Conference noted::bicycle

Bob,

The cables usually comes with the shifter but I don't know if the extra housing
would. You might also need a cable clamp (unless it also comes with teh
shifter)for your down tube since you would be removing your braze on shifters.  
Denpending on how you handlebar tape in wrapped, you might need some new tape
because you will have glue backing all over you tape after you try to rewrap
it.

My advice is not to do it because shimano it will not shift as nice as your
down tube shifter due to the longer cables. If you are going to put some money
on upgrade, have a pair of nice wheels built. 


Dave

    
    RE: Nice wheels - always a good, cost-effective investment.
    
    But as a general rule, I would not discourage moving to bar-end
    shifters on the assumption they wouldn't shift as well.  Else
    why does the higher-priced RB-1 come with ... guess what? ...
    Shimano Ultegra bar-end shifters?
    
    (Dave may know something specific about the combination of bar-ends 
    with 400 EX derailleurs.)
    
    Today's bar-end cable housing is quite robust and by all accounts
    transmits cable movement quite well.  It is a responsive-enough
    set-up that some racers are turning to bar-ends.
    
    -john

    I have Ultegra barcons on my hybrid bike and they shift great.  This is
    with a 12-28 freewheel and 24-40-50 chainwheels.  With tighter racing
    gearing, they should shift even better.
    
    On parts, I know that after-market Sun Tour barcons come with cable
    housing and adapters to convert your braze-on shift lever mounts to
    handle the barcon cables.  I don't remember if they come with the
    cables.  If not, you'll have to get some (get special barcon cables,
    which are longer and braided) for about $5/pair.
    
    Ken
    

    We have bar-end (shimano with Deore XT) on the tandem.  Adjstments
    needed periodically but works fine.  
    
    steve

      Thanks all,
     the Ultegra bar cons are what I have in mind. I'm just not
     sure if they are compatible with the 400EX components. 
      The reason for the interest in bar-ends is out of saddle
     shifting. I seem to be doing it more often on this bike,
     particularly on hills. Can't do it without feeling out of
     control. Maybe a technique problem? I don't know. Any advice
     welcome.
      The old bike was geared more like a touring bike, allowing
     more in the saddle work. Attacking hills more vigorously with
     the new bike too I guess :-)
      Some lighter wheels are in the plans too Dave. But gotta introduce
     these new upgrades slowly! My wife is ready to kill me. Not only
     am I spending money like crazy, but I'm supposed to be remodeling
     the kitchen right about now. Instead, I come home from work and
     hit the road for an hour or so. Can't help it, its been a long
     winter! And I've got this new ride, and I need to get in shape,..
     ...and,....and 
      
      bob          

     >the Ultegra bar cons are what I have in mind. I'm just not
     >sure if they are compatible with the 400EX components. 

     > The reason for the interest in bar-ends is out of saddle
     >shifting. I seem to be doing it more often on this bike,
     >particularly on hills. Can't do it without feeling out of
     >control. Maybe a technique problem? I don't know. Any advice
     >welcome.
     > The old bike was geared more like a touring bike, allowing
     >more in the saddle work. Attacking hills more vigorously with
     >the new bike too I guess :-)

     Bob,

     The Ultegra BC should work with you 400EX. 

     As for climbing the hills. You are more efficient using lower gears and
     stay in the saddle on a long gradual climb and a mixture of in and out 
     of the saddle on a short steep climb. 

     I usually have my hands on the brake hoods or and the top position on a
     climb becuase it open up my lung and I can get more air. Therefore, I
     don't think I would benefit for barcons on a climb. However, on the
     descent or a sprint, it might be a great benefit. 
 
     On a recent article in Velo News, I read that G. Bugino use the 
     STI on a flat course and the down tube shifter on a hilly course.

     But that is just my riding style. I would have to let the bar con riders
     inform you how they attack the hills.

     Dave 

    	I believe you talking about Gianni Bugno?
    
    	Gianni was talking about STI, not barcons?
    
    	There are a few, including Andy Hampsten, who shun the STI systems
    	on mountainous stages, because they are significantly heavier than
    	downtube systems.
    
    	Barcons however, do not weigh as much, although the newest set
    	from Campagnolo is indeed heavier than their downtube levers.
    	(I don't know the weight difference between Campy and Shimano)
    
    	Mine are only 7-speed, (I don't know anyone currently using the
    	Campagnolo 8-speed bar-end shift levers) and are capable of both
    	index and friction modes.

      Re -1
     How do you like this set up? Do you find it easier to shift out of the
    saddle? 
     Are they the shimano ultegra barcons? Do you find they stay in
    adjustment reasonably well? 
     bob                         

    	Re -.1
    
    	They are of the Campy variety, 7-speed.
    
    	I'm unable to help you out. I never shift while standing.
    	Needless to say I'm no racer, by any means.
    
    	But I do like them, very much, if that helps you at all.
    
    	Very slight adjustment problems, cable stretch has been reduced
    	a tad, but otherwise satisfactory.
    
    	I would recommend trying out a set before purchasing.
    
    	BTW, they are much less expensive than Ergopower. I bought the
    	the setup from Bike Nashbar this past christmas. The barcons and
    	the C-record rear derailleur were on sale.
    
    	About $36 for the barcons, and $119 for the C-record changer.
    
    	Worthwhile investment, for me anyway.
    						Regards...

        Re: .7
    	                                                   
    	>there are a few, including Andy Hampsten, who shun the STI systems
    	>on mountainous stages, because they are significantly heavier than
    	>downtube systems.
    
    	>Barcons however, do not weigh as much, although the newest set
    	>from Campagnolo is indeed heavier than their downtube levers.
    	>(I don't know the weight difference between Campy and Shimano)
    
    	I know weight was the main reason why they when back to the STI but
        I was make a comparison between shifting on the handlebar (STI or 
        barcon) style verses the down tube style while climbing a hill. 
        Bob had indicated that the main reason why he want to convert was
        because he wanted to shift while going up hill. I just pointed out
        that I am not usually on the bottom parrt of the handlebars (where 
        the barcons are) while climbing. This is why I suggest he should 
        keep his down tube shifter. You indicated youself that you do not 
        shift while standing. I just wahted to point out that the main
        advantage for bar cons is if you are carry heavy load (touring pack,
        etc..) and fast pace riding where your hands are mostly near the bar 
        ends. There might be even more advantages but you bar con riders will
        have add to this.

        dave

        

    	Dave and all others...
    
    	Be checking the latest BIKE NASHBAR catalog!!
    
    	Catalog #82 / late spring '92, has the Campagnolo bar-end shift
    	levers on sale!!!
    
    	These are the 8-speed index compatible set weighing in at 195 gms.
    
    	They're listed at $29.88 !!!!!!
    
    	I paid MORE than that for my 7-speed Campy bar-cons!!!
    
    					Send my regards to Arnie...