Down bar shifters or handle bar shifters

jack06

hi guys
ill make it short and sweet, is having the shifter on the downbar of a bike, really that much of a disadvantage?
Was looking at cell S2200 http://www.cellbikes.com.au/product.php?id=211 which has the gear levers on the down bar
But now have had a look at the S3300 with handlebar shifters and sora groupset which means you don't have to take you hands off the handlebar.
I guess the thing thats stopping me the most is the fact I would have a much more valuable bike that someone could steal

1id10t

Hi Jack06,

There's nothing wrong with down bar shifters as such. I've even seen a couple of regular commuters on my route on older bikes withthem. However, and this is my personal opinion, I would prefer an integrated model, especially when commuting. Being able to shift and brake without the need to remove my hands from the handlebar (particularly in heavy traffic) makes me feel safer. You can react quicker to changes in traffic conditions. Having said that, I'm sure there are people out there who are used to the down bar shifters and can reach down automatically (without the need to look at where they are on the frame) and can shift almsot as quickly and smoothly as someone using an integrated system. You'll need to work out what you really need, what you will be comfortable with and how much you can really afford. Remember, when you buy the bike you will also have to factor in a helmet, possibly lights for commuting, panniers or a backpack and a good lock. Also you might need to consider a seatbag to carry a spare tube, puncture repair kit and basic multi-tool. It will all add up but don't skimp on certain things otherwise you'll find it will cost you more in the long run when you have to replace cheaper components or accessories. Don't want to scare or depress you from making your purchase but you do need to look at the overall picture when buying a bike. Best of luck.

jack06

hi mate
yer definetly been thinking about all that gear. I've pretty much decided to go for the S2200, as your right if I did go for the S3300 its another 200 dollars more, plus I would still need to get all that gear! Also the area I would be living isn't the best area so if it does get stolen (even with a good quality d-lock) I won't be out of pocket so much. I mean I can always upgrade to another model and will have that gear from this bike which means more money to spend on the upgrade bike. Just a starter I guess, I just want to make sure it won't fall apart on me, before I have money saved up, it's a tricky situation, go more expensive but risk losing the whole thing or stick with cheaper and risk it falling apart (maybe with me on it :O)

gclark8

Jack,

A Giant CRX4 may be a more practical bike for you. Local (Brisbane) service and warranty too. They go for around $550.
http://www.giantbicycles.net/au/030...007&model=10114

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Cheers,
George.

jack06

hi clark, yer it's almost up there with the S3300 though, it's just at that point that if I had that much money I would just go ahead with the 3300. Also I guess I don't feel that flatbars really belong on a road bike, seems sort of strange to me! But it also has the tektro brakes so they can't be that bad.

1id10t

Kind of figured from your two posts that you were heavily leaning toward the bike. If you're happy with it then go for it. Get on the bike, ride it and maybe when you can, and if you start to get serious, save for a new bike.
Have a look at it and make sure it's truly what you want though. At least you'll be on a bike and riding; but just be aware of the possible limitations. Anyway, and this may go against other people's opinions, if the frame is half decent you might be able to upgrade some of the parts later down the track. However, be careful with the upgrade path as you don't want to invest more than what the bike is worth. Trawl through eBay or bike shop sales. Your biggest investment if you want to get STIs is obviously going to be the shifters. However, Sora and Tiagra components are relatively inexpensive if you look around and these aren't bad. I've even seen cheap 105 gear online.
Anyway, good luck with it.

jack06

thanks man
yer this is just entry until I get some money under my belt, much like a first car!
Probably wouldnt upgrade, but would instead get an entirely new bike.
cheers for the help mate

thomas_cho

It appears that you have already decided to go with the downtube shifters.

Nevertheless, heres my 2 cents :

For your purposes, I'd say that provision for rear rack mounting and pannier bags would come in really handy. The CRX4 gives you all that. Componentry wise I doubt you will notice much difference between the two.

I think the flat bars dont attract thieves much, compared to flashy MTBs and road bikes. To really deter thieves, I suggest you rough up the shiny finish of your bike when you get it .... Also having rear racks on the bike will mark it as un-cool

I leave my bike unwashed and muddy. Thef deterrence is just a secondary benefit.

I am with you in regards to saving up for a brand new bike vs componetry upgrades. When you are ready get a whole new bike.

jock.c

Downtube shifters and STI style levers both perform exactly the same function.

Generally speaking downtube shifters are lighter and far less expensive. They are also less prone to damage. You can get either indexed or unindexed DT shifters. Unindexed shifters take a bit of practice to get used to. Major downside of DT shifters is that it's difficult to change gears in awkward situations (eg. out of the saddle climbing/accelerating, cornering, etc). as pointed out above.

Having converted from DT shifters to STI I can say I would never go back to DT shifters. The convenience of STI levers far outweighs any advantage that DT shifter might have.

Recommend 105 as lowest level for Shimano STI levers if you plan on riding/commuting regularly (and can afford the additional expense). Sora and Tiagra really aren't up to that sort of punishment.

Tektro brakes were mentioned earlier and are common on entry level bikes. Never had a problem with the set I had. Not brilliant but stopped the bike effectively enough.

peterlip

Hi Jack,
I think the decision has been made, but just to validate your decision I bought a bike from my brother in law for $100. At the time I had been thinking about getting a bike for around 2 years, but didn't want to spend money on something that may not get used. This was the first time on a bike after 18 years, so the rational was that if I was still riding in 18 months, I would by a new bike. I was hooked and 6 months later I lashed out and paid 1800 for a 'real' road bike. Another 18 months later, I've now got bike number 3, and I'm still hooked.
So, go for whatever you can afford. If it's something that you don't continue to make use of, you haven't wasted a small morgage, but if you do, its a relatively small cost to test the water.
Good luck with it, and don't forget to factor in a helmet and any other extras you need (want), spare tubes, pump, lock, bike computer, etc..

Peter

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Road: Felt F70
Commute: Raceline Comp LX

jack06

Hi peter
thanks for the reply. There is not really a chance of me giving it up, as it is my main form of transport. So giving up would defintely be something that wouldn't happen.
Am looking at second hand road bikes at the moment, seems new are just to expensive for me.
jack