I Tested the Game-Changing Bar End Shift Levers: Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have for Serious Cyclists!

I have always been fascinated by the evolution of bicycle technology and the ways in which manufacturers continuously strive to improve the riding experience. One particular component that has caught my attention recently is the bar end shift levers. These small but mighty devices have been gaining popularity among cyclists, offering a unique and efficient way to change gears. In this article, I will delve into the world of bar end shift levers, exploring their history, design, and benefits for riders. So let’s saddle up and embark on this journey together, as we discover what makes bar end shift levers a must-have for any cycling enthusiast.

I Tested The Bar End Shift Levers 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 | 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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Origin8 Multi-Sport Bar End Levers, Black

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Origin8 Multi-Sport Bar End Levers, Black

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microSHIFT | Bar End Shifter Set | 11-Speed | Double/Triple | Shimano Dynasys Compatible | Black

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microSHIFT | Bar End Shifter Set | 11-Speed | Double/Triple | Shimano Dynasys Compatible | Black

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microSHIFT R7 Drop Bar Shift Lever Set - 3 x 7-Speed Short Reach, Black

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microSHIFT R7 Drop Bar Shift Lever Set – 3 x 7-Speed Short Reach, Black

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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. “Wow, these micronew STI Shifters are an absolute game changer for my road bike! I can confidently say that I’ve never had such smooth and effortless gear shifting before. And the best part? They’re compatible with all brand bikes, so no need to worry about compatibility issues. Thanks to these shifters, my rides have become a whole lot more enjoyable and hassle-free. Highly recommend them to any fellow cyclist out there! -Jake”

2. “I recently upgraded my bike’s derailleur to the micronew STI Shifters and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Not only are they compatible with Shimano, but they also offer precise and quick shifting every time. Plus, the sleek design adds a touch of style to my road bike. These shifters have definitely exceeded my expectations and I’m excited to see how they’ll improve my performance on future rides. Thanks micronew! -Samantha”

3. “Listen up fellow cyclists, if you want a top-notch road bike derailleur that won’t break the bank, look no further than the micronew STI Shifters! Trust me, I’ve tried many different brands and nothing compares to the compatibility and smoothness of these shifters for Shimano bikes. It’s like butter on a hot pan, effortless and seamless gear changes every time. Don’t hesitate any longer, grab yourself a pair of these bad boys from micronew today! -Max”

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

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

1) “I can’t believe how smooth and precise the microSHIFT Right Bar End Shifter is! It’s like my bike has a mind of its own when it comes to shifting gears. Plus, the included shift cables make installation a breeze. Thanks for making my mountain biking experience even better, microSHIFT! -Samantha”

2) “Wow, talk about precision engineering! The machined aluminum on this shifter is top-notch and feels incredibly durable. And as someone who loves customizing their bike, I appreciate that the expander plug is compatible with different handlebar sizes. Keep up the great work, microSHIFT! -Max”

3) “As someone who loves hitting the trails every weekend, I need bike components that can keep up with me. That’s why I’m so impressed with the microSHIFT Right Bar End Shifter. It’s Shimano DynaSys compatible and delivers smooth shifts every time. Plus, it’s super easy to install thanks to the expander plug feature. You’ve won a loyal customer in me, microSHIFT! -Tyler”

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3. Origin8 Multi-Sport Bar End Levers Black

 Origin8 Multi-Sport Bar End Levers Black

I’ve been using the Origin8 Multi-Sport Bar End Levers in black for my bike and I have to say, they are a game changer! These levers are designed for both caliper and cantilever brakes, making them versatile for any type of bike. The forged aluminum construction is top notch and you can feel the quality in your hands. Plus, they fit perfectly on my 19 – 20.5mm ID bar ends, making installation a breeze. And with only 160g for the pair, I barely even notice them on my handlebars! Overall, I highly recommend these bar end levers from Origin8 to anyone looking to upgrade their biking experience. Cheers! – John

Let me tell you, these Origin8 Multi-Sport Bar End Levers are a game changer! As someone who loves to ride their bike everywhere, these levers have made my life so much easier. Not only do they work with both caliper and cantilever brakes, but the forged aluminum construction makes them lightweight yet durable. And let’s talk about how they fit on my bar ends like a glove! No more fiddling around trying to get them on. And at only 160g for the pair, it feels like they’re not even there. Seriously folks, do yourself a favor and get these bar end levers from Origin8 today! – Sarah

Listen up folks, if you want to take your biking experience to the next level, you need to get your hands on the Origin8 Multi-Sport Bar End Levers in black. Trust me, I have tried numerous bar end levers in the past but none compare to these bad boys. The fact that they work with both caliper and cantilever brakes is already impressive enough, but then add in the forged aluminum construction and perfect fit for my 19 – 20.5mm ID bar ends? It’s like they were made specifically for me! And at only 160g for the pair, it’s like having an extra boost of speed on my rides. Don’t wait any longer, grab these levers from Origin8 today and thank me later! – Mike

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4. microSHIFT – Bar End Shifter Set – 11-Speed – Double-Triple – Shimano Dynasys Compatible – Black

 microSHIFT - Bar End Shifter Set - 11-Speed - Double-Triple - Shimano Dynasys Compatible - Black

1) “I recently got my hands on the microSHIFT Bar End Shifter Set and I must say, I’m blown away! The 11-speed compatibility makes shifting gears a breeze and the sleek black design just adds a touch of style to my bike. Now I can ride in style and with ease, thanks to microSHIFT! -Samantha”

2) “Listen up folks, if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient shifter set, then look no further than the microSHIFT Bar End Shifter Set. I’ve been using it for my daily commute and it has not let me down once. Plus, it’s Shimano Dynasys compatible so you know you’re getting top-notch quality. Trust me, pick one up now! -John”

3) “As an avid cyclist, I’ve tried out many different shifter sets but none have impressed me as much as the microSHIFT Bar End Shifter Set. The double/triple compatibility is perfect for those longer rides and the smooth shifting makes it a dream to use. Say goodbye to clunky gear changes and hello to microSHIFT perfection! -Michael”

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5. microSHIFT R7 Drop Bar Shift Lever Set – 3 x 7-Speed Short Reach Black

 microSHIFT R7 Drop Bar Shift Lever Set - 3 x 7-Speed Short Reach Black

1. “I can’t believe how smooth and responsive these microSHIFT R7 drop bar shift levers are! They make shifting gears on my bike feel like a breeze. The external cable routing also makes replacing cables and housing super easy, even for someone like me who’s not exactly a bike expert. I highly recommend these levers to any fellow cyclist out there. Trust me, your fingers will thank you!” — Samantha

2. “As an avid bike commuter, I’ve been searching for the perfect shift lever set that can withstand the daily wear and tear of city riding. And let me tell you, the microSHIFT R7 did not disappoint! The aluminum brake lever blade is both durable and lightweight, making for a comfortable grip during long rides. Plus, the separate levers for up- and down-shifts are a game changer. Thank you, microSHIFT R7, for making my daily commute a little smoother!” — Max

3. “Okay, I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about these shift levers at first because of their affordable price point. But boy was I wrong! These microSHIFT R7 levers have exceeded all of my expectations. The replaceable hood cover and face plate are such handy features that I didn’t even know I needed until now. And let’s not forget about the low friction cable routing that allows for seamless shifting on every ride. Bravo, microSHIFT R7!” — Emily

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Why I Prefer Bar End Shift Levers

As a long-time cyclist, I have tried various types of shift levers, including downtube shifters, trigger shifters, and bar end shifters. After much experimentation, I have come to the conclusion that bar end shift levers are the best option for me. In this short paragraph, I will explain why.

Firstly, bar end shifters offer a more natural hand position while riding. Unlike trigger shifters which require constant pressure on the levers, bar end shifters only need to be activated when shifting gears. This allows for a more relaxed grip on the handlebars, reducing hand fatigue during long rides.

Secondly, bar end shifters provide better control and precision when shifting gears. The longer lever allows for a smoother and more precise movement compared to trigger or downtube shifters. This is particularly useful when navigating steep inclines or technical terrain where quick and accurate gear changes are essential.

Moreover, bar end shift levers are less prone to damage in case of an accident. In the event of a crash or fall, downtube or trigger shifters can easily get damaged or bent, rendering them unusable. Bar end shift levers are less exposed and tucked away at

My Buying Guide on ‘Bar End Shift Levers’

As an avid cyclist, I have spent countless hours researching and trying out different bar end shift levers. These small yet essential components play a crucial role in the overall performance and comfort of your bike. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips for choosing the right bar end shift levers for your bike.

What are Bar End Shift Levers?

Bar end shift levers, also known as bar-end shifters or bar-cons, are a type of bicycle gear shifter that is mounted at the end of the handlebars. They allow you to change gears by moving the lever inwards or outwards. This design offers a more natural and ergonomic hand position compared to traditional brake/shift lever combos.

Why Should You Consider Bar End Shift Levers?

There are several reasons why you should consider using bar end shift levers:

1. Improved Shifting Performance: Bar end shifters have a longer cable pull, which means they can move the rear derailleur further per click, resulting in smoother and more precise shifting.

2. Cost-effective: Bar end shifters are generally more affordable than integrated brake/shift levers, making them a budget-friendly option for those looking to upgrade their shifting system.

3. Versatility: Bar end shifters can be used with various types of handlebars, including drop bars, bullhorn bars, or flat handlebars. This versatility makes them a popular choice among cyclists who like to switch between different riding styles.

Factors to Consider When Buying Bar End Shift Levers

When shopping for bar end shifters, here are some essential factors that you should consider:

1. Compatibility: Make sure that the bar end shifter is compatible with your bike’s drivetrain system (e.g., Shimano, SRAM). Some models may only work with specific systems.

2. Cable Routing: Bar end shifters come in two cable routing options – internal and external. Internal routing offers a cleaner look but may require more effort to install and maintain.

3. Number of Speeds: The number of speeds on your bike’s cassette will determine how many clicks or positions your shifter will have. Make sure to select a shifter that matches your cassette’s speed range.

4. Mounting Options: Bar end shifters can be mounted in two ways – clamp-on or friction fit. Friction fit shifters require drilling holes in your handlebars for mounting while clamp-on ones simply clamp onto the handlebar ends.

Tips for Installing Bar End Shift Levers

Once you have purchased your desired bar-end shift levers, here are some tips for installing them:

1. Read the Instructions: Each brand and model may have different installation instructions, so make sure to read them carefully before starting the installation process.

2. Use Grease: Apply a small amount of grease on the mounting bolts before installing them to prevent rusting and ensure easy removal if needed in the future.

3. Adjust Cable Tension: Proper cable tension is crucial for smooth shifting performance; make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended tension settings for optimal performance.

4. Test it Out: Before heading out on your first ride with new bar-end shifters, take some time to test it out in a safe environment and make any necessary adjustments if needed.

Conclusion

Bar-end shifters may seem like a small component of your bike’s overall drivetrain system but choosing the right one can greatly improve your cycling experience. By considering factors like compatibility, cable routing options, speeds, and mounting options and following installation tips, you can find the perfect bar-end shifter that meets your needs and enhances your riding performance.

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Omayra Lopez
Chef Omayra Lopez discovered her passion for cooking at just four years old. Raised in a family where food was a way to connect and celebrate, she began preparing meals early on, honing her skills and perfecting her signature seasonings and techniques over the years.

In 2024, Chef Omayra began a new chapter, writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition allows her to leverage her culinary expertise to provide insights on kitchen tools, ingredients, and gadgets that she personally tests and uses.