Originally Posted by
Tourist in MSN
But if I toured with a brifter on a several thousand mile long tour, I might consider a spare friction thumb shifter that can clamp onto a handlebar, I would probably do that instead of a bar end shifter.
Yeah, the friction thumb shifter is probably a good choice for a spare. Since I generally travel alone these days, taking a day or a few days off waiting for a part is possible and I could even have something sent from home. So I'll probably never actually bother carrying a spare.
I have to wonder how hard it usually is to just get a replacement brifter shipped next day. Personally I wouldn't mind buying the pair when I needed one or over paying a little to get one to finish a multi week or multi month tour.