Bicycle Mechanics - Question on Bar end shifters

Ok I have a question, and if anyone can tell me, please do so.

I have a bike with 7 speed components, all are new excepting the shifters which are buggered I would like to get some bar end shifters for it. Im currently running a pair of intexed bar top shifters, but cannot afford the 150 bucks for a pair of sora brifters.

With Shimano, do the bar end fittings accept the same shifter lever as a down tube lever, my reason for asking is somone suggested that I get a pair of 9 spd shifters (bar end) and a set of 7 speed down tube and swap the levers, will this work, has anyone done it?

Can one of you wise ol' Wrenches take a peek, there could be a coffee in it for you!!

Ok I have a question, and if anyone can tell me, please do so.

I have a bike with 7 speed components, all are new excepting the shifters which are buggered I would like to get some bar end shifters for it. Im currently running a pair of intexed bar top shifters, but cannot afford the 150 bucks for a pair of sora brifters.

With Shimano, do the bar end fittings accept the same shifter lever as a down tube lever, my reason for asking is somone suggested that I get a pair of 9 spd shifters (bar end) and a set of 7 speed down tube and swap the levers, will this work, has anyone done it?

Can one of you wise ol' Wrenches take a peek, there could be a coffee in it for you!!Sora 7 speed levers can be had for $100 or less I think. Try www.harriscyclery.com Shimano index downtube levers work with shiamno bar end pods.You can buy just the pods, made by dia compe from www.riv bike.com. Or troll ebay for 7 speed Shimano barends, or 7 speed shifters. www.loosescrews.com is another good source for out of print parts.

Sora Seven Speed brifters are 150.00 Canadian,
I've been trolling Ebay for 7 speed bar ends but I havent seen a pair in a month.
Thanks for the info on the diacomp pods.
Thanks

With Shimano, do the bar end fittings accept the same shifter lever as a down tube lever, my reason for asking is somone suggested that I get a pair of 9 spd shifters (bar end) and a set of 7 speed down tube and swap the levers, will this work, has anyone done it?

I have a set of ultegra 8 sp. bar ends that I used with thumbies for my bike. I was playing around with the pods last night and I got a set of shimano downtube shifters to fit as well as a set of 6 sp suntour accushift downtube shifters to fit. sounds like a good idea to me

Another option is to get a set of Ultegra 8-speed bar-ends. The spacing of 7- and 8-speed cassettes is very close (5.0mm vs. 4.8mm) and this will most likely work adequately. To get it to work even better, just get an 8-speed cassette and remove one cog and spacer.

Come to think of it, you could also get 9-speed bar-ends, get a 9-speed cassette and take one cog out and get 8-speed. You'd likely have to get a lower end 9-speed cassette (105 or lower) because the Ultegra and Dura-ace have the larger cogs on spider modules and it might not be possible to take out the desired cog.

Come to think of it, you could also get 9-speed bar-ends, get a 9-speed cassette and take one cog out and get 8-speed. You'd likely have to get a lower end 9-speed cassette (105 or lower) because the Ultegra and Dura-ace have the larger cogs on spider modules and it might not be possible to take out the desired cog.
You neeed to take out a cog and a spacer and then you need a 9 speed chain. No workee at all if he has a freewhel or uniglide hub.

Sora Seven Speed brifters are 150.00 Canadian,
At least you have good beer.

...do the bar end fittings accept the same shifter lever as a down tube lever...?

The answer is no.

The answer is no.
Actually, the answer is yes with respect to shimano index stuff. I've actually done it several times.

Go with BarCons capable of friction shifting. I'm running a pair of these

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=36140&item=7138157667&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

on one of my rides with a 9 speed shimano cassette and SunTour rear derailleur. Shifts like a dream. I really like friction shifting for the trimability.

Actually, the answer is yes with respect to shimano index stuff. I've actually done it several times.
Hmph...I would never have thought that they would've been compatilable. I was guessing because they are cosmetically so different. Thanks for the correction.