General Cycling Discussion - Microshift 9sp road levers for commuter bike

I know there are other threads on Microshift components. I am specifically looking for folks thoughts on the Microshift 9sp STI levers. I am looking at the ones from Nashbar. They are running $129 now. Keeping an eye on them to see if they might go cheaper. I think Performance has them too.

I am planning on putting them on a commuter bike. I have Shimano 9sp R600 STI (Ultegra quality) levers on it right now. I really like those levers and have them on one of my road bikes. They are hard to find now too, so no reason to trash them on a commuter bike. I'm thinking that I should take the R600's off the commuter bike and save them for the road bike. I don't need Ult quality on a commuter bike. I am also thinking of 105, Tiagra or Sora levers.

Would love to hear if anyone has experience with these.

Probably shouldn't reply since I've not used Microshift, but for what it's worth, the Tiagra levers I've used are just fine quality and function-wise and are pretty inexpensive. They would operate the same as your other Shimano levers and you wouldn't have to change up shifting mechanics from one bike to the other. It's not a big deal, but might be worth considering.

Also, Sora levers that I've used also work just fine, the only possible down side I've found is that you can't shift from the drops. But the thumb shifter is actually kind of nice otherwise. But, they wouldn't give you the consistent shifting motion that the Tiagra would give you.

I have installed a set on my friends bike and I like it a lot and he does too.
I think it is smoother than the Sora that it replaced.
When/if my current brifters eventually dies out, I will consider the Microshift as a worthy replacement. Unless, some crazy deal on a SRAM shows up.

I have installed a set on my friends bike and I like it a lot and he does too.
I think it is smoother than the Sora that it replaced.
When/if my current brifters eventually dies out, I will consider the Microshift as a worthy replacement. Unless, some crazy deal on a SRAM shows up.

Just remember if you move to SRAM you will need a Sram Derailleur. The shift pull ratio is different than Shimano. Microshift is the same as Shimano.

Okay, Thanks!

I've sold a few bikes with microshift on them and so far have heard good reviews so far. Definitely an upgrade from Sora and on par with Tiagra. I would give them a go on a commuter bike for the right price.