Bar end shifter convert
10-10-16, 06:02 PM
#1
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Bar end shifter convert
OK, yes... some of you already know about the awesomeness of bar end shifters.
OK, yes... some of you will never accept bar end shifters, as you can have something more advanced.
But if you've ever thought about trying them - they are really pretty nice.
I got a new bike recently, and I got it with bar end shifters, under the assumption that if I really didn't like them, I could switch them out. Man are they nice!
Of course, if you are racing, I see the benefit of brifters. But this isn't a racing bike, so it's all good. I don't know why I was nervous to try them. So... if you are nervous, don't be! You may not like them. But you might just find them pretty cool!
OK, carry on.
(My bikes include grip-twist, trigger shift, brifters, bar end shifters, and no shifters. No stem shifters, no down tube shifters right now.)
OK, yes... some of you will never accept bar end shifters, as you can have something more advanced.
But if you've ever thought about trying them - they are really pretty nice.
I got a new bike recently, and I got it with bar end shifters, under the assumption that if I really didn't like them, I could switch them out. Man are they nice!
Of course, if you are racing, I see the benefit of brifters. But this isn't a racing bike, so it's all good. I don't know why I was nervous to try them. So... if you are nervous, don't be! You may not like them. But you might just find them pretty cool!
OK, carry on.
(My bikes include grip-twist, trigger shift, brifters, bar end shifters, and no shifters. No stem shifters, no down tube shifters right now.)
10-10-16, 06:14 PM
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Best feature: friction shifting for the front derailleur.
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10-10-16, 06:34 PM
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They are nice. I've a set that I run on my Fargo when it's built up. Reliable. Easy to reach. Can't complain.
10-10-16, 07:40 PM
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No down tube shifters...lame ; )
I like bar ends but even more I like my Gevenalle Brifters which combine the ruggedness and awesome shifting of DT or Bar End shifters with a brake lever so you can stop and shift all in one without STI, Ergopower or Doubletap. It integrates things without overly complicating things. I got a set for my Co-Motion and am running good ole' Dura Ace 9 speed down tube shifters on the Audax version and have no real complaints just love!
I like bar ends but even more I like my Gevenalle Brifters which combine the ruggedness and awesome shifting of DT or Bar End shifters with a brake lever so you can stop and shift all in one without STI, Ergopower or Doubletap. It integrates things without overly complicating things. I got a set for my Co-Motion and am running good ole' Dura Ace 9 speed down tube shifters on the Audax version and have no real complaints just love!
10-10-16, 08:24 PM
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As well as liking bar end shifters, I like a bar end mirror on the left side. On a couple bikes I have normal DT shifters for the front der., but also have mounted the bar end shifter to the frame boss. Not very elegant, but works fine.
10-10-16, 08:54 PM
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Yup, I like 'em too. 
10-10-16, 09:41 PM
#7
Banned
Stuck with Bar end shifted 6 & 7 speed , freewheels, for decades, then jumped to Rohloff Hubs , myself ..
took many long Bike tours .. Drop bars, bar end friction shifters & 6 x 3 drivertrain.
30 years of reliability.. and International self supported Solo Bicycle tours Reliability is the important performance , not speed.
'/,
took many long Bike tours .. Drop bars, bar end friction shifters & 6 x 3 drivertrain.
30 years of reliability.. and International self supported Solo Bicycle tours Reliability is the important performance , not speed.
'/,
Last edited by fietsbob; 10-11-16 at 08:38 AM.
10-11-16, 08:07 AM
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I hate them... If I have a regret about buying the Novara Randonee, it is the barcons. Having to move your hands off the handlebar to shift gears is wrong. Even if you are on the drops, you don't hold the handlebar so far back that you can shift without moving your palm further to the back.
10-11-16, 01:03 PM
#9
High Plains Luddite
Love 'em, even for riding single-track on my mountain bike!
And, yes, friction shifting for the front triple chainrings is great.
And, yes, friction shifting for the front triple chainrings is great.
10-11-16, 05:12 PM
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I tried to like them but just couldn't do it. The make so much sense in principle but in practice just didn't work for me. Then again I never liked down tube shifters either so it shouldn't have surprised me. I just don't like having to take my hands off the bar to shift. So off with Dura Ace bar ends and on Paul Thumbies and I am a happy camper.
10-11-16, 05:34 PM
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I love the friction bar ends on my old Centurion. "Feeling" the chain slide from gear to gear is so cool and feels like I more "one" with the bike. But I like driving manual shift cars fro the same reason. I'm weird like that.
10-11-16, 05:37 PM
#12
Senior Member
Yes, as my partner reminds me, I prefer a manual transmission in my truck and still use a slide rule.
10-12-16, 01:51 PM
#13
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I like the brake/ shift thing in one hand. Also with drops, my wicked long legs tend to make knee contact when standing. YRMV.
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