Gear ratio- compact- hill climb question (long)

[DebW]

I've used both downtube and bar end shifters, so I'll try to describe the comparison. If you're running both as friction shifters, the mechanics and function are pretty much the same - both provide a direct linkage to the FD. But bar ends need longer cables with more bends so your shifts will be a bit slower. Bar ends use your last 2 fingers to operate and put your arm in an awkward position IMO. DTs use your thumb-index finger on the lever though the shift is actually done with arm and wrist motion, which is strong and won't fatigue easily. DTs require that your hand has to leave the bars to shift, so on occassion you'll have to delay a shift due to bumpy roads. That's generally not an issue (unless you are racing). If you were happy with bar ends, you could probably be happy with DTs as well. You'd save a little weight with DTs over bar ends and have fewer cable failures. Either should work well for you, so maybe your comfort is the best guide.

[Veronica]

I've never used down tube shifters. But I love my bar end shifters. And I haven't had any of the problems Deb described with them. Plus by using bar ends or DTs you can mix up your gear. It doesn't all have to be Campy or Shimano.

V.

[emily_in_nc]

I've used Ultegra 9-speed triples (30-42-52) on two road bikes, both bought new. One had STI shifting, the other bar-end. The STI bike was always somewhat difficult to shift up in front (especially to the big ring), despite numerous adjustments. It seemed to get out of adjustment easily, and the most common problem was an inability to get it to shift to the big ring, or it would shift up but drop back down. The bike with the bar-end shifters works great to shift in the front. Never a problem at all.

I have another bike with a compact double (34-50) and Campy Chorus 13-29 in the back. I have been very happy with this setup; it's worlds better than the Ultegra STI. There were a couple of times on long rides, though, where my forearm or hand got tired enough that I had a hard time manipulating the lever to shift up, but that only happened at the end of rides, so it was not the shifting; it was me. It does take more hand strength than bar-ends but is distinctly better than the STI triple.

All just my experiences... good luck making your choice!

Emily

[Fredwina]

my experience with SIT triple is that they are more finicky. i.e. A Clean chain / chainring will shift cleanly, but the slightest bit of dirt will have you frustrated.

[anakiwa]

I have another bike with a compact double (34-50) and Campy Chorus 13-29 in the back. I have been very happy with this setup; it's worlds better than the Ultegra STI. There were a couple of times on long rides, though, where my forearm or hand got tired enough that I had a hard time manipulating the lever to shift up, but that only happened at the end of rides, so it was not the shifting; it was me. It does take more hand strength than bar-ends but is distinctly better than the STI triple.
Emily

Did this bike have downtube shifters?

Thanks for your thoughts everyone.

Just to clarify- I don't do any real road racing. I do a few triathlons every year and a low-key local time trial series (using a bike with an aero set-up, not the road bike I'm looking into replacing). The only other bike race I did last year was the hill climb race- but as I mentioned in the original post I really liked it and want to be able to do that sort of thing again.

I'm still wondering about the comfort of the downtube shifters? Is it a much longer reach than the bar end shifters? I suppose I could try the downtube shifter and if I don't like it, it should be easy to switch to a bar end shifter.

I know I'm getting really off the original subject, but does anyone have any experience with shimano's short reach STI shifter (ST-R700). I'm thinking of the rear derailler now. Does the short reach one shift as well as the ultegra? Or would I be better off with the ultegra and a shim. I have small hands and would really like to do the short reach one, but on shimano's website the instructions for the R700 are grouped with the 105, making me wonder if it would shift as well.

[SadieKate]

I can only compare STI short reach (same as Ultegra at least until last year) and Campy Chorus triples. Campy is easy, clean, fast and accurate - and not finicky. Ultegra? Well, let's just say it only stayed on my bike about 6 mos.

Think carefully about downtube shifters. I am not slamming the technology but you'd be setting up a bike with older technology and harder to find components that could be hard to support. You might need to be the one with the knowledge for what to use and how to maintain. Some people just want to drop off the bike at the shop and pick it up when it's ready. Not every shop has superb mechanics that will know how to work on anything you want. Sometimes the mechanic is a highschool kid that doesn't know anything about older parts or have the interest in working on something that doesn't look like the bling of the future.

Does the new bike have triple compatible levers already?

BTW, I swap cassettes all the time but I'm not racing. I just live with the long cage derailleur and chain.

[anakiwa]

Does the new bike have triple compatible levers already?.

The new bike doesn't exist yet. The plan is to put in an order for a custom bike this winter so I can have it in the spring. So I can basically put together whatever combo I want.

Since all the bikes I have use Shimano, I'd lilke to try to stay with Shimano compatible parts- you guys sure seem to like Campy though.

[Velobambina]

My 'cross bike has campy chorus components with the compact double crank. My Bianchi also has campy while my other bikes have shimano. The campy components are so much nicer--easier, smoother shifting and when I have to trim, much more precise. Campy hoods/shifters/brake levers seem to fit my small hands better, too. Eventually, I will swap out the shimano components on my Luna Eclipse for campy. If you're going custom, I vote for campy.