Will A 10 Speed Bar End Shifter Work On A 9 Speed Cassette?
 

I'm looking at a pair of 10 speed Shimano SL BS78 bar end shifters for my old Raleigh. I'm pretty sure these are the ones with the option for friction shifting as well as indexed shifting. If I pick these up with a 9 speed cassette will they work well together in indexed mode?

Thanks.

They won't work well together in index mode, but obviously in friction they will be fine. If you get them just pick up a 10 speed cassette and chain and you should be good to go. Otherwise hold out for some 9S shifters.

There's an alternate cable routing that might get them to work ok, but you're really better off just buying the right stuff.

The alternate cable routing works marvelously for my 10-speed brifters shifting a 9-speed cassette. Bar-end shifters in index mode shouldn't be much different. So, yes it will work, actaully pretty well, but FastJake is right- unless you're trying to use 9-speed bits you already have, it's better to get a complete 10-speed system.

If you are going to buy both anyway get the 10sp cassette.