I purchased a set of Microshift BS-M11 bar end shifters that are for MTB drive trains. I plan to use them with a Shimano XT M8000 SGS 11-speed derailleur. When I looked closer at the 11-speed derailleur shifter there is an odd star type washer that is visible, and looks like it will leave a gap, even when installed. I can't see this as being acceptable especially in a MTB environment. The accompany FD shifter does not have the gap.

I have only placed the parts on the bike as I figure out routing, etc, so nothing has been installed or tightened to torque. Perhaps when I tighten everything the the gap will disappear. I'm hoping someone here is familiar with this shifter and can enlighten me before I go through the process and discover something is wrong.

Is it all the way over to 11sp, or is it a little bit toward friction in the selection?

Regardless, it should tighten up when you attach it. It isn't a sealed part though it comes apart easily for cleaning, and you have friction mode if it jams up a little.

Btw, nice find. I didn't know Microshift was doing mtb compatible bar end shifters.

I knew Gevenalle uses Microshift shift levers for their brifters and offers both 10 and 11-speed Dyna-sys compatible versions. I just checked Microshift's web site and they do indeed offer barend shifters compatible with both 10 and 11-speed Dyna-sys drivetrains and those are the levers Gevanelle uses.

I have some microsfhift stuff on my B'twin bikes. Lower end stuff but they seem equivalent to the Shimano lower end Claris level groupset albeit it heavier and clunkier. Not necessarily a bad thing for touring!

I have 10 speed Gevenalle/Microshift Dyna-sys shifters on my touring bike, and I remember seeing the gap with the lock-washer-looking thing in it. I believe once you tighten the fixing bolt the gap goes away or at least gets smaller. I also have some 9 speed Microshifts somewhere and if I remember correctly, they have the same look when unmounted.

Unlike Shimano bar-end shifters, you adjust the lever friction on the Microshifts by loosening or tightening the fixing bolt. I suspect this washer might give a little bit of spring preload to the bolt so that it doesnt unscrew itself if someone has the friction set low.