Shimano Ultegra BS64 Bar End Shifter

What a bargain

The shifters are a solid and slender Shimano product and the kit comes with cables, housing, and down-tube cable adjusters that make up a third of the kit cost. I ran the cable/housing directly to adjusters without any bar tape wrap for less friction. Also trimming 1/4 inch off the end of the bars keeps things compact. It is important to read the sticker stating that they are "not compatible with Dura-Ace derailleurs" if you want the 8 speed SIS to work. I had to retire an "Integrated SIS" Dura-Ace that came on my RB-1 because the middle gears would not index correctly. I just installed a 35 dollar Sora and everything works great with a new SRAM 11-30 8 speed cogset.

Pros: Expensive cables and housing included.

Cons: Index shifting does not work with classic Dura-Ace rear derailleurs.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: April 23, 2013
Reviewed by: sean g., New Mexico

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exceptional

first of all...great shimano quality.
you get cables, housing, and a ton of stuff with the shifters, so that it's really a bargain.
8 speeds are even more than most people need.
using as bar ends. pods alone are 2/3 of the price...last forever

Pros: quality, price, feel, friction-indexed option for R shifter...very cool detail

Cons: nothing

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: May 06, 2012
Reviewed by: Jeff P., Oregon

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I hope they never stop making these

What else are you going to use on your cross bike?

These shifters with the Tektro v-brake compatible road levers make for a killer setup.


Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: January 12, 2012
Reviewed by: Joshua T., Virginia

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Cheap, reliable

Compared to other shifter options, these are pretty cheap and very reliable. I use them on Salsa Woodchipper bars (dirt drop) and I like how convenient it is to shift while in the drops. Easy to install.

Pros: Friction options for when your rear mech gets messed up.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: June 01, 2011
Reviewed by: Tom B., PDX

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I used these with tandem length cabling, so I could completely cover with bar wrap on some On-one midge (dirt drop) bars.

I think the added length and curving of my housing affected the indexing. Over time it got more difficult to index shift, so I just went friction 100%.

It was on a heavy touring style bike that I commuted on during the winter, so I wasn't terribly concerned about performance.

These work well and are durable, I just wish they were cheaper. They are very practical for a variety of restoration projects.

Pros: The fail-over to friction mode just might save your bacon on a tour or anytime you are away from your tools.

Cons: Lever covers can come loose. I glued mine on. Not recommended for dirt drop, or moustache bars if you frequently lean your bike against walls, or lay down on pavement.



Would Buy Again: No
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: October 01, 2010
Reviewed by: Sean Y., Washington

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Excellent quality and the indexed rear shifting works flawlessly. A great choice for touring or commuter bikes where dependable shifters are what you need.

Pros: dependable

Cons: none

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: September 15, 2010
Reviewed by: Colin K., Virginia

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