Originally Posted by
Caleab
All you folks riding a CrossCheck...
I got a question. I'm in that (as someone stated in another thread) "selection paralysis" phase of hunting for a new bike.
I've looked at a few bikes that have the barend shifters (like the CC, another being the Masi Speciale Randonneur
http://www.masibikes.com/tab4_subNav2.php )
How do the barend shifters work during in-town commutes? I'm concerned that I would be driving single handed most of the time (I feel like I usually shift alot to keep cadence).
I don't have a CC, but I do have bar-end shifters, and I love them. They do take a bit of getting used to, though. I shift a lot, too, due to my hilly commute, and I've noticed that if you hold on to the end of the bar while you're shifting, you still have a lot of control, and still get to shift pretty much at will. Also, get used to the friction shifting mode; it requires a lot less maintenance than indexed, and, once you become accustomed to it, allows for more efficient and nuanced shifting.