Brifters on a touring bike
#1
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Brifters on a touring bike
Happy New Year! Anyone heard of this company? I am looking to change out the bar shifters on my Trek 520 touring bike, and was considering these Shifters ? Gevenalle. The Audax would work,as I can use my existing shift levers. Or I could go with the CX and maintain indexed shifting for the rear. The other option is to change over to Ultegra STI's, although I am unsure which model to go with for a 3x10 set up. I currently have indexed shifting for the rear, and friction up front. I am running for the last 3 years and XTR rear with an 11-36 cassette, and Ultegra front with 30-39-52. I have full use of all combinations.
I have heard and I have no experience here, that the Ultegra STI's can be finicky, and require some maintenance to keep them smooth operating. I prefer something more on the bombproof side, rather than some fancy name.
The reason for changing from bar ends, is that I want faster, more convenient shifting. I found the bar ends a bit cumbersome for touring, constantly changing hand positions to make a shift, or multiple shifts in a short time span. This is really only an annoyment while cycling all day, every day. Commuting or a couple hour boot, doesn't bother me. But I do enjoy brifters when I rent a bike on vacations. Thanks for your input!
I have heard and I have no experience here, that the Ultegra STI's can be finicky, and require some maintenance to keep them smooth operating. I prefer something more on the bombproof side, rather than some fancy name.
The reason for changing from bar ends, is that I want faster, more convenient shifting. I found the bar ends a bit cumbersome for touring, constantly changing hand positions to make a shift, or multiple shifts in a short time span. This is really only an annoyment while cycling all day, every day. Commuting or a couple hour boot, doesn't bother me. But I do enjoy brifters when I rent a bike on vacations. Thanks for your input!
#2
Mechanic/Tourist
I don't see any reason to avoid brifters for touring. They come standard on many full touring bike, such as my Novara Randonee. Yes, you will see posts on the forum of people who have problems with their brifters, but the millions who don't will not be logging on here to tell you so. I would only worry about it if you were doing very remote, totally unsupported touring.
#3
Banned
It's Done.
These guys are in Portland OR. https://gevenalle.com/shifters/
I dont, but You can. I went with Bar end shifters and pretty Wide handlebars ..
Those combine 2 pretty simple mechanisms, rather than the clock works inside a STI lever.
the Tektro Lever body is Plastic ..
These guys are in Portland OR. https://gevenalle.com/shifters/
I dont, but You can. I went with Bar end shifters and pretty Wide handlebars ..
Those combine 2 pretty simple mechanisms, rather than the clock works inside a STI lever.
the Tektro Lever body is Plastic ..
Last edited by fietsbob; 01-12-17 at 03:14 PM.
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Anyone heard of this company? I am looking to change out the bar shifters on my Trek 520 touring bike, and was considering these Shifters ? Gevenalle. The Audax would work,as I can use my existing shift levers. Or I could go with the CX and maintain indexed shifting for the rear.
If you get the Gevenalle shifters from Universal Cycles, use the discount VIP10 for a 10% off discount. $180 total then.
The other option is to change over to Ultegra STI's, although I am unsure which model to go with for a 3x10 set up. I currently have indexed shifting for the rear, and friction up front. I am running for the last 3 years and XTR rear with an 11-36 cassette, and Ultegra front with 30-39-52. I have full use of all combinations.
STI and triples arent my thing as I dont like the indexing, but Ultegra has a good number of trimming clicks which helps.
Shimano Ultegra 6703 3x10 Speed STI Shifter | Chain Reaction Cycles
these are 3x10 Ultegras.
#6
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You have to make sure any levers you buy are compatible with the type of brake you are running.
My commuter has 30K miles of trouble free 6600 Ultegra STI triple use.
#7
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I am an Ergo guy and have a bunch of second gen. (pointy hoods with CF bodies) controls on most of my bikes. Including the previous touring one. Reason for this is the non specific front shifting compatibility. I can run just about any ft der on any crankset with any chain width (as far as the Ergo goes). I can trim to my hearts content. I have a solid brake lever.
But my latest touring bike has bar ends and i'm good with that. I started to use bar ends back in 1973 so i'm well use to them. Why the change now? I wanted my and the matching wife's bikes to have the same set up and she's not an Ergo gal. Andy
But my latest touring bike has bar ends and i'm good with that. I started to use bar ends back in 1973 so i'm well use to them. Why the change now? I wanted my and the matching wife's bikes to have the same set up and she's not an Ergo gal. Andy
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Happy New Year! Anyone heard of this company? I am looking to change out the bar shifters on my Trek 520 touring bike, and was considering these Shifters ? Gevenalle. The Audax would work,as I can use my existing shift levers. Or I could go with the CX and maintain indexed shifting for the rear.
Also, I have previously ridden tens of thousand of miles on downtube shifters, STIs, Ergos and barends so I do have a good basis for comparison.
#9
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Thanks to all for your input. I will order them then!
#10
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Before changing shifters, for 10 speed index ones, for touring especially, I'd swap the cassette for an 8 speed one and swap the crankset for a MTB one (like 22-32-44 (so I needn't use a 36 t cassette).
But definitely the Gevenalle, or at least stick to bar ends - STI's are too unpredictable. They can work and then just stop working in the middle of a ride because something broke, and there's no fixing it but changing for a new one.
But definitely the Gevenalle, or at least stick to bar ends - STI's are too unpredictable. They can work and then just stop working in the middle of a ride because something broke, and there's no fixing it but changing for a new one.
#11
Senior Member
LuckySailor, This was meant as an earlier post, but just noticed that it didn't upload.
The Gevenalle shifters have become popular among bicycle tourists for all of the reasons cited above and they seem to be pretty reliable, and reliability accounts for a lot when touring.
A tale of two nearly identical touring bikes, one with integrated shifters and the other with bar end shifters. While the 18 year old STIs have been reliable, the big advantage has been when I've used it for gravel grinding (It's also my beater bike.) as I use the hoods quite a bit when off road where there is much more shifting because of the terrain.
Because there normally isn't a lot of shifting when pavement touring or distance riding in general, I use bar-ends for my primary touring bike and a distance roadie.
Let us know how you like the new shifters.
Brad
The Gevenalle shifters have become popular among bicycle tourists for all of the reasons cited above and they seem to be pretty reliable, and reliability accounts for a lot when touring.
A tale of two nearly identical touring bikes, one with integrated shifters and the other with bar end shifters. While the 18 year old STIs have been reliable, the big advantage has been when I've used it for gravel grinding (It's also my beater bike.) as I use the hoods quite a bit when off road where there is much more shifting because of the terrain.
Because there normally isn't a lot of shifting when pavement touring or distance riding in general, I use bar-ends for my primary touring bike and a distance roadie.
Let us know how you like the new shifters.
Brad
#12
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Hey those look cool. I don't need them right now but I love the education iget on these forums.
#13
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For hilly and varying terrain where you may not know what's around the next bend, the ability to shift without taking your hands off the hoods can be very useful particularly on a loaded touring bike.
I see absolutely no downside to the Gevanelle-type brifters for all-purpose riding except for racing since you can't shift them from the drops.
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I have brifters on my touring bikes, and prefer them to bar ends.
It's worth noting that brifters are NOT compatible with V-brakes unless you kludge them with a "travel agent" adapter. Instead, most brifter-equipped touring bikes use cantilever brakes (or less commonly use "mini-v-brakes.")
It's worth noting that brifters are NOT compatible with V-brakes unless you kludge them with a "travel agent" adapter. Instead, most brifter-equipped touring bikes use cantilever brakes (or less commonly use "mini-v-brakes.")
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In my touring experience, in hilly country there are constant shifts. On the prairies, less so. There was a time in my life that every other vehicle was a standard, as I liked shifting......not anymore. I've grown tired of it for more than a day. So while the bar ends are nearly bomb proof, and reliable I will change over to the Gevanelles.
Also, I did not know that STI's were not compatible with v brakes. This is something that the bike shop should have caught when we were discussing this changover- as I have v brakes. In the end it won't be a problem though.
Also, I did not know that STI's were not compatible with v brakes. This is something that the bike shop should have caught when we were discussing this changover- as I have v brakes. In the end it won't be a problem though.
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In my touring experience, in hilly country there are constant shifts. On the prairies, less so. There was a time in my life that every other vehicle was a standard, as I liked shifting......not anymore. I've grown tired of it for more than a day. So while the bar ends are nearly bomb proof, and reliable I will change over to the Gevanelles.
Also, I did not know that STI's were not compatible with v brakes. This is something that the bike shop should have caught when we were discussing this changover- as I have v brakes. In the end it won't be a problem though.
Also, I did not know that STI's were not compatible with v brakes. This is something that the bike shop should have caught when we were discussing this changover- as I have v brakes. In the end it won't be a problem though.
STIs can work with Mini-V brakes, but they don't offer much clearance for big tires + fenders.
#17
Senior Member
I see you've already ordered them, so there's not much to say.
It's a solid product. Maybe a tad overpriced. For touring, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I was experimenting with a 1x10 set-up with an mtb rear mech. Gevenalle's GX 1 shifters worked well, but the 1x10 set-up itself left something to be desired, so my shifters are sitting on a shelf now...
It's a solid product. Maybe a tad overpriced. For touring, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I was experimenting with a 1x10 set-up with an mtb rear mech. Gevenalle's GX 1 shifters worked well, but the 1x10 set-up itself left something to be desired, so my shifters are sitting on a shelf now...
#18
Senior Member
There's nothing inherently wrong with brifters on a touring bike. But:
1. With barcons, you've got a hand on the handlebar while shifting, which can help steady the load upfront if you've got a lot of cargo up front in panniers and/or a handlebar bag.
2. If you're touring in the middle of nowhere, a barcon is less likely to break down than a brifter, everything else being equal.
3. Barcons can run in friction mode if need be. Big plus if something happens to RD alignment. Not so easily fixed if you're running brifters.
4. Barcons help you grab the bar lower on the bars. Better center of gravity for shifting if you've got a lot of cargo up front as in #1. With brifters, you're shifting from a fairly high position on the bars. Not an issue if you're not carrying any cargo up front.
5. Brifters than run the shift cable housing out the side to the DT can interfere with handlebar bags. If the shift cable is routed along the handlebar, it won't interfere with a handlebar bag. This was one reason I avoided brifters on some of my older touring bikes, as there were times I liked to use a handlebar bag but no panniers.
1. With barcons, you've got a hand on the handlebar while shifting, which can help steady the load upfront if you've got a lot of cargo up front in panniers and/or a handlebar bag.
2. If you're touring in the middle of nowhere, a barcon is less likely to break down than a brifter, everything else being equal.
3. Barcons can run in friction mode if need be. Big plus if something happens to RD alignment. Not so easily fixed if you're running brifters.
4. Barcons help you grab the bar lower on the bars. Better center of gravity for shifting if you've got a lot of cargo up front as in #1. With brifters, you're shifting from a fairly high position on the bars. Not an issue if you're not carrying any cargo up front.
5. Brifters than run the shift cable housing out the side to the DT can interfere with handlebar bags. If the shift cable is routed along the handlebar, it won't interfere with a handlebar bag. This was one reason I avoided brifters on some of my older touring bikes, as there were times I liked to use a handlebar bag but no panniers.
#19
Banned
5. Brifters than run the shift cable housing out the side
If the shift cable is routed along the handlebar
the earlier Straight out of the side of the lever type Cables can be routed Via a V brake noodle, downward towards the frame stop on the downtube..
Improvising is a useful touring Skill after all .. in problem solving..
#20
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There's nothing inherently wrong with brifters on a touring bike. But:
1. With barcons, you've got a hand on the handlebar while shifting, which can help steady the load upfront if you've got a lot of cargo up front in panniers and/or a handlebar bag.
2. If you're touring in the middle of nowhere, a barcon is less likely to break down than a brifter, everything else being equal.
3. Barcons can run in friction mode if need be. Big plus if something happens to RD alignment. Not so easily fixed if you're running brifters.
4. Barcons help you grab the bar lower on the bars. Better center of gravity for shifting if you've got a lot of cargo up front as in #1. With brifters, you're shifting from a fairly high position on the bars. Not an issue if you're not carrying any cargo up front.
5. Brifters than run the shift cable housing out the side to the DT can interfere with handlebar bags. If the shift cable is routed along the handlebar, it won't interfere with a handlebar bag. This was one reason I avoided brifters on some of my older touring bikes, as there were times I liked to use a handlebar bag but no panniers.
1. With barcons, you've got a hand on the handlebar while shifting, which can help steady the load upfront if you've got a lot of cargo up front in panniers and/or a handlebar bag.
2. If you're touring in the middle of nowhere, a barcon is less likely to break down than a brifter, everything else being equal.
3. Barcons can run in friction mode if need be. Big plus if something happens to RD alignment. Not so easily fixed if you're running brifters.
4. Barcons help you grab the bar lower on the bars. Better center of gravity for shifting if you've got a lot of cargo up front as in #1. With brifters, you're shifting from a fairly high position on the bars. Not an issue if you're not carrying any cargo up front.
5. Brifters than run the shift cable housing out the side to the DT can interfere with handlebar bags. If the shift cable is routed along the handlebar, it won't interfere with a handlebar bag. This was one reason I avoided brifters on some of my older touring bikes, as there were times I liked to use a handlebar bag but no panniers.
2. Gevenalle "brifters" use either downtube or barend shift levers so they are equally durable and reliable.
3. Current Microshift shift levers or your own shift levers on Gevanelle brifters also work in friction mode.
4. I disagree. i find having my hands on the hoods provides the best control and stability.
5. Yeah, sort of, but that can be worked around. Gevanelle brifters run their cables externally like older Shimano STIs but they can be routed to clear a modest size handlebar bag. Large handlebar bags can put too much weight in the wrong place anyway.
#21
Senior Member
The OP was also asking about Ultegra brifters. I was speaking from my own experience with Shimano brifters and not specifically about the Gevanelle. And there are times when I want a large handlebar bag with brifters but couldn't do that with Shimano that routed out the side, say to hold a light jacket or something else that was bulky but not particularly heavy, for a day trip.
#22
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Well, to be accurate, the OP asked about the Gevenalle shifters first and then mentioned the Ultegra STIs as a fall back option so I used the opportunity to get on my soap box about the Gevenalle brifters.
#23
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That would be the "also" part. My goodness, does the order in which the OP asked make a difference to you as far as accuracy?
#24
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#25
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The reason for changing from bar ends, is that I want faster, more convenient shifting. I found the bar ends a bit cumbersome for touring, constantly changing hand positions to make a shift, or multiple shifts in a short time span. This is really only an annoyment while cycling all day, every day. Commuting or a couple hour boot, doesn't bother me. But I do enjoy brifters when I rent a bike on vacations. Thanks for your input!
Most of my "touting" stuff is set up for a more upright position, so riding on the hoods is not something I'm shooting for. And while some brifter setups are quite durable, I don't know of any that are either as simple to repair or as dependable as either DT shifters or barends. It's only important in the evening, when it's raining, and you're still ten miles from where you want to spend the night.
But then it's real important.