Dura-Ace 9 speed bar end shifters

Steve I

I've just bought a pair of Dura-Ace SL-BS77 9 speed bar end shifters. In the instructions it states that they cannot be used with any rear derailleur other than the Dura-Ace. Does anyone know why they would only work with the DA rear mech and if they'll work with other rear mechs, specifically a Tiagra.

andy_wrx

Does it simply say only-with-a-DA-rear-mech, or only with a specific model of DA rear mech ?

The early (pre-1997) DA had a different cable pull ratio.
Post 1997, they changed it and it's the same as as all other Shimano, from Sora thru Tiagra, 105, Ultegra, DA.

I wouldn't be surprised if the bar end shifters sell in such small quantities that the leaftet they produced in 1997 hasn't been edited in the 11 years since, so they're really meaning that you can only use it with the later version of DA (97-on) not with pre-97 DA, and they'll be fine with a more modern Tiagra rear mech

I've Googled around for SL-BS77 and found shops selling them with descriptions like
"Fully compatible with Mega9 precision 9-speed drivetrain", which includes all Shimano 9sp road stuff.

eg SJS
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-Shim ... rame-stops)-9-speed-400.htm
- where they have a 'matching products you might like' cross-sell featuing....a Tiagra GS4500 rear mech !

Steve I

Thanks Andy, I was just looking on Sheldon Brown, and briefly, he says exactly the same as you, all Shimano 9 speed rear mechs and shifters are compatible whether down tube, bar end or STI.

Garybee

Yep, no need to worry. I've got D/A bar-end shifters and a 105 rear mech on my TT bike. Couldn't see what the extra money was getting me.