from Rookie’s keyboards
I received an e-mail from a reader asking me whether he should replace his downtube shifters (DT shifters) with something more modern or one of those bar-end versions that go into the handlebars.
While I have nothing against modern shifters and bar-ends, I personally wouldn’t bother. I actually enjoy the downtube shifters on my retro road bike quite a bit.
Here’s why:
1. Simplistic Cable and Housing Routing
DT shifters are positioned on the frame and subsequently eliminate the need for cables and housing on the handlebars.
As a result, the cockpit remains clean and it’s easier to install/remove bar tape as well as handlebar accessories.
3. Crisp Shifting
The more cable housing there is, the more friction the shifter has to overcome.
DT shifters use a minimal amount of cable housing and cable length. Subsequently, they’re very responsive (crisp shifting).
4. Low Price + Easily Obtainable
DT shifters can be bought for very little on the second-hand market. Meanwhile, bar-end shifters are not only a bit hard to find in certain areas, but they could also be quite expensive (e.g., USD 100+) in comparison to downtube shifters.
5. Protected
The chances of damaging downtube shifters during a crash or when carrying the bike are lower thanks to their position.
Conversely, bar-end shifters and STI often hit external objects and even the rider when manipulating the bike around.
If a bicycle falls to one side because it’s not secured, the bar-end shifter could easily get damaged whereas the downtube models are highly unlikely to even touch the ground.
6. Easier To Install and Maintain
Downtube shifters are as simple as shifters can be. Subsequently, they can be installed fairly quickly.
The installation process is as follows:
1. Tighten the shifters to the downtube. Make sure that the shifters are parallel to the downtube in their starting position. If a shifter is perpendicular to the downtube, it’s placed wrong.
2. Insert a gear cable into the front downtube shifter. Slide the cable under the downtube and then clamp it with the front derailleur’s pinch bolt. If the tension isn’t sufficient, unscrew the pinch bolt, pull the cable again and tighten the bolt.
Done. The front shifter is installed. You don’t even need cable housing for it because the path to the front derailleur from the downtube has only one bend (under the bottom bracket).
The cable of the front shifter (the one pointing up) goes under the downtube and then directly to the front derailleur.
Note: This is the process for a “bottom pull derailleur” (image above). As the name suggests, a bottom pull derailleur is a model whose cable pulls from underneath the bottom bracket.
There are also top pull derailleurs that operate with a cable pulling from the top. Those models are reserved for mountain bikes and have one main goal – to avoid running a cable under the downtube because it can easily be damaged and/or contaminated during off-road riding.
If you have a road bike or a touring bike with downtube shifters, it will have a bottom pull front derailleur, unless someone has replaced it.
3. The installation of the right shifter is similar. You have to slide the gear cable through the shifter, under the downtube, under the drive-side chainstay, and then clamp it with the rear derailleur pinch bolt.
Gear cable routing on a retro road bike
The rear shifter requires a short piece of cable housing running from the cable stop on the chainstay to the barrel adjuster of the derailleur. (image above)
If the right shifter is indexed, you will have to index the gears as with a modern shifter.
6. Convenience During Transport
Downtube shifters are discrete and do not widen the profile of the bicycle excessively. Consequently, it’s easier to pack the bike for transportation.
7. Can Be Operated With One Arm
Downtube shifters are the only type of shifter that allows you to change gears using one hand by reaching through the frame.
You can also shift almost simultaneously at the front and at the back. This is actually quite cool and the main reason why I like DT shifters.
Of course, I’d be liar if I tell you that DT shifters have no downsides…they do. But as with anything in life, it’s up to you to decide whether the deal is worth it.
Here are the issues:
1. Instability, Extra Risk
The number one downfall of DT shifters is that you have to move your hand away from the handlebars to shift. As a result, it’s not possible to shift while braking, and every shift reduces stability because you aren’t holding the handlebars with both hands.
Bar-end shifters require the rider to move their hands away from the hoods too, but it’s still possible to shift while holding the handlebars.
This is the main reason why some people stay away from downtube shifters.
Me? I’m used to it.
2. Require Braze-on Bosses or a Clamp
To install downtube shifters, you will need a frame with braze-on bosses on the downtube or a separate clamp with mounts on it.
Bar-end shifters are different. They don’t require braze-on mounts. However, you will still need cable stoppers on the downtube because the most common bar-end shifter set-up uses the following routing schemas:
Front Derailleur
cable housing from the bars/shifter -> cable stopper on the downtube -> cable only to the front derailleur
Rear Derailleur
cable housing from the bars/shifters ->cable stopper on the downtube -> cable only to the cable stopper on the drive-side chainstay ->cable housing to the rear derailleur
3. Visible Shifting
If you’re going to race on downtube shifters, the other contestants will see when you’re making a shift. This will expose your plans to attack.
The same applies to bar-end shifters but to a lesser degree because the shifting motion is shorter.
Obviously, this does no apply to many of you.
Finally, let’s talk about the other possibilities. If were talking about going from DT shifters to STI – the benefits are clear – you can shift and brake at the same time and you don’t have to let go of the handlebars.
That’s massive – for racers.
But when we are comparing DT shifters to bar-ends, the benefits aren’t as….well beneficial.
Here are the pros of bar-end shifters (BE shifters)
1. Safer position
BE shifters are located on the handlebars and do not require you to move your hands away from the bar. The result is faster, less distracting shifting.
That said, some people say that they still have a hard time remaining stable due to the force applied to the handlebar ends when shifting.
2. More Up-to-Date Models
DT shifters are considered a thing of the past whereas bar-end shifters are experiencing a revival thanks to touring and other forms of adventure cycling. Subsequently, many companies (e.g., MicroShift) produce fresh models.
Personally, I couldn’t care less. I have old Suntour DT shifters that are crisp, fast and accurate.
And now some additional cons of
1. More Complex Cable Routing
The technical characteristics of bar-end shifters and their position require you to run cable housing from the handlebars to the downtube.
There are two common routing paths:
- Mid-way exit (before the hooks)
In this case, the housing of the bar-end shifters “exits” through the bar tape mid-way.
- Full install
One could also run cable housing across the entire bar up to the stem. This approach requires longer cable housing and adds bends to the system which result in greater friction and more difficult shifting.
Regardless of the approach, the cockpit cannot be as clean as with downtube shifters.
2. Expensive
BE shifters can cost a lot of money relatively. For example, a decent set could easily be USD 100. For the same amount of cash, plus maybe a little more, you can buy an entire second-hand road bike equipped with DT shifters.
3. Reduced Clearance
The chances of bumping the shifter with your thighs or knees are high. Also, the shifters can easily get scratched or scratch an external object when carrying the bike.
4. Fighting with Other Accessories
BE shifters prevent you from installing other accessories such as a bar-end mirror.
Table Comparison
| DOWNTUBE SHIFTERS | – | BAR-END SHIFTERS | – |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
| Minimalistic cable housing | Instability | Hands stay on the bars | Expensive |
| Neat cockpit | Slower shifting | Newer models | Extra cable housing |
| Easier installation | Great for bullhorn handlebars and aero bars | Not compatible with bar-end mirrors | |
| Cheaper and accessible | “Crowded” cockpit | ||
| Compatible with a bar-end mirror | Can hit the thighs of the rider | ||
| Can be operated with one arm |
Until next time,
Rookie
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