rccardr What wonderful information, thank you. I'd like to make a rapid purchasing decision tomorrow. To that end, what do you think of these options:
1) I buy 9 speed DA DT shifters with curved boss covers and sub in the flat boss covers from my 9 speed bar ends.
2) I buy 10 speed DA DT shifters with curved boss covers and sub in both the flat boss covers AND the shifting pods from my 9 speed bar ends. This gives me the ability to upgrade to 10 speed in the future which I've been contemplating.
3) I buy 8 speed SLR 400 DT shifters (cheap & brand new) with curved boss covers and sub in both the flat boss covers AND the shifting pods from my 9 speed bar ends.
I may ultimately grind down the curve boss covers but, for now, let's assume that's not on the table.
Lastly, do you know how the internals on a shifter pod work? Ever taken one apart? I'm quite curious to know how loosening the screw switches it over into friction mode.