The black plastic ring on my right bar end shifter broke (microshift 9 speed BS-T09). It no longer works. As far as I understand, I need to change the shifter set.

Here's my setup:
Fuji Touring 2015
Crankset: Deore M590 48/36/26
Front derailleur: Shimano Altus FD-M371
Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore M591

I'm wondering whether the BS-T09 is my only choice, or whether I can go with the SL-BS77 (Dura-Ace 7700), for example.

I read somewhere that despite being 9 speed, the SL-BS77 would not be compatible with triple front derailleurs. Here's the explanation:

"The SL-BS77 will work with any 9 speed rear cassette, but will NOT work with the triple (x3) front chain ring. They are for a x2 front. With that said, there is the option of using them as friction shifters and it MIGHT be possible to adjust the limiters and have the shifter work with a triple, but that is just a WAG. Definitely would not have index shifting on the front."

However, Jenson USA specs claim that it's compatible:

Shimano SL-BS77 double/triple x 9-speed bar end shifters are compatible with double or triple chainring cranksets.
Friction-toggle right lever
FD/Shifter Compatibility: Shimano Road Double, Mountain Triple, Shimano Road Triple
Compatible with Shimano rear derailleurs

To be honest, I don't know what any of this means, and would need the input of bicycle mechanics savvy folk to understand whether these would work!

Thanks! : )

The SL-BS77 front shifter isn't indexed. Being a friction shifter, it doesn't care whether you're running a double or a triple, so long as it can pull enough cable to move your derailleur all the way from the inner ring to the outer.

Thank you! This answers my question!

I don't know who wrote this but it's absolute nonsense. As SkyDog75 noted, all barend (and downtube) front shifters are friction only and they will work with any double or triple crank.

Thank you HillRider! I appreciate your help