Re: BAR END SHIFTERS

Posted by: Alexey

Re: BAR END SHIFTERS - 04/11/07 06:44 PM

Hello!
Have never seen bar end shifters in our local bike shops, and probably it is difficult to find them in most of Europe also. I don’t know if they are in the internet shops.
It should be clarified, that bar end shifter for rear derailleur is indexed, in contrast to a front one. This allows to use mtn front gearing, with drop handle bars, because mtn front drivetrain components are incompatible with road “dual control” shifters – so-called “brifters”, shimano ones at least. Brifters with road triple front and mtn rear gearing are good enough for light high-speed touring on plain terrain for strong rider.
There is also an option to use a crankset with smaller chainrings like 46/34/22 for full loaded touring/mountain areas, which is compatible with a road drivetrain. Perhaps such cranks exist somewhere, however I have never seen them in our LBS.
Be careful if you want to equip your bike with drop bars, keep in mind that a frame for drop bars should be a bit shorter and a brifter doesn’t have an adjuster for a front derailleur.
Good luck!