Shimano shifters on and can't seem to get them to work in the indexed mode. I did some research and found out there is another model that was made -- Model SL BS50-8. From what I've read, the SL BS50 is supposed to work with an 8-speed cassette, but not a Dura-Ace derailleur. (The later model supposedly works with Dura Ace).

When assembled, the bar end seems to have only 7 solid positions (initial + 6 clicks). I've tried assembling it different ways, but it's possible I still don't have it right. I don't have a manual or instructions and haven't been able to find them on the web. My hunch is this only works for a 7-speed cassette but I'm not sure.

By the way, as you would expect, the derailleur works fine in the friction position. Also, I'm fairly certain this is not a limit stop issue as I've followed Park's directions clearly when setting those.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Your hunch is correct. Enjoy the friction mode, or use a 7 speed cassette. (I prefer friction mode to SIS myself.)

I can't understand why a 7 speed shifter won't work with an 8 speed cassette when 8 speed shifters work just fine with a 7 speed cassette.

From the harris Cyclery site:
Shimano Ultegra 8 Speed Bar-end Shifters $62.95 buy button

These permit switching between indexed and friction shifting.

Complete with cables, housing and down-tube cable stops for attachment to down-tube braze-ons. If your bike doesn't have the braze-ons, we can substitute clamp-on cable stops at no charge.

The 7-speed units are no longer available, but the 8-speed shifters actually work quite well with 7-speed cassettes, especially with modern rear derailers.

If you have 7 speed shifters, they should work for an 8 speed cassette because the spacing is close enough. If it's not working, something else is wrong. There won't be a click for the largest cog, it will just stop when the derailer hits the limit screw.

I just finished building a bike with a 7 speed cassette and 8 speed Ultegra shifters and I'm completely satisfied with the way it shifts.

I've always run 8-speed Shimano shifters with 7 speed cassettes......indexes very well.

I've always run 8-speed Shimano shifters with 7 speed cassettes......indexes very well.

Actually, I've got a pair of 7-speed barcons operating an 8-speed cassette on one of my bikes. I use it in friction mode because I'm dissatisfied with how it indexes. I've tried a variety of other 7 & 8 speed mix and match parts and I've never been satisfied with the result. Either I'm not a very good bike mechanic or I'm too fussy.

Dirtdrop, its because it is the shifter that controls the indexing of the shift. If you have a 7 speed shifter with only 7 indexes for 8 cogs it won't cover it... 7<8, you are one index short. But if you have an 8 speed, with 8 indexes, it will cover 7 cogs and not utilize the last (or first) index... 8>7

Dirtdrop, its because it is the shifter that controls the indexing of the shift. If you have a 7 speed shifter with only 7 indexes for 8 cogs it won't cover it... 7<8, you are one index short. But if you have an 8 speed, with 8 indexes, it will cover 7 cogs and not utilize the last (or first) index... 8>7

Maybe I didn't make myself clear. There won't be a click for every shift. the shifter goes past the last click and is stopped by the tight cable for the last shift. The last shift is actually friction, but it works just like it's indexed.

I think that the OP may have assembled the shifters incorrectly. I know it's possible because I've done it.

Maybe I didn't make myself clear. There won't be a click for every shift. the shifter goes past the last click and is stopped by the tight cable for the last shift. The last shift is actually friction, but it works just like it's indexed.

I think that the OP may have assembled the shifters incorrectly. I know it's possible because I've done it.
If it goes past the last click, and the cable is tight, then there's nothing to keep it from going back to the last click, right?


Just thinking out loud.

Past the last click it's friction. The cable becomes tight because the derailer is up against the stop.

Past the last click it's friction. The cable becomes tight because the derailer is up against the stop.

good to know.....I learned something new today...:)

Maybe I didn't make myself clear. There won't be a click for every shift. the shifter goes past the last click and is stopped by the tight cable for the last shift. The last shift is actually friction, but it works just like it's indexed.

I think that the OP may have assembled the shifters incorrectly. I know it's possible because I've done it.
Thanks for your input. I think I tried assembling the barcon in all the different combinations and still couldn't get it to work properly. I know it's hard to describe the combinations, but I'll try.

The circular plastic piece sandwiched between the barcon lever and the barcon body insert (which goes into the end of the bar) has a square center opening. This piece mates with the barcon lever only one way, but can be placed on the barcon body insert four different ways. Two ways are obviously wrong because the lever interferes with the body insert. In the other two ways, one gives you about 3 or 4 positions and the second gives you the full compliment of shifts. With this last one, I couldn't get it to index properly. I only get a total of 7 positions (not 8). I may be still doing something wrong, but for now it's stick with friction.

I also have a set of SunTour friction shifters that were originally installed and those have nice ratchet mechanisms that have a nice feel.

Again, thanks for all of your input.

There were SL-BS50-8 and SL-BS50-7 bar end shift levers in 1996 (8sp and 7sp respectively), according to http://www.fa-technik.adfc.de/Hersteller/Shimano/Gruppen.html so probably the OP has assembled 7sp levers correctly.

I found that my 7sp bar end levers worked adequately but not wonderfully on an 8sp cassette. It didn't take much for them to stop working.

You can still get the 8 speed Ultegra shifters new. Harris Cyclery has them. They're not cheap, but they're a whole lot cheaper than brifters. I just bought a slighty used set on eBay for half the new price. I had to replace a worn out set that had lost a couple of clicks.

I looked at some new barcons I just installed on my soma....

Shimano DuraAce 9 speed, stickered says compatible with both 9 and 8 speed derailluers.

I run friction anyway. Quicker movement across the cogset while putting the hammer down.

8 Speed Barcons, $48 > http://aebike.com/page.cfm?PageID=30&action=details&sku=LD6406

Gnashbar has them on occasion