Originally Posted by
dweenk
Rivendell has Shimano 8 speed bar end shifters for $68 (they work indexed or friction). That includes the cables and down tube stops. While I prefer Sun Tour, the Shimanos are quite a deal - and a while back they were on sale for $55.
Pretty sure those are the same as what Jenson has for $54 and free shipping. However, Rivendell has these pods for $38 (plus shipping, $9 I think) if you have some vintage down tube shift levers that will fit:
Silver Bar End Shifter Pods Mounts (Pair) - 17068
I use the Rivendell pods with some old suntour levers and think they work great. I've never used the vintage suntour bar ends and don't know what (other than the vintage aspect) would make them better than the Rivendell pods, or Shimano.