Shimano RD-M772 (Shadow) and 9 speed bar ends - Is it a no go?
 

I've got a Shimano Deore XT "shadow" long cage headed my way (RD-M772). It's mated with a SRAM PG970 9 speed cassette.

I was planning to order 9 speed shimano bar end shifters at some point (or maybe the sun-race version??). Unfortunately, someone had told me that this particular derailleur will only work correctly with rapid-fire shifters and that bar-ends are a no go. Shimano literature seems to back this up.

So has anyone tried something similar? I feel I am a pretty competent mechanic, so I don't mind having to mess around a bit.

I think you have a 9 speed mtn rd, so in theory it should work fine with those shifters. However, a friend was told recently, by an LBS mechanic we trust, that the shadow versions work less well than the others. Apparently he discussed this with Shimano. If I had a choice, I would use the non shadow.

Will work fine.

shadow's work fine. they are finicky with the b screw adjustment. if not done right it will shift like crap

Well, that might be enough for me to just buy the shifters and find out for myself. I just wanted to make sure the answer wasn't an absolute no. I've already got the derailleur, so I am locked in with that choice for now.

For the record, I have used 8 speed STIs with a 7 speed HG cassette before. That shifting wasn't 100% perfect all the time, but it was good enough to satisfy me.