Nexus-8 plus bar-end shifter--it worked!!
05-06-08, 03:30 PM
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Nexus-8 plus bar-end shifter--it worked!!
I wanted to report on a successful (so far) experiment of shifting a Nexus-8 rear hub with a Shimano indexed bar-end shifter. The bike is my patina-ed 1971 Raleigh International, previously set up with upright bars and the standard grip shifter. I wasn't crazy about that setup, largely because the right-side grip/shifter/brake area wasn't very comfortable, and I was looking to set the bike up with drop bars. I also didn't want to use the HubBub bar-end adapter, as it would stick out pretty darn far.
I had read about using a Problem Solvers Travel Agent to ensure proper cable pull with the Nexus hub and an indexed shifter, so I thought I'd give it a try. So far, so good.
Set-up took a little trial and error but was overall pretty easy. I used a standard gear cable and rigid STI housing. Initially, I mounted the travel agent on the downtube, but it was sticking out too far, so I went for the right chain stay instead. I also initially had the device secured by just zip ties, but it wasn't staying put, so I used a hose clamp on one side. Another adjustment tip is that I had to have a shorter distance than Shimano calls for between the end of the housing and the clamp-on nut that fits in the hub itself. Also key was having a travel agent with barrel adjuster. I could play with cable tension to ensure that the gearing was adjusted correctly.
Today's test was my 7-mile round trip commute to work with lots of stopping and shifting plus a side trip to the grocery store. No gear slippage at all. Success!
Some pics:
I'm using SR Randonneur bars, an SR stem that has short reach but long length (the SR version of the Nitto Technomic), and Tektro aero levers.
The drivetrain.
Close up of the travel agent; I set it up as instructed on the package.
The cockpit.
Neal
I had read about using a Problem Solvers Travel Agent to ensure proper cable pull with the Nexus hub and an indexed shifter, so I thought I'd give it a try. So far, so good.
Set-up took a little trial and error but was overall pretty easy. I used a standard gear cable and rigid STI housing. Initially, I mounted the travel agent on the downtube, but it was sticking out too far, so I went for the right chain stay instead. I also initially had the device secured by just zip ties, but it wasn't staying put, so I used a hose clamp on one side. Another adjustment tip is that I had to have a shorter distance than Shimano calls for between the end of the housing and the clamp-on nut that fits in the hub itself. Also key was having a travel agent with barrel adjuster. I could play with cable tension to ensure that the gearing was adjusted correctly.
Today's test was my 7-mile round trip commute to work with lots of stopping and shifting plus a side trip to the grocery store. No gear slippage at all. Success!
Some pics:
I'm using SR Randonneur bars, an SR stem that has short reach but long length (the SR version of the Nitto Technomic), and Tektro aero levers.
The drivetrain.
Close up of the travel agent; I set it up as instructed on the package.
The cockpit.
Neal
05-06-08, 03:44 PM
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Sweet! I wonder if a Sturmey Archer fulcrum clip would work/look better than the hose clamp on the travel agent........I am lovin' that set up though.
Kelly D
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05-06-08, 06:46 PM
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Cool experiment Neal.
I love those bars. I'm putting a set of them on an otherwise brand-new bicycle.
I love those bars. I'm putting a set of them on an otherwise brand-new bicycle.
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05-06-08, 06:56 PM
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Neal
05-06-08, 06:57 PM
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Neal
05-06-08, 07:03 PM
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Cool! 48x19 gearing it looks like. That's what I use on mine. It's almost exactly the same as a compact 50/34 going into a 12x28 cassette. I've done several long rides over rolling hills and that hub is really good for it. I bet you ride that bike a lot.
05-06-08, 07:55 PM
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What type of bars are those? I have a similar pair on the Schwinn Voyageur II - they flare out quite a bit, and widen towards the ends as with Neal's:
-Kurt
-Kurt
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05-06-08, 08:10 PM
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You must have missed the text under the first photo: SR Randonneur bars.
Neal
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05-06-08, 08:44 PM
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Mine are actually spelled RANDONNR. That shape gives a lot of good hand positions.
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05-06-08, 08:50 PM
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A sekine I picked up last fall came with em, the SR RANDONNR. I tried em out on a bike for the fun of it fairly recently, they're kinda neat but when you're riding the hoods your hands are too close together I find, just doesnt feel right, especially if you're climbing out of the saddle on the hoods.
05-06-08, 08:54 PM
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Jtek is also suppose to make a Shiftmate for the Nexus and bar end shifters.
I emailed them back in Feburuary.
I emailed them back in Feburuary.
Originally Posted by Jtek Engineering
I am machining a new Shiftmate type adaptor for SRAM shifters/barends to adaptor to Nexss hubs right now. Should be out in around 2-3 weeks.
After that project I'm going to start on the bar ends for Nexus. It may get put off a little to run some more inventory but there is a concept for them that will be tested soon and it's the next project on the list.
Regards,
Jay Guthrie
Jtek Engineering
After that project I'm going to start on the bar ends for Nexus. It may get put off a little to run some more inventory but there is a concept for them that will be tested soon and it's the next project on the list.
Regards,
Jay Guthrie
Jtek Engineering
05-06-08, 08:54 PM
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05-06-08, 09:17 PM
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A sekine I picked up last fall came with em, the SR RANDONNR. I tried em out on a bike for the fun of it fairly recently, they're kinda neat but when you're riding the hoods your hands are too close together I find, just doesnt feel right, especially if you're climbing out of the saddle on the hoods.
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05-06-08, 10:25 PM
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Nice work, Neal! Soon I'll be doing the same to my current vintage Schwinn MTB project. Except mine will use a DuraAce 8 speed downtube lever on a Paul Thumbie. I'm just waiting on my Nexus 8 Premium to arrive. I am told its on backorder.
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05-07-08, 07:19 AM
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05-07-08, 07:23 AM
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Here are the bars on my Raleigh Int'l. Marking on the left as you look from the front of the bike is the SR logo and on the right it says "World Randonneur."
Here are bars as USAZ described. On the left is marked "Sakae Randnner Japan" and on the right "SR Road Champion."
Neal
05-07-08, 08:33 AM
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Thanks for the report, Neal. Great concept, and great-looking bike. I really like the red tape and mudguards -- all you need now are a red water bottle cage and toeclips with red straps.
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
