Are you looking to upgrade your touring bike with a new set of bar end shifters? If so, youve come to the right place.
In this article, we will answer the question of why touring bikes have bar end shifters and provide a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Well cover what bar end shifters are, the benefits of using them, how they work, the different types available, installation and maintenance tips, as well as popular models.
So if youre ready to learn more about bar end shifters, lets get started!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Bar end shifters are typically used on touring bikes because they provide a low-profile, ergonomic design that makes them easier to use while riding.
Additionally, they are designed with a dual control system that allows the rider to shift gears with either hand, which is especially beneficial when riding long distances.
Bar end shifters also tend to be more durable than other shifter types, making them a great option for touring bikes.
What Are Bar End Shifters?
Bar end shifters are a type of bicycle gear shifter that are positioned at the ends of the handlebars.
As the name implies, they are located directly at the ends of the bars, allowing the rider to shift with their hands still on the handlebars.
This makes them an ergonomic choice for riders who want to shift without taking their hands off the handlebars, which is especially important for long-distance cycling.
Bar end shifters are designed for flat handlebars, and they typically come in two different types: twist shifters and trigger shifters. Twist shifters work by twisting the bar end in one direction to shift up and in the opposite direction to shift down. Trigger shifters, on the other hand, require the rider to press a lever with their thumb or forefinger to shift. Trigger shifters are the most common type of bar end shifter, and they offer a more precise and efficient shifting experience.
In addition to providing an ergonomic advantage, bar end shifters are also more durable and require less maintenance than other shifter types.
This makes them an ideal choice for touring bikes, which are designed for long-distance cycling.
Bar end shifters are also less expensive than other types of shifters, making them an economical choice for budget-conscious cyclists.
Ultimately, bar end shifters provide an excellent shifting performance, precision, and control that makes them ideal for long-distance cycling.
By combining an ergonomic design with a durable and low-maintenance construction, bar end shifters offer riders a reliable and cost-effective solution for their cycling needs.
Benefits of Bar End Shifters
When it comes to cycling, bar end shifters offer many advantages for long-distance touring.
For starters, their ergonomic design allows riders to shift with their hands on the bar ends, streamlining the process and making it more comfortable.
This is especially beneficial for those who have to ride for long distances, as it allows them to avoid having to take their hands off the handlebars for every shift.
Bar end shifters also provide a more precise and efficient shifting experience than other shifter types.
As they are situated at the ends of the handlebars, the rider can access them with minimal effort and can make quick and accurate shifts.
This can be especially helpful when cycling through variable terrain, as the rider can quickly adjust their gearing to cope with different conditions.
In addition, bar end shifters require less maintenance than other shifter types and are therefore more durable for long-distance rides.
Since they are situated away from the frame, they are less likely to get damaged from impacts or from dirt and dust that can accumulate in other shifter types.
This means that riders can enjoy their shifting experience for longer, with fewer worries about maintenance or repairs.
Overall, bar end shifters offer a number of benefits for long-distance riders, from ergonomic design to precision and efficiency.
With their durability and low maintenance requirements, they are the ideal choice for any touring cyclist.
How Do Bar End Shifters Work?
Bar end shifters are a type of bicycle shifter designed to be used at the ends of the handlebars.
They are often referred to as “bar-end” or “bar end” shifters.
These shifters are generally used on touring bikes, but are also found on mountain bikes, road bikes, and hybrid bikes.
Bar end shifters work by shifting the chain from one sprocket to another, which causes the bike to change gears.
When the shifter is triggered, a cable is released, which causes the derailleur to move the chain from one sprocket to another.
Bar end shifters use a separate cable for each derailleur, which allows for more precise shifting.
Bar end shifters are designed to be ergonomic and require less maintenance than other types of shifters.
The lever is designed to be easy to reach and manipulate, and the shifting action is smooth and precise.
Additionally, the shifters are designed to be durable, which is especially important for riders who are doing long-distance touring.
Bar end shifters also offer riders more control over their shifting.
By using the shifter, riders can precisely choose the gear they want to be in and can make small adjustments to their gearing as needed.
Additionally, bar end shifters can be used to shift multiple gears at once, allowing for faster shifts.
In summary, bar end shifters are designed to be ergonomic, precise, and durable, making them ideal for long-distance cycling.
Additionally, they offer riders more control over their shifting, allowing for more precise gear selection and faster shifts.
For these reasons, bar end shifters are the preferred shifter type for touring bikes.
Types of Bar End Shifters
When it comes to touring bikes, bar end shifters are a popular choice for the precise level of control and shifting performance they offer.
Bar end shifters are one of the three main types of bicycle shifters available, the other two being trigger shifters and twist shifters.
Bar end shifters are typically mounted on the ends of the handlebars, allowing the rider to shift with their hands on the bar ends.
Bar end shifters are highly ergonomic and can be adjusted to fit the riders hand size, making them comfortable and easy to use.
They are also highly precise, allowing the rider to make very small adjustments to the shift lever in order to make a smooth shift.
Additionally, bar end shifters are more durable than other shifter types and require less maintenance, making them ideal for long-distance touring.
Bar end shifters come in three main types: mechanical, electronic, and hydraulic. Mechanical bar end shifters are the most common, and are operated using a cable system that is connected to the shift lever, allowing the rider to move the shifter back and forth to change gears. Electronic bar end shifters use electrical wires and sensors to detect the riders movements and shift accordingly. Finally, hydraulic bar end shifters use fluid-filled tubes that are connected to the shift lever, allowing the rider to make shifts with the push of a button.
No matter which type of bar end shifter you choose, they all provide excellent shifting performance, precision, and control.
With bar end shifters, you can enjoy a more comfortable and efficient cycling experience, even on the longest of rides.
Installation of Bar End Shifters
Installing bar end shifters onto a touring bike is a relatively straightforward process.
To begin, the shifters will need to be mounted on the handlebars.
This can be done by loosening the handlebar clamp screws and slipping the bar end shifters into place.
Once in place, the shifter should be secured by tightening the handlebar clamp screws.
Next, the cables will need to be routed through the frame and connected to the derailleur.
This should be done carefully, ensuring that the cables are not pinched or kinked.
Once the cables are connected, the derailleur should be adjusted to ensure proper shifting.
This can be done by adjusting the cable tension and the derailleur limit screws.
Finally, the shifters will need to be adjusted.
This should be done by loosening the adjuster screws and aligning the shifters with the derailleur.
Once the shifters are aligned, the adjuster screws should be tightened.
By following these steps, riders can easily and quickly install bar end shifters on their touring bikes.
Doing so will provide riders with precise and efficient shifting performance, as well as an ergonomic and comfortable riding experience.
In addition, bar end shifters are designed to be durable and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for long-distance cycling.
Maintenance of Bar End Shifters
One of the main benefits of using bar end shifters for touring bikes is the low-maintenance they require.
Unlike other shifters, bar end shifters dont require regular maintenance such as lubrication or adjustment.
The shifters are designed to be reliable and durable, so riders can focus on the journey rather than worrying about needing to maintain their bike or shifters.
The durability of bar end shifters is due in part to their construction.
The shifters are made of aluminum, which is a strong and lightweight material.
This means they are able to withstand the wear and tear of long-distance cycling, while still providing precise and efficient shifting.
Bar end shifters dont require regular adjustments either, meaning riders can stay focused on the road and not have to worry about adjusting their shifters.
The shifters are designed to keep their shifting performance consistent, so riders dont have to constantly check and adjust them.
This makes bar end shifters an ideal choice for long-distance cycling, where riders dont have time to constantly adjust their shifters.
In addition, bar end shifters are designed to be easy to use, even for riders who are new to cycling.
The shifters are designed to be ergonomic, meaning riders can easily and comfortably shift with their hands on the bar ends.
This makes bar end shifters a great choice for riders who want a simple and efficient shifting experience.
Overall, bar end shifters are an excellent choice for touring bikes due to their low maintenance requirements and excellent durability.
The shifters are designed to last and provide riders with a precise and efficient shifting experience, while still being easy to use.
This makes bar end shifters a great choice for riders who want to focus on the journey, rather than worrying about their shifting performance.
Popular Models of Bar End Shifters
When it comes to bar end shifters, there are several popular models that have become popular among touring cyclists.
Shimano and SRAM are two of the most recognized and trusted brands when it comes to bar end shifters.
Shimano makes the Deore XT, SLX and XTR models, all of which feature a 2-way release design that allows riders to shift up or down with a single click of the thumb or index finger.
SRAM’s Apex and X0 models are also popular for their smooth and precise shifting performance.
Each of these models is designed to provide riders with a reliable and efficient shifting experience, and they are all compatible with many touring bikes.
For those looking for a more traditional bar end shifter, Campagnolo offers the Veloce, Chorus and Record models.
These shifters feature a classic design that is perfect for touring bikes, as they can provide reliable shifting performance for long distances.
Additionally, Campagnolo shifters are designed to be more ergonomic, allowing riders to shift without taking their hands off the handlebars.
Finally, Microshift is another popular brand of bar end shifters, and they offer several different models that are designed to be compatible with most touring bikes.
The Microshift Advent and Arsis models are both popular options, as they provide riders with a reliable and efficient shifting experience.
Additionally, Microshift shifters are designed to be lightweight and durable, making them ideal for long-distance riding.
Overall, there are a variety of bar end shifters available, and each model offers its own unique advantages.
Whether you are looking for a reliable and efficient shifting experience or a classic and ergonomic design, there is sure to be a bar end shifter that is perfect for your touring bike.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to long-distance cycling, bar end shifters are the ideal choice.
They provide superior shifting performance, precision, and control, are more durable and require less maintenance than other shifter types, and are ergonomic and easy to install.
With all of these benefits, its no wonder why touring bikes have bar end shifters.
If youre considering touring on your bike, consider fitting your bike with bar end shifters and experience the difference for yourself!