Bicycle Mechanics - This defies even Shimano logic

I ordered a set of Ultegra 8 speed bar end shifters to shift an XTR rear derailleur. What arrived was a set of Dura Ace 8 speed shifters. I recall that Dura Ace 8 speed is indexed differently, so I think I'm in for a hassle. Then I looked at the shifter and found a sticker stating "Not compatible with Dura Ace derailleurs". What? I haven't connected them yet, but I have my fingers crossed that they'll work. I don't have the model number with me, but my searches don't turn up D/A 8 speed bar ends online. Has anyone encountered this?

If they came with instructions, look for the document number. Usually begins with SI-

I ordered a set of Ultegra 8 speed bar end shifters to shift an XTR rear derailleur. What arrived was a set of Dura Ace 8 speed shifters. I recall that Dura Ace 8 speed is indexed differently, so I think I'm in for a hassle. Then I looked at the shifter and found a sticker stating "Not compatible with Dura Ace derailleurs". What? I haven't connected them yet, but I have my fingers crossed that they'll work. I don't have the model number with me, but my searches don't turn up D/A 8 speed bar ends online. Has anyone encountered this?

I agree, that does defy logic even by Shimano standards. I've not had experience with the D/A 8 speed bar-ends, but I do have some of the nine speed models. In those instructions, it states the shifters are only compatible with Dura Ace rear derailleurs. This makes no sense, because it's eight speed and earlier Dura Ace that's its own species, so the nine speed stuff should have no stipulations. I've proven this, as have many others, by running all sorts of oddball drivetrains with these shifters and having them index perfectly. In my case, I'm currently using the D/A shifters with a nine speed SRAM "mtb" cassette, an XT rear derailleur, a 105 front derailleur, and a Nashbar crankset. One explanation I've heard regarding the Shimano nine speed D/A bar end instructions is that since eight speed and earlier D/A has its own requirements, the instructions just never got changed for the nine speed and later models.

BUT that explanation doesn't make sense either since you're saying the eight speed D/A shifters come with a sticker that says they're NOT compatible with Dura Ace rear derailleurs. That being said, I expect the sticker is correct and the shifters will index just fine with whatever Shimano-compatible RD you choose (excluding eight speed and earlier Dura-Ace). There seem to be an awful lot of touring bikes set up with these shifters, and I imagine they index just fine with Shimano mtb RD's or whatever. I'd be interested if someone else can confirm or contradict this.

edit: The only other explanation I can think of regarding your eight speed shifters and the sticker is that they are indeed Ultegra shifters, and maybe came in a Dura Ace box?

Originally BS50-8 levers were for 8S D-A only. What you have is actually an 8S leverset that works with all derailleurs OTHER than D-A. Shimano, IIRC, packaged these in leftover BS50-8 boxes and put the disclaimer on the lever.

Short answer: what you have will work.

Later

Mel

Originally BS50-8 levers were for 8S D-A only. What you have is actually an 8S leverset that works with all derailleurs OTHER than D-A. Shimano, IIRC, packaged these in leftover BS50-8 boxes and put the disclaimer on the lever.

Short answer: what you have will work.

This is correct. It is a common source of confusion.

Sheldon "+1" Brown

Confirmed. I checked the numbers and the shifters (and service instructions) are SL-BS64-8 while the box is DA and SL-BS50-8. Thanks!

I got some of these and they work great. An undocumented extra I found is that if you want it you can have an indexed position of the front derailuer if you wish. With the shift fully 'closed', undo the screw that holds it on to the mounting. Put it back on in the fully 'open' position. When you move it back to closed there should be an index 'click' halfway in. If you use a triple this can be handy if you set up the middle position to this index point.

You can also make thumbshifters out of them.

http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/7061/2414855690068014369S500x500Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2414855690068014369CRiJPB)

And then you can use the left over pieces to make retrofriction bar end shifters for your vintage bike.

http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/5933/2263265140068014369S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2263265140068014369ivrzAM)

You can also make thumbshifters out of them.

http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/7061/2414855690068014369S500x500Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2414855690068014369CRiJPB)

And then you can use the left over pieces to make retrofriction bar end shifters for your vintage bike.

http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/5933/2263265140068014369S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2263265140068014369ivrzAM)

Dirtdrop, that is very slick. What did you mount the original barcons on to convert them to thumbies? I always wanted 9 sp thumbies. Thanks for the great info.

Tim

Dirtdrop,

That is some nice work. I don't like McGeyvored stuff that looks bad. Those are both sweat.

Paul Components, I'd wager. They make a platform to convert your downtube or barcons to thumbies.

I wasn't going to pay $50 for Paul Thumbies when I could make my own out of some old Suntour thumbshifters from my junkbox.

Slick