Bicycle Mechanics - Is it easy to....

.... switch from 8 speed rapid fires to the shimano 8 & 9 speed bar end shifters? can I use the existing cables or would i have to replace the cable to a new set? what about brake lever & brake cable, are those fairly easy to change as well?

i'm thinking about changing the flat bar on my sirrus to the Syntace Stratos Bullhorn Bar (http://www.trisports.com/synstratzer.html) and attach my C2 bar onto it as well. thus i'll be requiring the Syntace Space Control Brake Levers (http://www.trisports.com/synspacconle.html) along with the cables and 8/9-speed Shimano Dura-Ace bar end shifters (http://www.trisports.com/shimbarendsh.html).

what do you guys think?

EDIT: btw, how do you know how wide of a handle bar you need? i remember reading somewhere that it should be about the same width as your shoulders from side to side. is that right?

It's a good policy to replace the cables and housings whenever you change shifters or brake levers. In this case, I doubt you'll have a choice because the cable lengths are going to change a significant amount. You should also plan on a new stem because the clamp size for your new bar will be larger.

It's a good policy to replace the cables and housings whenever you change shifters or brake levers. In this case, I doubt you'll have a choice because the cable lengths are going to change a significant amount. You should also plan on a new stem because the clamp size for your new bar will be larger.

humm... that's what i was guessing about the cable length. however, i've been thinking perhaps i can just get a drop bar instead.

humm... that's what i was guessing about the cable length. however, i've been thinking perhaps i can just get a drop bar instead.

You'll still have to look around to find one with a 25.4mm clamp. Nitto and Dimension are two brands that come to mind. Retail price should be about $25.00. Most drop bars have a 26.0mm clamp. I've heard of guys "crunching" a drop bar into a flat bar stem, but I don't think that it's a good idea to impose those point stresses on an aluminum handlebar.

You'll still have to look around to find one with a 25.4mm clamp. Nitto and Dimension are two brands that come to mind. Retail price should be about $25.00. Most drop bars have a 26.0mm clamp. I've heard of guys "crunching" a drop bar into a flat bar stem, but I don't think that it's a good idea to impose those point stresses on an aluminum handlebar.

hummm good point there retro. i'll be sure to keep that in mind.