Bike Friday/Shifters

[Blueberry]

So...I've taken the plunge and ordered a Bike Friday! Test rode one locally and was hooked! I have a "promise date" of 9/18. Now comes the hard part - specing the bike.

I've decided for sure on drop bars (though briefly about H-bars, but I really like many hand positions). I'm between the New World Tourist and the Crusoe (I want 406 wheels and V-Brakes for greater clearance). I'm getting 2 wheel sets (one for touring/wider tires) and one for fast(er) riding. I'm debating about what I perceive as increased durability and 3 lbs heavier versus nice and light and about $300 more.... Decisions, decisions.

However, I did want to solicit feedback on shifters. I've been riding STI and (with a few issues getting in the outer range) like it a lot. However, I'm considering bar cons for issues of reliability and field maintenance (not to mention that I'm sure the folding process doesn't help with regard to adjustment issues). Has anyone made the switch from STI to Barcons? How hard was it? How long did it take you to get used to it? Did you end up going back?

Any and all opinions welcome! I have to make a final decision by the end of the week!

Carrie Anne

[DeniseGoldberg]

I have STIs on both of my Bike Fridays, and they haven't been any problem at all. I have bar end shifters on my other touring bike, and you're right - those are more bomb-proof. But I definitely have to remember which bike I'm riding when I go to shift.

My advice is to get whichever shifters you think will make you more comfortable. (Yes, I know, that doesn't help!)

Congrats on your new ride!

--- Denise

[DebW]

Carrie Anne, have you ever used any kind of friction shifters? Are you most concerned about the lever position or the indexing/friction difference? I've never used STIs so can't help you regarding that transition. I use downtube friction shifters, once moved to barcons and then back to downtube shifters. I found downtube shifters to operate quicker, be more trouble-free, and provide a more natural hand position than barcons. Veronica is a barcon user and will have lots of good things to say about them. Someone here (SK?) just switched a bike from barcons to Ergo levers.

[Blueberry]

It's mostly the position I'm concerned about. Apparently (when in adjustment) the barcons I'm looking at click. You have friction as a back up mode. Long ago, I did not like downtube shifters (but I had a bike that didn't fit well, etc, etc), so who knows whether it was the bike or the shifters or what. It was the position, not the shifters themselves (I belive they had a click mechanism also).

Added bonus from barcons - apparently you don't have to use a "rollamajig" on the brakes - something that gave me never ending fits on my Cannondale touring bike until I had new brakes put on.

Decisions, decisions!

So now...thoughts on the NWT v. the Crusoe?

Also, any recommendations for suspension seatpost? I'm not sure I *need* one, but I have a friend with a Friday who has a Nashbar suspended which is quite nice

Denise- Thank you for answering all my questions on Bike Fridays - it's amazing how helpful Friday owners are as a group!

[SadieKate]

Yes, that was me that got rid of the barcons.

Go down to your LBS and test ride a bike with barcons. I think Bianchi and Fuji each have touring bikes with barcons. It is a personal preference. I dislike them. With my small hands, it is very difficult to shift the front der and hold a line. I can shift far faster with Ergo which makes rollers a heck of a lot more fun. I've nearly slammed into the back of somone on a sudden swoopy uphill who used barcons because I could shift faster and use the momentum of my downhill speed. But, some folks don't care about that ability.

It really comes down to preference. The rollamajig - is that so your STI levers will pulled a cantilever brake? What kind of brakes are you planning to use?

I have a USE suspension post on the tandem and love it. Not horribly heavy and low maintenance but I'm not sure why you'd want it on a single bike. I guess it would be good for back problems just to even out the bumps a bit.

[DeniseGoldberg]

Are you planning to tour with the trailer, or will you be hauling everything on your bike? My own instinct would be to go with the lighter bike, especially if you're planning to ride it unloaded too - but I think that goes along with my habit of pulling the trailer (if I fly to my tour, or if I'm doing a camping trip) or using my smaller front panniers on the rear rack, trying to carry as little gear as possible.

Another factor is probably the types of roads you think you'll be traversing. Rougher roads (to me) implies that you might be happier with the heavier bike.

--- Denise

[Triskeliongirl]

I had a pocket rocket pro, which I used for either touring by putting 1.35" wide primo comet kevlar tires, or fast club riding by using 28mm wide schwalbe stevios or 26mm wide primo comet kevlars (but I didn't need 2 wheelsets, just swapped tires). The advantage of the pocket bikes is they use side pull brakes that work well with sti shifters. If you want both a front and rear rack, you could go with a stright pocket rocket. Ask how much weight you plus your stuff is. The PRP I had was rated to 190 lb so it was fine for me plus a loaded rear rack. My husband has a NWT with V-brakes and sti shifters and rollamajigs, and rides it less and less due to its heavy weight and sloppy braking. Emily on this list rides a petite crusoe with bar end shifters and is very happy with it. Perhaps she will chime in on this one. You could also try posting to the YAK list at the BF website, lots of helpful folks.

[emily_in_nc]

CA ~ I do indeed have a Pocket Crusoe with bar-cons and love it. I have used STI, Campy Ergopower shifters, barcons, and now rapid-fire shifters on mtbs. My least favorite are STI. I really like barcons. Would not want them for super fast rides where I need to hang on for dear life, but for touring and utility rides, as well as more laid back club rides, they work perfectly for me. I never have any problems whatsoever shifting in front as I did with STI. This setup was recommended to me by Walter at Bike Friday since I too wanted 406 wheels and mountain brakes.

PM me if you have more specific questions as I gotta run to work now so am in a huge rush, but did want to chime in!!

Emily