Switching for barend shifters to Brifters, what do I need?

[socalrider]

I have a Surly Crosscheck with a mix of XT / Ultegra triple group.. XT rear derailleur and DA Bar End shifters.. I would like to go with some brifters for quicker shifting.. Can I get 105 or Ultegra brifters and do they make triple specific brifters? Any issues with using brifters with Avid Shorty 6 canti's?

[ad6mj]

What are your plans for the barcons? Are they 9 speed?

[socalrider]

No plans yet until I get the brifters installed.. Yes they are Dura ace 9 speed..

[ad6mj]

When you get your brifters, if you want to get rid of the barcons, let me know I would be interested. Good luck with the brifter setup.

[Ronsonic]

Any 9s shimano brifter will work. Don't tell anyone, but so will a 9s Campagnolo, and 10s Campy brifters will work perfectly with Shimano 9 if you do the hubbub gimmick when you connect the rear der cable. I do believe the Shimano front shifters are specific to double and triple rings.

Since the only other parts you would need to change to go ten are the chain and cassette (consumable parts anyway) this is the time to upgrade to ten if you are going to.

Ten speed is NOT 11% better than nine.

Ron

[i_r_beej]

You'll need a lot of cash, first and foremost. Unless you swing a super-sweet deal on used equipment.

I've had my 'cross bike though about a season and a half of racing and have never had a big crash. A couple of slide-outs. The left lever has already developed outboard play in the lever.

Compared to bar-end shifters and brake levers, "brifters" are more fragile, heavier, and far far more expensive.

Soon as my 105 STI's tank-- that's it. On to bar-ends.

[socalrider]

I am looking at used ultegra or 105 brifters on ebay right now..

[rickyaustin]

Because of the high probability you'll break them at one point, maybe look at 105 brifters...

I don't race, so I don't know that that is the best 'race' decision - but it may be a helpful decision for your wallet.

I've dumped my bike a few times in the mud while messing around, and each time my brifter took the brunt of the impact. I'm glad they are Tiagra and not Ultegra because I'd hate to bust something so expensive.

Just a thought.