The Last Shifter You'll Ever Have to Buy

Testing out the collab prototype bar end shifter on 2x and 1x systems.
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[@CraigEngstrom1]

Russ is on the cutting edge of the bike industry for the everyday cyclist. Make it happen!

[@fartlord5000]

This is definitely not cutting edge. It’s a friction shifter with a ratchet. It’s a step backwards with a quirk. Gevenalle already made drop bar friction shifters.

[@justin10054]

I am definitely interested in these shifters and I would 100% buy a set as soon as they hit the market even though I don't have an immediate need for them. The existence of these shifters would create an ecosystem in which we could easily experiment with drivetrain components.

[@simonlynch4204]

In an industry where nothing is compatible, having ONE shifter able to do anything is a breath of fresh air and there is totally a market for this. Getting a nice steel bike with both mullet setup on one set of gravel wheels then swaping the cranks for a 2x for touring... Genius. Get it done!

[@scottatkins8381]

Make this happen Russ! I'm with you and will buy!

[@MelvinHughesatp]

Me too!

[@kimkrimson]

Especially on long bike packing trips this is so awesome. All the gunk and wear always messes up my shifting after a week. Thank you Russ for successfully pitching this to the industry for your people

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Stoked to see you getting involved with product development Russ. You offer lots of insights that could help cyclists transcend the limitations of nichey component groups. Go forth!! And thanks to Soma and Dia Comp for being innovative here!

[@markwilkinson3903]

Straight up WANT THIS. Following you through the cave of bad ideas, you've converted me from "stick with what came bolted to the machine" to "Why wouldn't I do it this way"

[@scotterbrains]

Absolutely interested... and just as much into a thummee! Especially w/a clamp to fit either flat and/or top of drop bars. So simple bar switches on cable-braked bikes without touching tape/grips. I'll buy 'em yesterday!

[@paulkoller8104]

I like that it has enough cable pull for the future when we have 17 speed cassettes.

[@knife1406]

thanks for using your bike knowledge for something like this. I'll be getting one for sure for my humble dream build once I get that going.

[@puffinpaladin6329]

I am super into this idea. I am starting on my friction shift journey and having the flexibility of this set up will make the transition even easier. If diacompe could also bring this out in the UK that would be awesome

[@mshowers5246]

Absolutely - this is both future proofed and past proofed! Finally - something to help all us vintage fans who want to modernize a few favorite rides! I WANT IT!

[@decentdiversions]

Quick Russ, patent this! Truly amazing and glad to see your passion and time investment translating to product development. Hopefully this works out as it will extend the life of older drive trains too. Bravo and congrats on breaking 150k subs too!

[@jabrobbins]

Love it! I ran a microshift 12 speed bar end with SRAM Eagle and 11 sped Shimano in friction. The addition of the small indexing sounds great!

[@derekhobbs1102]

I'm glad you clarified the road vs MTB compatibility, as I recently fitted a Deore rear derailleur to my 8 speed road bike, and assumed it wasn't going to play nice, but it did.

[@markpeterson8978]

Great job Sir. I love the direction. I am an avid fan of friction shifting, almost all my 30 bicycles have it. I am also a rabbid fan of Paul Components specifically the thumbies. I am ok being stuck at 10 speeds with the Paul's thumbies but I kinda wish there was more compatibility between things. So compatibility is my two cents. Great job on the channel, I love almost everything you guys put out, Cheers! - M

[@WickedLiving]

Absolutely fantastic. I came in at the right time to witness the awfulness of incompatible parts but also possibly the solution to this whole thing. I am mega sold on friction shifters now.

[@everettparson4401]

I am definitely interested, thanks for making this happen Russ!

[@brighamfacer3963]

This is amazing! Nice work man! Thanks for all the effort you’ve put in to finding a drive for something the bike community was missing.

[@briand8862]

Love this! Definitely interested in more thumb shifter variety for it!

[@jameskelly827]

Sounds great to me. I've had bar-end friction shifters on my touring bikes for many years. The Uno shifter would let me consider whole new categories of drivetrain options that I've wanted to try for a long time but have never quite been able to. Thanks for thinking of trying to get something like the Uno into the market and for coming this far towards making it happen.

[@shannonlehmann9632]

Longtime watcher first time commenter here. I Also a long time friction aficionado. All about this product and I want to help you build the steam to shift state of the industry Russ. Pun intended. Honestly, you have impeccable timing as I am closer than ever to swapping the flats on the troll to drops and friction. Let me reiterate for emphasis. I CANT WAIT FOR THIS SHIFTER TO LAND IN MY LOCAL BIKE SHOP or MY MAILBOX! Bravo RUSS

[@matthewsponseller]

Definitely interested, and would probably buy at least one. Thanks Russ for your efforts and persistence toward drivetrain compatibility!

[@kirkrobertson2099]

Thank you! Looks like an answer for some of us. Nice to find ways through the haze of the market. Thank you for making the time. Love your content and passion. Kirk in AZ

[@AgencyScum]

I've run a friction bar end once as an experiment on your channel's suggestion and LOVED it. I was deeply disturbed, as an index fundanmentalist, and now feel inexorably drawn to throwing Campagnolo wheels into my Shimano roadie set up. I can currently bodge left hand ( friction ) spare shifters into my 1X drivetrains but a Soma 12 ( and maybe 13? ) future-friendly bar end would be a VERY DESIREABLE THING.

[@nmcheese]

Interesting project! I usually run the Microshift bar ends, but I'd definitely buy an Uno or two to try out the micro-ratchet style on a couple bikes.

[@adri_gravel_dude]

This is awesome Russ : having this kind of ideas, showing people there are other ways around this compatibility mess and now this... If it happens it would go beyond just making videos and would be incredible! I don't know if I would be confortable with a bar-end shifter though 🤔 maybe I should look for a cheap but not too crappy one to try it out with my 9-speed sora commuter.

[@viivirre3088]

I rarely comment, but I have followed your channel with great interest for a little while now. I am very pleased to see some people promoting cycling the way you do, it seems like "we" are the silent majority, but it is good to have a voice! All that to say I am very interested in that prototype and very supportive for all kind of initiative promoting reliance over spécialisation. Well done ! I hope this will be available in Europe though? Thanks and keep going with the good job on a party pace!

[@where2then]

The easiest hack is to file the shifter pod as you mentioned, done many times successfully. Only issue I have with it is that the shifter ends up pointing nearly vertical reaching the lowest/biggest gear. It's nice to see that this UNO shifter is still pointing out flat in the lowest/biggest gear.

[@christopherwinstone434]

Well Done Russ! Yes I’m definitely in if this can go to market. This would make things so much easier 👍🏼

[@matthewshultz8762]

This is awesome, 12 speed 1x mountain range on a drop bar is something we DESPERATELY need. This would even allow a 2x12 setup to get a super low range, or not have to use a crazy 50T rear, or just get better gear ratios throughout the range. I'm about to ditch my BMC and get a steel frame to start the chaos.

[@ianRichter21]

Would love this! Seems like the ideal tool for the power of friction!!! Have them make an after market thumbie too seems like the design is already there.

[@oliverjuhas]

Oh wow, just what I need! Great job! Hope it's gonna be available in Europe too.

[@acbarnard]

This is very cool, and I’m always glad to see new parts made available for those of us outside of the mainstream. That said, I most likely won’t ever move from 2x9 or 3x9 drivetrains unless forced to, so it’s unlikely I’d have a need for this shifter.

[@jon6346]

I was thinking that, but then I thought why not a 2x with a not-gigantic-but-still bigger-than-36t 12-cog rear? With much closer jumps? I'll spend the rest of the day doing gear-8nch numbers dannit

[@davidspaulding8119]

Super interested for my own and custom builds. Thanks Russ!

[@jeffandersen6233]

I like silver shiny bits too and well functioning mechanicals. Those Diacomp shifters with the more ergonomic lever of the Rivendell would be terrific. Cudos on making things happen for people who like too ride.

[@katinachoovanski7691]

Yes please! Bar ends are my favorite kind of shifter. Been running 8 speeders on my vintage touring bike but would love to put a new derailleur and bigger cassette on it.

[@lenkomsa1399]

I’ll buy two of these as soon as they are available. Currently using Riv silver shifter with 11 to 36 cassette, 105 rear derailleur

[@billromano5844]

Yes, definitely interested and will buy if/when this comes to market! Thanks Russ!!!

[@JohnPilling25]

Great - I'm glad that this idea is being taken up - the ratchet is so important especially with the clutch derailleurs even though I don't go above 10 speeds as the thinner chains wear so quickly.

[@peppermintp2610]

Very cool Russ! Congrats on arranging a prototype. This is a product I could get behind, and I think it is awesome that you could influence industry to consider the needs of the rest of us. Keep up the influencing. ;-)

[@rnotinmen9775]

I‘m in!! My gravel Bike Friday will love it! Thanks.

[@r.h.industriespresents2782]

Definitely want. Would love to be able to open up options for my tour bike builds.

[@generalshenanigans15]

I can't wait for this to be released, will definitely be looking to use this on my next build

[@bertb3731]

pretty cool Russ - I enjoy all your innovations

[@owltown27]

Yes! A light ratchet improves the friction shifting. Also agree that a Riv-like lever would be nice,

[@Flatmint911]

Nice one Russ ! I want some for 7 or 9 speed transmission . The changes would be sooooo quick slick .

[@svgs650r]

Fantastic execution of a very handy part!

[@stevemcqueen7]

This is fantastic and I will absolutely but a set when it becomes available!

[@jamesrosar3823]

Bonkies, Russ! Your collab with a manufacturer to make production possible is a breakthrough! Just to mention it, another benefit of a larger shift pulley will be to lessen cable breakage at the shifter due to all previous shifters having too tight a flex radius for the cable diameter. Thank you for your representation of an underserved market segment you are helping to define.

[@Blake4216]

I diggin it! Would love to use with a mullet setup on a vintage road

[@harrisbechtol5905]

This will be going on my next build. Awesome!

[@ColemanQuinley]

Yes make this happen, great work Russ! Really weird we don't already have a product like this.

[@crimsondiesel9929]

Hell yes! It only makes sense to have a simple option that works for everything. Hopefully it can be produced in enough quantity to keep the price down. Good stuff!

[@keithbasham2413]

Love it. I dig what you are you doing. The industry has its cussing our tail. 😊

[@davetbassbos]

Very cool that this is focused on compatibility! Now someone needs to bring back the v-brake.

[@dibujosgroovies6606]

Excited 4 this! if possible develop a black version as well. Although silver bits are beautiful when all your components are black it would be nice to keep the theme going,

[@davidross8233]

I’ve been on friction for a couple of weeks now and it’s been great. I’m running an Uno with a 1x Deore setup. It took me a little while to get used to it. It’s super easy to shift to a smaller cog but it took me a while to learn to do decent shifts to a larger cog. Makes sense because the derailleur is always pulling toward smaller cogs. I finally figured out that, if I’m shifting to a larger cog, I need to give the shifter a very slight bump after I feel the chain shift to the next cog. It’s become second nature and it’s working great.

[@90041hood]

super duper cool! Can't wait to get one or two! thanks Russ!!!

[@MattFisher70]

Russ, I’m in. Would buy immediately. Mounting it to a Gevenalle brifter would be very cool and useful.

[@raysmith9324]

Just in time?!My wife and I we’re talking last night about preferring friction. We’ve been running Sram road shifters(1x) the last couple years and while the benefits are fantastic for us. Less exposed cable/housing(always traveling) and being able to safely shift in an intersection at the bottom of a hill in the rain with traffic for example(again always traveling, new places unexpected weather, detours etc.). We’ve never adapted to the plastic click feel and never attained the enjoyable intuitive visceral experience we get from friction. I will say our current road brake shifters have preformed flawlessly and the overall tidiness is appreciated. But it never feels quite right. Also Loves the Wild Bikes interview!!!

[@mstark77]

I’m excited for this project!

[@sandrochiavaro7831]

It’s a brilliant concept. Bravo!

[@johandavid9774]

Bought one and it just arrived to scandinavia. Love it.

[@rickharbeck281]

Been using a Wolf Tooth 11speed Tan Pan on a 3x9 speed cassette for a few years now with great success with both Shimano and then Rivendell Silver Shifters on three different drop bars bikes because like your experience the shifters would only pull like 7 gears. I am a huge fan of all friction shifting. I especially appreciate that you can trim the front derailleur to suit for no chain rub and once both derailleurs are set and adjusted you can just forget about it. As you have said friction shifters are extremely easy to get used to and beats messing with index shifting by a mile. But the Tan Pan is a pain in the butt to set up when you recable and I would love to lose it and simplify. Bring on the new shifter.

[@drepochalypse1643]

Yes! Awesome to see. We would love it!

[@BennyRhymes]

SICK! I would not use this today but would have done something different with my bike had it been available, and will buy when the next time for building a bike or changing one comes around!

[@max-maryzorblewu1538]

practically the best shifter innovation for me. definitely want to see this happen

[@blacksnow77]

*beautiful video as always. Actually you are the only one to follow for have interesting news this kind of things make you in a kind of "save money solutions" instead of change all the group is rare to see here. Congratulations

[@whisperstravels5908]

Russ, this would be perfect for my touring bike. Both left and right side identical shifters, would be the preferred setup, for me. But very keen to see this happen

[@jeffdible8171]

E Pluribus UNO! You are killing it Russ!!! All of those Cave of Bad Ideas creations are bearing fruit. The amount of value here is astonishing!

[@jefflingo5322]

Nice work and a good looking component too... well done!

[@craziehawk]

I am running a 3x10 11-42 cassette, a 105 long and a set of old shimano thumbies on alt bars. Thumbies would be my preference however I would try bar ends just for shots and giggles and would reconsider drops to have the capacity to run a 2xwide range cassette to meet my needs. I would certainly buy one. A matched one at of ratcheting thumbies would be my dream

[@davidmchenry83]

This is amazing. Thank you Russ. I think it'll be one of those products that sells out in 4 minutes then we have to wait 6 months for more. Please make enough all!!

[@coreyreeder3549]

I wasn’t interested in this until I saw this video. I love the fact that you can experiment with different components and know that you can make it work with “the magic of friction” 😊

[@pierrelabbe9621]

I'm not going to lie I find the return of friction shifting as an option to be kind of heartening. Indexing is cool and all - I've got trigger shifters on a trek mountain bike I've rebuilt, but 8-speed shifters with a 7-speed cassette just looks wonky even if it works, but I like the low maintenance worry-free nature of the thumb shifters on my other bike.

[@HelpOrNot]

Nice! This is going to be the standard for bar ends. I can see the future!!!!

[@YoSpiff]

Sounds promising. I have a Straggler with SRAM 1x 11 speed that has never been able to stay on the largest cog with indexing. Still plenty of range as a 10 speed, so it's not been a priority. But I do tinker with it every now and then to see if I can get the 11th to work.

[@stuartpotter4923]

Super cool. Definitely interested! I’ll put a pre order in. Would be good if there was an option to buy it with bar end and thumbie mounts, so I’ve got a shifter I can transfer between drop and flat bars. Super future proof.

[@Harry_Lew]

When will it be releases and price point?

[@Luchopapa16]

I love friction barend shifter - I want one. I loved my old Suntour barcons, esp the ratcheting system. Would love the same feel for modern drivetrains.

[@bluntandy]

I've been using the older dia compe ratchet shifter on Shimano 9, campagnolo 10 and now on SRAM 10. Bomb proof

[@themoodyteam]

Your enthusiasm is palpable 😊 PALPABLE! 😂

[@climbbikesurf]

I am definitely interested. I have a setup with micro shift 10 speed on friction mode on Paul thumbies but always loved having ratcheting. I’m a wide range 2x person but like having options to try new things.

[@nickporter3531]

Really hopes this comes off. I will be getting a couple of sets for some of my bikes!

[@stefangracik291]

definitely would buy - microshift with a clutched rear derailleur has not been the greatest, lots of ghost shifting if i don't keep the tension super tight which makes it hard to shift. The ratcheting seems great, hopefully there's a way to mount on both drop bars and flat/alt bars.

[@michaeltillman886]

What's up Russ? Great idea, and I hope it works out. I'm doing a mountain bike rebuild and I'm interested in drop-bars or the old fashion mountain bike bars with the bull horns on the end. I'm using cantilever brakes so drop bars ain't no problem. Bar-end shifters sounds real good. The bike I'm working on is a Bianchi Nyala 90s style. Great idea! Peace!

[@corynardin]

Not at all interested in friction shifting but I love that you are doing this. This should absolutely exist.

[@WheelsonaBike]

I LOVE bar end shifters and I am so excited about this. Make it happen! Bring it to market. I would buy it.

[@JoshuaMarcAragon]

Definitely interested! Would love to see something like the Gevenelle CX2 set-up.

[@jat475]

Interested here in the UK. R/hand only works fine. If you have a 2 or 3 x then a standard L/hand shifter will do the job. I'd say no need for an ergo, shaped lever if a straight profile keeps the price down.

[@rayw9067]

Brilliant!! This needs to happen!!!

[@1969Rake]

Sure! Just days after I ordered the MicroShift bar ends! I'm replacing an old 3x6 RSX system on my Miyata and wanted to go bar end friction. Now this one is about to come out...

[@stuartdilts2729]

I definitely want this, go for it!

[@wrwicky]

Seems like a great resource for some builds. The same part could probably be sold for decades and decades. A good pick for an around the world build.

[@jamese8508]

You are the antidote to what ails the bike component industry. I'm happy with my Gevenalles and I don't like bar end shifters. But this looks like a great product. Best of luck! PS - love my PLP "Ass Savers" rear mudguard.

[@tennysonmorin2582]

Yes!! Make it happen!! Tired of the ratchetless microshift I’ve been using. I crave that smooth action

[@nanciparoubek3256]

Have a left diacomp bar end, kept 105 on right because I am old and need all my gears and was worried about lack of hand sensation limiting me if no indexing but rachet could be enough, very interesting

[@kevinabraham444]

I'll definitely pick one or two up when it's available!

[@thwipster.]

I would have got these for my Soma Double Cross had they been available when I built it up but ended up with MicroSHIFT bar ends instead. These will definitely go on my next build, probably another Soma frame!