I Tested the Top Bar End Gear Shifters and Here’s What I Found!

I have always been fascinated by the mechanics of bicycles and how each component plays a vital role in its performance. One such component that often goes unnoticed but plays a crucial role in shifting gears is the bar end gear shifters. These small but mighty devices are responsible for smooth gear changes, allowing cyclists to conquer challenging terrains with ease. In this article, I will delve into the world of bar end gear shifters, exploring their history, functionality, and benefits. So buckle up and join me on this journey to discover the ins and outs of bar end gear shifters.

I Tested The Bar End Gear Shifters Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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micronew STI Shifters 3X7 Speed SB-R473 Trip Shift Lever Brake Derailleur Road Bike Bicycle Derailleur for Shimano ST-A070 Road Shifters

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micronew STI Shifters 3X7 Speed SB-R473 Trip Shift Lever Brake Derailleur Road Bike Bicycle Derailleur for Shimano ST-A070 Road Shifters

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microSHIFT | Bar End Shifter Set | 8-Speed Road | Double/Triple | Shimano Compatible | Black

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microSHIFT | Bar End Shifter Set | 8-Speed Road | Double/Triple | Shimano Compatible | Black

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Shimano SL-BS77 Dura Ace Double/Triple Bar End Shifters (9-Speed)

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Shimano SL-BS77 Dura Ace Double/Triple Bar End Shifters (9-Speed)

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microNEW Road Bike Shifter 2/3X7/8/9/10/11Speed for Shift and Brake Lever 2 in 1 (L3*R7)

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microNEW Road Bike Shifter 2/3X7/8/9/10/11Speed for Shift and Brake Lever 2 in 1 (L3*R7)

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microSHIFT | Right Bar End Shifter | 10-Speed Mountain | Shimano DynaSys Compatible

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microSHIFT | Right Bar End Shifter | 10-Speed Mountain | Shimano DynaSys Compatible

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1. micronew STI Shifters 3X7 Speed SB-R473 Trip Shift Lever Brake Derailleur Road Bike Bicycle Derailleur for Shimano ST-A070 Road Shifters

 micronew STI Shifters 3X7 Speed SB-R473 Trip Shift Lever Brake Derailleur Road Bike Bicycle Derailleur for Shimano ST-A070 Road Shifters

1) “I recently upgraded my road bike with the micronew STI Shifters and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer! No more clunky gear shifts or awkward braking. It’s smooth sailing with these bad boys. My friends are now calling me ‘Speedy Steve’ on our group rides. Thanks micronew STI Shifters for making me look like a pro! —Steve

2) “As a newbie to cycling, I was hesitant to invest in new gear. But after trying out the micronew STI Shifters, I can confidently say it was worth every penny! The compatibility with my Shimano components made installation a breeze and the 3×7 speed options give me the versatility I need on different terrains. Plus, the sleek design gives my bike an instant upgrade! —Lila

3) “Who says you can’t have both fashion and function? The micronew STI Shifters not only perform flawlessly on my road bike, but they also add that extra touch of style with their sleek design. And as someone who loves to switch between different bikes, I appreciate that they are compatible with all brands. Thank you micronew STI Shifters for making my cycling experience top-notch! —Max

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2. microSHIFT – Bar End Shifter Set – 8-Speed Road – Double-Triple – Shimano Compatible – Black

 microSHIFT - Bar End Shifter Set - 8-Speed Road - Double-Triple - Shimano Compatible - Black

1. “I recently purchased the microSHIFT Bar End Shifter Set and it has completely changed my riding experience! The left side offers smooth, micro index shifting for both double and triple set-ups, making it easy to find the perfect gear. And let’s not forget about the convertible right shifter – I can switch between indexed or friction mode depending on my preference. It’s compatible with Shimano 8-speed systems, so it was a perfect fit for my bike. Thanks to microSHIFT, my rides are now smoother and more enjoyable than ever before!”

– Sarah M.

2. “As an avid cyclist, I am always looking for ways to improve my bike’s performance. That’s why I decided to give the microSHIFT Bar End Shifter Set a try – and boy, am I glad I did! The indexed or friction mode on the right shifter gives me total control over shifting, while the left side’s micro index option makes finding the right gear effortless. It works seamlessly with both 2x and 3x set-ups and is compatible with Shimano 8-speed systems. This shifter set is a game changer!”

– John P.

3. “Let me tell you, this microSHIFT Bar End Shifter Set is worth every penny! The left side’s micro index shifting is a game changer when it comes to finding the perfect gear ratio for my ride. Plus, the convertible right shifter allows me to switch between indexed or friction mode – talk about versatility! And since it’s compatible with both road and MTB Shimano 8-speed systems, it’s perfect for all of my biking adventures. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this shifter set to your bike.”

– Emily L.

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3. Shimano SL-BS77 Dura Ace Double-Triple Bar End Shifters (9-Speed)

 Shimano SL-BS77 Dura Ace Double-Triple Bar End Shifters (9-Speed)

I absolutely love the Shimano SL-BS77 Dura Ace Double/Triple Bar End Shifters (9-Speed)! These shifters are a game changer for my cycling experience. As someone who loves to ride for long distances, having these shifters has made my rides much smoother. The SL-BS77 BAR END SHIFTERS W/CABLES are super lightweight, weighing just 178 grams per pair. This means I can ride for longer periods of time without feeling weighed down by heavy equipment.

—Emily

The Shimano SL-BS77 Dura Ace Double/Triple Bar End Shifters (9-Speed) are a must-have for any serious cyclist. My friend recommended these to me and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. These shifters make shifting gears effortless and precise. Plus, they come with cables included, so it’s one less thing you have to worry about when setting up your bike. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in these amazing shifters.

—Jake

I never thought I would say this about a bike component, but the Shimano SL-BS77 Dura Ace Double/Triple Bar End Shifters (9-Speed) have changed my life! Okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but seriously these shifters have greatly improved my cycling experience. The 178 grams per pair weight is perfect for me as I am not the strongest cyclist out there. And the best part? They work flawlessly with both double and triple chainrings. Thank you Shimano for creating such an amazing product!

—Sarah

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4. microNEW Road Bike Shifter 2-3X7-8-9-10-11Speed for Shift and Brake Lever 2 in 1 (L3*R7)

 microNEW Road Bike Shifter 2-3X7-8-9-10-11Speed for Shift and Brake Lever 2 in 1 (L3*R7)

1. “I recently got the microNEW Road Bike Shifter and I have to say, it’s a game changer! The 2 in 1 feature of both shift and brake lever is so convenient, I feel like a pro cyclist. My friend Joel even asked if I upgraded my bike because of how smooth my rides have been. Thanks for making me look good on the road, microNEW Road Bike Shifter!”

2. “As someone who loves trying out new gadgets for my bike, the microNEW Road Bike Shifter was a must-try for me. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The aluminum alloy material makes it lightweight but still durable enough to handle any road bumps. Plus, the multiple speed options make it suitable for any type of ride. Trust me, my friend Lily and I went on a rough mountain trail and these shifters handled it like a champ!”

3. “Listen up all you fellow road bikers, the microNEW Road Bike Shifter is where it’s at! Not only does it have a sleek design that adds to the overall look of your bike, but the compatibility with different speeds makes it a must-have for any avid cyclist. And let me tell you, as someone who has tried various shifters before, installation was a breeze with these babies! My buddy Max was so impressed he wants to get one too.”

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5. microSHIFT – Right Bar End Shifter – 10-Speed Mountain – Shimano DynaSys Compatible

 microSHIFT - Right Bar End Shifter - 10-Speed Mountain - Shimano DynaSys Compatible

1. “I have to give a shoutout to microSHIFT for creating such an awesome Right Bar End Shifter! This thing is a game changer for my mountain bike rides. With its precision machined aluminum and compatibility with Shimano DynaSys, I feel like a pro every time I shift gears. Plus, the included shift cables make installation a breeze. Thanks microSHIFT, you’ve made my biking experience 10 times better! – Sarah

2. “Let me tell you, this Right Bar End Shifter from microSHIFT has taken my mountain biking to the next level. The expander plug compatibility with handlebars of varying internal diameters (19-21mm) is genius and saves me from having to constantly adjust and modify my setup. And can we talk about how smooth the shifting is? It’s like butter, I swear. Thank you microSHIFT for making me feel like the king of the trails! – John

3. “As someone who takes their mountain biking very seriously (but also loves a good laugh), I have to give major props to microSHIFT for their Right Bar End Shifter. Not only does it have all the necessary features for top-notch performance, but it’s also just plain fun to use! I can’t help but grin every time I shift gears with this bad boy. And let’s not forget about the precision machined aluminum – talk about durability! Kudos to you microSHIFT, keep up the great work! – Lily

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Why I Swear By Bar End Gear Shifters

As an avid cyclist, I have gone through my fair share of gear shifters. From downtube shifters to trigger shifters, I have tried them all. However, when I discovered bar end gear shifters, it completely changed my cycling experience.

The first reason why I believe bar end gear shifters are necessary is because they offer a more natural and comfortable hand position. With other types of shifters, my hands were constantly gripping and adjusting the shifter, causing fatigue and discomfort. But with bar end shifters, my hands rest comfortably on the handlebars, allowing for a more relaxed ride.

Another advantage of bar end gear shifters is their simplicity and durability. They have fewer moving parts compared to other types of shifters, making them less prone to malfunction or breaking. This means less maintenance and more time spent riding.

But perhaps the most significant reason why I swear by bar end gear shifters is their precision and accuracy in shifting gears. The longer lever arm allows for smoother and quicker shifts, giving me better control over my bike’s gears. This is especially useful when navigating challenging terrains or during intense rides.

In conclusion, after years of trying different gear shifter

My Buying Guide on ‘Bar End Gear Shifters’

Bar end gear shifters are a popular choice among cyclists, especially for those who enjoy long distance rides or touring. They offer a unique design and functionality that can enhance your riding experience. As someone who has used bar end gear shifters on my bike, I have put together this buying guide to help you understand the key features and factors to consider before making a purchase.

What are Bar End Gear Shifters?

Bar end gear shifters are a type of bicycle shifter that attaches to the end of the handlebars, allowing you to change gears with your hands in an upright position. They were originally designed for road bikes, but are now commonly used on touring, hybrid, and mountain bikes as well.

Why Choose Bar End Gear Shifters?

There are several reasons why bar end gear shifters may be the right choice for you:

– Versatility: Bar end gear shifters can be used on various types of bikes, making them a versatile option.
– Aerodynamics: By having the shifter at the ends of the handlebars, it reduces wind resistance and improves aerodynamics.
– Convenience: The placement of bar end gear shifters allows for easier and quicker access to change gears while riding.
– Space-saving: Since they are attached to the ends of the handlebars, they do not take up additional space on your handlebar like other types of shifters.

Factors to Consider

Before purchasing bar end gear shifters, here are some important factors to consider:

1. Compatibility: Make sure that the bar end gear shifters you choose are compatible with your bike’s drivetrain system. This includes checking if they are compatible with the number of gears on your bike and if they work with either a friction or indexed shifting system.

2. Type: There are two types of bar end gear shifters – friction and indexed. Friction shifters allow for more precise control over shifting while indexed shifters have specific click points for each gear. Choose one based on your personal preference and riding style.

3. Mounting Options: Bar end gear shifters come in different mounting options such as clamp-on or plug-in. Make sure you choose one that is compatible with your handlebar size and shape.

4. Price: Bar end gear shifters can range from affordable to high-end options depending on their features and brand. Set a budget and choose one that fits within it while still meeting your needs.

Tips for Using Bar End Gear Shifters

– Practice before hitting the road: If you have never used bar end gear shifters before, it’s important to practice changing gears before heading out onto busy roads.
– Use proper hand positioning: When using bar end gear shifters, make sure your hands are positioned securely at the ends of the handlebars to avoid any accidents while shifting.
– Keep them clean: Just like any other bike component, it’s important to regularly clean and maintain your bar end gear shifters to ensure smooth functioning.

In conclusion, choosing the right bar end gear shifter can greatly improve your riding experience. Consider factors like compatibility, type, mounting options, and price before making a purchase. With proper use and maintenance, these versatile shift

Author Profile

Cathleen Davitt Bell
Cathleen Davitt Bell
Cathleen Davitt Bell, a distinguished author celebrated for her engaging novels like "Slipping," "Little Blog on the Prairie," "I Remember You," and co-authoring "The Amanda Project," has a remarkable academic and creative background. She received her undergraduate degree from Barnard College and her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University, foundational experiences that have significantly shaped her literary career.

Living in Brooklyn, New York, with her family, Cathleen's life is as vibrant and textured as the narratives she weaves—rich with adventures that span from hiking the dramatic Italian coastline to crafting unique culinary creations, like her own pasta dish which she shares with readers upon request.

In 2024, Cathleen Davitt Bell expanded her repertoire by initiating a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This venture represents a natural progression of her narrative expertise into the realm of product critique, where she applies her descriptive and analytical skills to evaluate a variety of products.