What are the mechanical differences between barends and down-tube shifters?
 

Hi all,

I am just wondering what the mechanical differences are between barcons and down-tube shifters. Looking at them, they look very similar (except bar ends have the extra attachment to put them into the bar ends). Can a down-tube shifter replace a bar end shifter if one has the bar end plugs (I dont know what they are called)? Can you put a downtube shifter on a bar end if you have the plugs still?

Thanks

I'm not certain if standard DT levers will fit on bar end hardware. Rivendell sells something similar. But I think most people will have problems with their knees hitting the long levers when installed at the bar ends.

Actually, Rivendell sells an adapter to use any downtube shifter as a bar-end. The pulls are the same, the bar ends just have longer cables.

Thanks guys - I emailed Rivendell last night about whether there were any compatibility issues with the Dia-Compe barend mounts with Dura-Ace downtube shifters. They said they are compatible, but may require minor mods. They asked to call them. I'll post when I get the info.

YYeah that's right stay away from them. Most after market gadgets like this are poop anyway.:p