Ok I have a question, and if anyone can tell me, please do so.

I have a bike with 7 speed components, all are new excepting the shifters which are buggered I would like to get some bar end shifters for it. Im currently running a pair of intexed bar top shifters, but cannot afford the 150 bucks for a pair of sora brifters.

With Shimano, do the bar end fittings accept the same shifter lever as a down tube lever, my reason for asking is somone suggested that I get a pair of 9 spd shifters (bar end) and a set of 7 speed down tube and swap the levers, will this work, has anyone done it?

Can one of you wise ol' Wrenches take a peek, there could be a coffee in it for you!!