Switching STIs to and fro with bar end shifters

simbil1
simbil1 Posts: 620
edited May 2008 in Workshop
I'm trying to get one bike that will server for tri/TT and sportive/training rides.

As I understand it, sportives generally won't let you ride with extension bars - correct me if I'm wrong here?

So that leaves me with one bike with 2 bar setups and my question is, is it feasible to switch between the two or will the cables be unmanageable?
http://picasaweb.google.com/thefirstsimbil/Bikes

Comments

  • briank
    briank Posts: 356
    Sounds to me like you need another bike! :wink:

    If not, your best bet is probably to forget about two sets of gear controls: forgo the bar-end shifters. Decent Ergos/STIs don't make it too much of a nuisance to change gear and leave your brake lever- the one you might really want in a hurry - as handy as on a dedicated tri/TT fron end.

    So a pair of good clip-ons would be best, I'd say. Just make sure they're compatible with your bars.
  • simbil1
    simbil1 Posts: 620
    Yes another bike would be ideal :)

    I've already got the clip ons and would like to be able to change gear without reaching over to the STI - more for convenience and comfort than the milliseconds it will add to my times. I guess I was optimistically hoping that cable lengths could be made to match both systems so they could be swapped, but thinking about it that seems unlikely!

    Might be a reason for me to go electronic...
    http://picasaweb.google.com/thefirstsimbil/Bikes
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    simbil1 wrote:
    Might be a reason for me to go electronic...
    There is always that, but another bike will probably be cheaper :roll:
  • andrewgturnbull
    andrewgturnbull Posts: 3,861
    simbil1 wrote:
    Yes another bike would be ideal :)

    I've already got the clip ons and would like to be able to change gear without reaching over to the STI - more for convenience and comfort than the milliseconds it will add to my times. I guess I was optimistically hoping that cable lengths could be made to match both systems so they could be swapped, but thinking about it that seems unlikely!

    Might be a reason for me to go electronic...

    Hi there.

    Even if the cable lengths are about right you'll still have to disconnect everything when you switch over, which means setting up both derailleur's tension settings from scratch every time. Also the brake cables will need adjusting too.

    Having accepted that you'll have to fettle a bit, the best way to do it would be to habe two sets of handlebars - a dropped road set and a set of cowhorns with aero bars. Leave a full set of cables permanently attached to both sets, try not to fray the ends of the cables and re-clamp then in exactly the same place everytime.

    Still a major pain in the a$$, and if you've got your bike set up for road riding the position will be all wrong for time trialling.

    What you need is another bike. You can never have enough...

    Cheers, Andy
    http://www.andyturnbull.co.uk
    http://www.stirlingtri.co.uk
  • simbil1
    simbil1 Posts: 620
    Thanks Andrew - sounds too much of a faff. I think I'll set myself some goals and if I can better them, then I'll get a dedicated TT. It will require me to retire one of my other bikes though to make the space :(
    http://picasaweb.google.com/thefirstsimbil/Bikes

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