Bar End Gear Levers - advantages?

[al_yrpal]

Bar ends are far more convenient to reach than downtube levers - period…

Al

[reohn2]

Bar ends are far more convenient to reach than downtube levers - period…

Al

I have to beg to differ,there's not much in it between the two IME unless riding on the drops.
However what beats them both hands down(sorry)is Kelly T/Offs (see the skinflints thread for other diy equivelants).Levers next to the hoods and easily reached from the all the usual hand positions without much of a problem.
Of course you have to have 'washing lines' with Kelly's which wouldn't suit MickF.

[BigG]

I have never understood the advantages of bar-end levers over downtube ones. The additional cabling adds further imprecision to the change (probably important for 11 speeds) and the lever itself is on a less stable platform. My own preference is for Kelly take-offs with downtube levers - or of course sti units. I, and I think most of us, ride mainly on the tops or the brake hoods. Reaching for the bar-ends is no easier from there than reaching to the downtube.

[Spinners]

Been using them for a few months now and I finally found a disadvantage this morning when I trapped that fleshy piece of skin between thumb and forefinger yelp!

[reohn2]

Been using them for a few months now and I finally found a disadvantage this morning when I trapped that fleshy piece of skin between thumb and forefinger yelp!

Ah! so you've not caught your knee on an extended one yet,another painful experience .

[MartinC]

Well, no-one else has mentioned this so I will. To me the big difference between DT and BE is that you can use BE's whilst keeping a 2 handed grip on the handlebars.

[Oceanic]

Well, no-one else has mentioned this so I will. To me the big difference between DT and BE is that you can use BE's whilst keeping a 2 handed grip on the handlebars.

Change down tube shifters with both hands on the bars? Which bit of your anatomy do you push the lever with?

I'm not sure mine would reach.

[Bicycler]

Well, no-one else has mentioned this so I will. To me the big difference between DT and BE is that you can use BE's whilst keeping a 2 handed grip on the handlebars.

Change down tube shifters with both hands on the bars? Which bit of your anatomy do you push the lever with?

Eh?

[Oceanic]

Well, no-one else has mentioned this so I will. To me the big difference between DT and BE is that you can use BE's whilst keeping a 2 handed grip on the handlebars.

Change down tube shifters with both hands on the bars? Which bit of your anatomy do you push the lever with?

Eh?

Oh, I misread Martin's post. Eats humble pie...

[[XAP]Bob]

Change down tube shifters with both hands on the bars? Which bit of your anatomy do you push the lever with?

Eh?

Oh, I misread Martin's post. Eats humble pie...[/quote]
Or just use your knees

[Mick F]

Well, no-one else has mentioned this so I will. To me the big difference between DT and BE is that you can use BE's whilst keeping a 2 handed grip on the handlebars.

This is the single most biggest best advantage that I've read. Thank you Martin.

When I was using DT levers, I invariably used my right hand to do either/both levers. It was a rare thing for me to use my left hand .............. or any other part of my anatomy!