Bar End Shifters

[vkai]

I wasn't sure where else to put this, but I haven't been riding long, so this seemed a safe place. Can anyone tell me how bar end shifters are used? I can't seem to find a demo or written instructions anyway.

Thanks!

[tulip]

Bar end shifters shift the derailleur cables (front and back, depending on the shifter). They are just another way to shift gears. Shifting gears involves moving the cable that moves the derailleur that moves the chain. Bar end shifters are very straightforward and easy to use and understand. There's nothing hidden, like in integrated shifters.

Perhaps I don't understand your question. The best way to understand them is to try them out. Or if you don't want to do that, go into your friendly, local bike shop and try it out on the workstand.

[malkin]

One side will operate the front derailleur and the other side the back.

Maybe this will help ?:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/upgrade-gears.html

[malkin]

Here is a really, really long version of what Tulip said:

http://home.comcast.net/~pinnah/dirtbag-bikes/rants/shifters.txt

[Zen]

Shifters that go on the end of your bars
Sheldon Brown RIP (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/upgrade-gears.html)