waterboy

I am looking into putting together a dedicated commute bike. My roadie is started to show the signs of wear, and perhaps its not realy the right tool for the job.

My instinct is to stick with STI shifters, since I am used to them. But I have never used the bar ends, and notice they are common on touring/commute bikes. Do they provide any specific advantages over STI?

As for my commute its a 15 mile route each way, predominantly flat with one 500' climb.

bostontrevor

The real question is what is the advantage of STI? They're quick shifting, indexed, and right there at your fingertips...Great if you're a racer.

On the other hand, barcons are inexpensive and mechanically simple/durable.

roadfix

I would build the commuter with whatever you've already got. STI/bar-end shifter choice for a commuter is not critical, IMO.

I personally like my moustache bar & bar end shifter combo for my commuter/light tourer.

cyccommute 

My only problem with barend shifters is that I'm always bumping them and knocking the bike out of gear. Not while riding, mind you, by when you stop and put the bike up against something. Getting it out of the garage - bump. Getting it off the car - bump. Leaning it against a street lamp - bump. Then the bike's drive train clatters and pops until everything gets realligned. Not a big problem but an annoyance nonetheless.

Don't have that problem with STI.

Stuart Black

Daily Commute

Bostontrevor has it right--the advantages of bar ends are simplicity and cost efficiency. Simplicity means repairs are easy. Cost efficiency means you can use the money you save for something else, like better lighting (which most racers don't need).

But if bar ends will irritate you to no end, the STI's might be worth it.

Edit: You can save $50-100 with bar ends. If you're a commuter, I think this is money better spent on lighting, saddle bags, or other useful stuff.

thechrisproject

I have STIs on my commuter bike (has anyone noticed that what used to be called STDs are now also called STIs? Sexually Transmitted Infection? But I digress) and one of them is starting to go. I will certainly replace them with bar ends when they're done. There are just too many parts on STI shifters and if they break, they're really expensive to replace.

Paniolo

the reasons I got bar ends were (1)they are cheaper and (2)don't seem as vulnerable in crash, or if bike gets knocked over, dropped on ground etc. The shimano's can be run either indexed or friction for retro fitting pre index. They are simple and durable and no problem to shift.

waterboy

Thanks everyone for the replys. Funny- I had not really considerred cost- no not that I am flush- just ignorant I guess

I am leaning towards the bar ends at this point- save some cash sounds good, and always interested in trying something different.

meat_toothpaste

I like barends. I have used Dura Ace STI on my fancy racer bike and didn't really like it. STI are great for racing and shifting while out of the saddle, but those are advantages that I don't really need on a commute. Barends are so so much more trouble free and if you keep them in friction mode, you'll rarely have misshifts because you can shave each gear with ease.

Barends used to cost significantly less, but now with Dura Ace 10 (was that really necessary?), the price has gone up on these shifters to around $90 from $55.

You can also get the Pauls Thumbie mount and put these on your bar tops if you like that placement.

max-a-mill

those are cool, but someone other than Paul has gotta make some knockoff's!

they are like 60 bucks AND you supply your own shifter? you could get some pretty hot old mtb shfiters off e-bay for cheaper...

but i bet that is a SOLID system!

i think once my sti's wear out i am going back to downtube shifters. why did anyone ever think to improve on those? they are so simple and work so well; cheap road bikes AND COMMUTERS should still come with them!

steveknight

a couple of good things they are easier to get perfect shifts with. it's harder to overshift. you can see what gear your in too. you can also shift through the whole rangle in a single stroke.

WheelWoman

downtube shifters suck because you have to take your hands off the bars to shift and you can't shift the front and rear simultaneously.
WW

max-a-mill

sure you got FIVE fingers no? use one on one side and the other on the other... i often used to go down from the big ring to little and into a smaller ring in the back AT THE SAME TIME in one smoooooth motion... having to move a little to shift makes your skillz better anyhow!

is taking your hand off the bars hard? do you drink from a water bottle; i'd say that significantly trickier than any shfiting you'd ever do?

sti's might be good for racin but i just don't see the cost/benefit ratio for me and the riding i do....

WheelWoman

You're right, it's possible to shift both at the same time, just not all that easy. For me anyway. It sounds like you are more skilled with your fingers.
And of course I can take my hands off the bars, even both at the same time, but sometimes in traffic I'd rather keep them both on.
I didn't say anything about sti.

roguehippie

Exactly! I've got an STI setup on my commuter, and one of them is failing -- hardcore. Needless to say, I've got some barend shifters from Nashbar on the way as we speak. I'm hoping to install them this weekend. Riding in 20 degree weather is annoying enough, you shouldn't have to deal with $250.00 shifters that don't work!

max-a-mill

sounds like your better in the skillz department than i am... i get super sketched trying to ride no handed, i can do it, but i don't feel safe while doing so.

BTW, i ain't tryin to argue with ya, just talking from my own, cheap, me-centered, downtube shifter lovin, point of view... sorry if i offended you.

chicharron

I didn't think downtube shifters were even sold or made anymore. I cannot see the advantage. If I owned a road bike, I would of course have the new style STI. But for a commuter or hybrid bike, the handle barend/twist shift can't be beat for ease of use.

Ivan Hanz

I vote for bar ends for a commuter. Mine are bomb-proof, work well, are intuitive, can be switched from index to friction (and back!), and cut loads of Julian fries. And they're easier to shift with gloves/mittens in this weather.

WheelWoman

Oh, no offense. I was just clarifying. BTW, I had no idea STIs were so expensive. I bought my road bike used and it came with them. I never had any problems, so never had to fix or replace. If I need to replace I think I'd go with the bar end and see if I like them.

bostontrevor

For greater retroshifting pleasure: https://rivendellbicycles.com/webalog...s_derailleurs/

Daily Commute

No one had made this point, but he's right. Bar ends are easy to use when you are wearing think mittens or gloves.

jfmckenna

They work even better with your thinking cap on

I use a barcon on my cyclocross bike for racing primarily for cost but also they are very reliable. On a cummuter If I had sti laying around I'd probably use it but barcons work just as well and will last for ever.

operator

Whaa..... I have downtube shifters on my commuter, i'd kill to have some STI's, then I don't have to take my hands off the the handlebars :/

Daily Commute

The Think Mitten is a pricey, but essential, accessory for cold-weather commuting. It's a joint venture between Pearl Izumi and Apple.

chicharron

thanks for the link. This looks like a good source for online parts. However, I doubt if I will be ordering any downtube shifters.