Shimano SL-BS79 Dura Ace Double Bar End Shifters (10-Speed)

I like bar end shifters for the reliability aspects. At some point all of my other shifters have failed me on a ride. Let's face it. If you ride enough, things eventually wear out. Down tube and bar end shifters are simplistic in their mechanical function. About the only thing that may fail is the indexing. But even then you can still shift and ride. Pop a spring on a set of STIs and you're down to 2 speeds all the way home.

I've owned both the 8-speed and 9-speed versions of Shimano's bar-end shifters before and always enjoyed them. These new 10-speed versions are the same outstanding quality you would expect from Shimano. They install easily (seriously, those previous reviews are a bit hilarious) and function perfectly. There is one important difference between these new 10-speed bar-ends and the previous 8 and 9-speed versions; the 10-speed rear shifter is INDEXED ONLY, there is no friction mode for the rear shifter. Front shifter is friction-only just like all the past versions.

Shifters are awesome. No more reaching back to shift while in aero position. Left shifter is friction only, and works with 2 or 3 speed. Right shifter is index only, and I love them.

I snapped my left shifter in a minor accident & needed to replace it. This did the trick!

SL-BS78 had a friction option. Current, 9-speed Dura Ace bar con retains a friction option. However, be advised that feature does not exist as to rear derailleur shifting in this model, only as to front chainring. Friction options include used SL-BS78, and among new, Microshift as well as Dia Compe. I was not well-pleased with Dia Compe ENE machining, in that one shifter had an imprecise fit; would recommend Microshift, but went with NOS SL-BS78. To me, an indexed bar con somewhat defeats the purpose.

The cost of integrated shifters was at least two times more (for Shimano brand, more than three times), and I really like the retro look of the bar end shifters for my 1991 Specialized. The installation was simple and they work flawlessly. Going from friction down tube shifters to indexed bar end encourages me to shift more often and is much safer than reaching down. Plus, I now have a Dura Ace component on the old bike!

The instructions provided by Shimano for the DA BS79 bar end shifters tell you nothing about which way round they should go, or how to fully install with cables, tensioned, indexing for front and rear derailleurs. The front(?) shifter fell apart during assembly. I only eventually twigged that this was the front shifter when I realized it was friction and the other one was indexed. But this is the fatter one of the two and the instructions say the fatter one goes on the right bar, for the rear derailleur. That's what you'd think was the intuitive way . . . but it isn't.Once they've fallen apart there is a variety of ways to mix and mismatch them, and you would think either the instructions or the website would have abundant troubleshooting advice, but silence reigns from both quarters.If you like mystery and adventure in installing advanced technical equipment then do buy them. If you want intuitive, or detailed step-by-step instructions with troubleshooting advice then try some other product.

The kit is very complete, and makes it easy to set up your aero bars with accurate and easy to use bar end shifters.