Thought I would post here, since there is a large portion of riders using barcons. I have a 26" mt bike that is going to serve commuter duty this winter and hopefully some dirt touring this and/or next summer. It is in need of some tlc in the way of new shifters and brake levers. So, since I prefer riding drop bars, I thought I would see if I could convert for a reasonable price. I am trying to do this on the cheap, so I am looking primarily for NOS or used friction barcons. Yes, I know jenson has shimano 8-speed for $56, but that is too rich for my blood (though I have them on my touring bike). Anybody have some direction on where to find some (ebay doesn't currently seem to have anything, but I'll watch there)? Thanks all.

Other than ebay, I do not know of a source for cheap ones. I kind of think I would rather spend a little more for a good one than have to replace a cheap one when it fails.

I got my SunTour ones for $30 at a swap meet, but after that I had a hell of a time finding a clamp-on cable guide dealy for the downtube!

Of course, since you have a MTB frame that shouldn't be a problem.

are SunTours still available? Although the lever is a bit short it's not as sharp as the Shimano and the entire structure is stronger than Shimano or single side type.

Yeah other than swap meets, $56 is ridiculously cheap for a pair of 8 speed barcons. I got mine for $76 from Jenson, and any LBS will charge you close to $100 a pair.

So, if you only want friction mode, you can steal some friction shifters off of a late 80's early 90's mountain bike and use Paul's Thumbies, or you can cough up the $56 to get your barcons quickly, while you're getting such an amazing deal on them.

Dia Compe Bar End Shifters