AngelGendy

My STI levers aren't working so I'd like to go with indexed barcons, I see the shimano 8 speeds on a few sites and assume these will work flawlessly. Are there any other options?

Next question, what brake levers? I see some cheap dia-compes (sub-$20) any suggestions?

desertdork

Choices? For indexed barcons for 8-speed Shimano, I'm not sure there will be much in the way of choices. I'd expect them to work just great when installed correctly. Brake lever choices are all over the place. I like Shimano's R400 & 600 levers just fine, though it seems more people like the chunkier Tektro and CC levers.

liquefied

Just to be sure... what's not working with your STI levers? Are they not ratcheting correctly?

AngelGendy

They shift up to the next largest cog then when they re-center the chain follows.

Retro Grouch 

A spray of WD40 followed by a blast of compressed air usually fixes that.

AngelGendy

yeah I may fix them, then sell them, this is the first non friction bike I have had and while I like the indexing of it, I think I like the barcons better....

and I'd like indexed barcons

liquefied

You can most likely fix the shifters with WD40. If they're in good condition you should be able to get at least $50 for them.

FastJake

I have a set of 8-speed Shimano barcons. They work great. As for brake levers, I imagine most any cheap aero lever would be fine. You could go for some old tri-color 600 levers on ebay if you wanted to maintain the Ultegra "group" on the bike. They are nice levers.

bradtx

AG, I have the Ultegra 8S bar ends on the touring bike, be aware that these units won't work properly in index mode if you have a Dura Ace 8S rear derailleur. If you have a dual piviot brake set, the Shimano brake levers will work best.

Brad

AngelGendy

The rear deralleur is also a 600, I'm not at a loss for bikes to ride so I'll look for the 600 levers.

HillRider

I've used both Shimano 105 aero levers and Tektro R200 brake levers on bikes with barend or downtube shifters and far prefer the feel and ergonomics of the Tektros. They mimic the shape of current Campy Ergo levers and are wider and spread out the pressure much better than the older "knife-edge" Shimano shape.

They are also good quality and function very well so don't let the low price put you off.

skijoring

They are decent quality, but usually one crash wonders. Hence the inexpensive price. I also find replacing cables to be not so easy with the Tektros, while leaving the housing in place.

AngelGendy

Wiggle has some sub $20 Dia-compes anyone tried these?

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/dia-compe/road/brake-levers/

Puget Pounder

I vote Tektros. The feel is good and I know people who have had their bike go down and they're still fine.

AngelGendy

I don't crash bikes anymore so I should be fine.....

corkscrew

I have to agree - plus, at least the long pull version of tektro's are mighty comfy if you have larger hands.

HillRider

One more thing about the Tektros, they have a quick release built into them, sort of like Campy levers. If your calipers also have a qr you can really open them WIDE and if they don't the levers provide one.

I have the Tektros on a bike with cantilever brakes and, with the pads set reasonably close to the rims, disconnecting the stradle cable is a fight. The Tektro levers make it a snap.