"This is less tandem applicable but on my bar end equipped touring bike I can scavage any 5-8 speed wheel that will fit in the frame, adjust the derailleur and switch to friction mode and I'm back on the road."

Yes this must be a real advantage that the bar end shifters have in common with down tube and thumb shifters. It's a pity that the Grip Shifts cant do this. One disadvantage I didn't mention with the bar end shifters is that they are vulnerable at the end of the bar. The Grip Shifts are extremely robust and very simple in the construction and I think they will last a long time.I can't think of that some rain will interfere with them and it hasn't this far. That I'm using two bars on my bike may seem overdoing things but it isn't. Instead of having an overcluttered bar I now have a much more "clean" road bar and the balance of the bike is better with the handlebar bag lower on the steerer. I should actually recommend this arrangment on a touring tandem!

Per