Retarded bar-end shifters

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Bob McFakename wrote:
> My right bar-end is pointed straight down when I'm in highest gear,
> just when im trying to get aero and stuff. Why would someone design
> it like that?? To make matters worse I have sidepull brakes and that
> stuff is sticking out on the right also, so its not even balanced out.

Always lean left. Problem solved; off you go.

BS

Bob McFakename who? wrote:
> My right bar-end is pointed straight down when I'm in highest gear, just
> when im trying to get aero and stuff. Why would someone design it like
> that?? To make matters worse I have sidepull brakes and that stuff is
> sticking out on the right also, so its not even balanced out.

Dude,

You need to cut off the excess cable ends at your brakes and derailers -
the round cross-section of the cable produce vortexes that significantly
increase drag. The weight savings from eliminating the excess cable and
the end crimps will have you flying up hills.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful


--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Bill Sornson wrote:
> Bob McFakename who? wrote:
>> My right bar-end is pointed straight down when I'm in highest gear,
>> just when im trying to get aero and stuff. Why would someone design
>> it like that?? To make matters worse I have sidepull brakes and that
>> stuff is sticking out on the right also, so its not even balanced out.
>
> Always lean left. Problem solved; off you go.

Like Sorni has ever leaned to the left in his life, so how would he know?

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful


--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

On Jul 11, 8:19 pm, Bob McFakename <b...@mcfake.com> wrote:
> My right bar-end is pointed straight down when I'm in highest gear, just
> when im trying to get aero and stuff. Why would someone design it like
> that?? To make matters worse I have sidepull brakes and that stuff is
> sticking out on the right also, so its not even balanced out.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bob

Try a 'low normal' RD; problem solved.

My right bar-end is pointed straight down when I'm in highest gear, just
when im trying to get aero and stuff. Why would someone design it like
that?? To make matters worse I have sidepull brakes and that stuff is
sticking out on the right also, so its not even balanced out.


Thanks,

Bob

"Bob McFakename" <bob@mcfake.com> wrote in message
news:1ivtapxvnyyt6.7bpbtenii1v7.dlg@40tude.net...
> My right bar-end is pointed straight down when I'm in highest gear, just
> when im trying to get aero and stuff. Why would someone design it like
> that?? To make matters worse I have sidepull brakes and that stuff is
> sticking out on the right also, so its not even balanced out.
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bob

Oh Gee!!

Bob McFakename wrote:
>>> My right bar-end is pointed straight down when I'm in highest gear, just
>>> when im trying to get aero and stuff. Why would someone design it like
>>> that?? To make matters worse I have sidepull brakes and that stuff is
>>> sticking out on the right also, so its not even balanced out.

> Ozark Bicycle wrote:
>> Try a 'low normal' RD; problem solved.

Bob McFakename wrote:
> First of all thanks -snip-
> I never heard about low-normal RD and that was cool to look up, (drum roll
> here) But, I was hoping I could just change the bar-end or something
> simpler. most of my rd's are dumpster dived and I don't have access to
> speciallity components like that. But enough about me.
>
> I researched this on google groups and there's nothing. I thought that
> something sticking straight out , like the lever of my barcon when I'm in
> high gear, would've at least had a mention. Maybe I should drill holes in
> the damn lever, then I could find some answers.

You're actually serious (! or ?)

Flip the mount over in the bar/ upside down; shift in reverse direction.
Very aero.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

On Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:53:36 -0700, Ozark Bicycle wrote:

> On Jul 11, 8:19 pm, Bob McFakename <b...@mcfake.com> wrote:
>> My right bar-end is pointed straight down when I'm in highest gear, just
>> when im trying to get aero and stuff. Why would someone design it like
>> that?? To make matters worse I have sidepull brakes and that stuff is
>> sticking out on the right also, so its not even balanced out.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Bob
>
> Try a 'low normal' RD; problem solved.

First of all thanks for actually giving something resembling a response to
my question, Ozark! I've read usenet for a couple weeks now and I know no
one is deserved even that, and without trying to sound too sarcastic, I
appreciate it.

I never heard about low-normal RD and that was cool to look up, (drum roll
here) But, I was hoping I could just change the bar-end or something
simpler. most of my rd's are dumpster dived and I don't have access to
speciallity components like that. But enough about me.

I researched this on google groups and there's nothing. I thought that
something sticking straight out , like the lever of my barcon when I'm in
high gear, would've at least had a mention. Maybe I should drill holes in
the damn lever, then I could find some answers.

On Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:06:23 -0500, A Muzi wrote:

> Bob McFakename wrote:
>>>> My right bar-end is pointed straight down when I'm in highest gear, just
>>>> when im trying to get aero and stuff. Why would someone design it like
>>>> that?? To make matters worse I have sidepull brakes and that stuff is
>>>> sticking out on the right also, so its not even balanced out.
>
>> Ozark Bicycle wrote:
>>> Try a 'low normal' RD; problem solved.
>
> Bob McFakename wrote:
>> First of all thanks -snip-
>> I never heard about low-normal RD and that was cool to look up, (drum roll
>> here) But, I was hoping I could just change the bar-end or something
>> simpler. most of my rd's are dumpster dived and I don't have access to
>> speciallity components like that. But enough about me.
>>
>> I researched this on google groups and there's nothing. I thought that
>> something sticking straight out , like the lever of my barcon when I'm in
>> high gear, would've at least had a mention. Maybe I should drill holes in
>> the damn lever, then I could find some answers.
>
> You're actually serious (! or ?)
>
> Flip the mount over in the bar/ upside down; shift in reverse direction.
> Very aero.

It would be sticking into my forearm though. My FD shifter points straigt
back when in big front chainring and I guess what I'm wondering is do I
have retarded barcons or what, cause my RD shifter lever points straight
down, and into the wind, when I'm in smallest rear cog. I think it's a
stupid desgin... I suppose I dont actually think I can do anything about it
with what I have, but I am wondering if all barcons are mis-designed like
the ones I have are, and if so why.

On Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:19:34 -0800, Bob McFakename wrote:

> My right bar-end is pointed straight down when I'm in highest gear, just
> when im trying to get aero and stuff. Why would someone design it like
> that?? To make matters worse I have sidepull brakes and that stuff is
> sticking out on the right also, so its not even balanced out.
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bob

A human on a bicycle is an aerodynamic disaster.

Worrying the drag of about a shift lever is silly in comparison to other
factors.

On Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:23:39 -0800, Bob McFakename <bob@mcfake.com> wrote:

>On Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:06:23 -0500, A Muzi wrote:
>
>> Bob McFakename wrote:
>>>>> My right bar-end is pointed straight down when I'm in highest gear, just
>>>>> when im trying to get aero and stuff. Why would someone design it like
>>>>> that?? To make matters worse I have sidepull brakes and that stuff is
>>>>> sticking out on the right also, so its not even balanced out.
>>
>>> Ozark Bicycle wrote:
>>>> Try a 'low normal' RD; problem solved.
>>
>> Bob McFakename wrote:
>>> First of all thanks -snip-
>>> I never heard about low-normal RD and that was cool to look up, (drum roll
>>> here) But, I was hoping I could just change the bar-end or something
>>> simpler. most of my rd's are dumpster dived and I don't have access to
>>> speciallity components like that. But enough about me.
>>>
>>> I researched this on google groups and there's nothing. I thought that
>>> something sticking straight out , like the lever of my barcon when I'm in
>>> high gear, would've at least had a mention. Maybe I should drill holes in
>>> the damn lever, then I could find some answers.
>>
>> You're actually serious (! or ?)
>>
>> Flip the mount over in the bar/ upside down; shift in reverse direction.
>> Very aero.
>
>It would be sticking into my forearm though. My FD shifter points straigt
>back when in big front chainring and I guess what I'm wondering is do I
>have retarded barcons or what, cause my RD shifter lever points straight
>down, and into the wind, when I'm in smallest rear cog. I think it's a
>stupid desgin... I suppose I dont actually think I can do anything about it
>with what I have, but I am wondering if all barcons are mis-designed like
>the ones I have are, and if so why.

The only thing retarded in this whole thread is the idea that having a shifter
sticking down has any meaningful effect on anything. The ears you inherited from
your uncle have more drag.

Ron

>> Bob McFakename wrote:
>>>>> My right bar-end is pointed straight down when I'm in highest gear, just
>>>>> when im trying to get aero and stuff. Why would someone design it like
>>>>> that?? To make matters worse I have sidepull brakes and that stuff is
>>>>> sticking out on the right also, so its not even balanced out.

>>> Ozark Bicycle wrote:
>>>> Try a 'low normal' RD; problem solved.

>> Bob McFakename wrote:
>>> First of all thanks -snip-
>>> I never heard about low-normal RD and that was cool to look up, (drum roll
>>> here) But, I was hoping I could just change the bar-end or something
>>> simpler. most of my rd's are dumpster dived and I don't have access to
>>> speciallity components like that. But enough about me.
>>> I researched this on google groups and there's nothing. I thought that
>>> something sticking straight out , like the lever of my barcon when I'm in
>>> high gear, would've at least had a mention. Maybe I should drill holes in
>>> the damn lever, then I could find some answers.

> A Muzi wrote:
>> Flip the mount over in the bar/ upside down; shift in reverse direction.
>> Very aero.

Bob McFakename wrote:
> It would be sticking into my forearm though. My FD shifter points straigt
> back when in big front chainring and I guess what I'm wondering is do I
> have retarded barcons or what, cause my RD shifter lever points straight
> down, and into the wind, when I'm in smallest rear cog. I think it's a
> stupid desgin... I suppose I dont actually think I can do anything about it
> with what I have, but I am wondering if all barcons are mis-designed like
> the ones I have are, and if so why.

If flipping it over out of the breeze doesn't work for you, as Ozark
noted, seek a Suntour Skitter for a friction system or a 'backwards'
Shimano for an index system. If you're running Record I have no ideas.
Perhaps more creative minds here can expand on the options.

--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

On Jul 12, 1:23 am, Bob McFakename <b...@mcfake.com> wrote:
> On Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:06:23 -0500, A Muzi wrote:
> > Bob McFakename wrote:
> >>>> My right bar-end is pointed straight down when I'm in highest gear, just
> >>>> when im trying to get aero and stuff. Why would someone design it like
> >>>> that?? To make matters worse I have sidepull brakes and that stuff is
> >>>> sticking out on the right also, so its not even balanced out.
>
> > You're actually serious (! or ?)
>
> > Flip the mount over in the bar/ upside down; shift in reverse direction.
> > Very aero.
>
> It would be sticking into my forearm though. My FD shifter points straigt
> back when in big front chainring and I guess what I'm wondering is do I
> have retarded barcons or what, cause my RD shifter lever points straight
> down, and into the wind, when I'm in smallest rear cog. I think it's a
> stupid desgin... I suppose I dont actually think I can do anything about it
> with what I have, but I am wondering if all barcons are mis-designed like
> the ones I have are, and if so why.


If you're going to worry about the aero drag of your
bar-end shifter, there's only one way you'll ever
achieve inner peace:

http://www.ransbikes.com/Gallery/Archive/images/Sherman1.jpg

On 2007-07-12, Bob McFakename <bob@mcfake.com> wrote:
> On Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:06:23 -0500, A Muzi wrote:
>
>> Bob McFakename wrote:
>>>>> My right bar-end is pointed straight down when I'm in highest gear, just
>>>>> when im trying to get aero and stuff. Why would someone design it like
>>>>> that?? To make matters worse I have sidepull brakes and that stuff is
>>>>> sticking out on the right also, so its not even balanced out.

>> Flip the mount over in the bar/ upside down; shift in reverse direction.
>> Very aero.
>
> It would be sticking into my forearm though. My FD shifter points straigt
> back when in big front chainring and I guess what I'm wondering is do I
> have retarded barcons or what, cause my RD shifter lever points straight
> down, and into the wind, when I'm in smallest rear cog. I think it's a
> stupid desgin... I suppose I dont actually think I can do anything about it
> with what I have, but I am wondering if all barcons are mis-designed like
> the ones I have are, and if so why.

It's not a design flaw. It's inherent to the way any shifter where the
lever is directly attached to the drum the cable wraps around works. The
rear shifter needs to pull considerably more cable to move the derailer
from stop to stop. Therefore either the shifter needs to turn farther or
the part that the cable wraps around needs to be bigger. That goes for
bar end shifters, down tube shifters, thumb shifters, and so on.

It seems to me that aking a bike more aerodynamic by worrying about
shifter orientation is like trying to put out the Chicago fire by peeing
on it. Just think about what happens to that airstream once it gets past
the barcons and slams into your body.

On Jul 12, 11:43 am, A Muzi <a...@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
> >> Bob McFakename wrote:
> >>>>> My right bar-end is pointed straight down when I'm in highest gear, just
> >>>>> when im trying to get aero and stuff. Why would someone design it like
> >>>>> that?? To make matters worse I have sidepull brakes and that stuff is
> >>>>> sticking out on the right also, so its not even balanced out.
> >>> Ozark Bicycle wrote:
> >>>> Try a 'low normal' RD; problem solved.
> >> Bob McFakename wrote:
> >>> First of all thanks -snip-
> >>> I never heard about low-normal RD and that was cool to look up, (drum roll
> >>> here) But, I was hoping I could just change the bar-end or something
> >>> simpler. most of my rd's are dumpster dived and I don't have access to
> >>> speciallity components like that. But enough about me.
> >>> I researched this on google groups and there's nothing. I thought that
> >>> something sticking straight out , like the lever of my barcon when I'm in
> >>> high gear, would've at least had a mention. Maybe I should drill holes in
> >>> the damn lever, then I could find some answers.
> > A Muzi wrote:
> >> Flip the mount over in the bar/ upside down; shift in reverse direction.
> >> Very aero.
> Bob McFakename wrote:
> > It would be sticking into my forearm though. My FD shifter points straigt
> > back when in big front chainring and I guess what I'm wondering is do I
> > have retarded barcons or what, cause my RD shifter lever points straight
> > down, and into the wind, when I'm in smallest rear cog. I think it's a
> > stupid desgin... I suppose I dont actually think I can do anything about it
> > with what I have, but I am wondering if all barcons are mis-designed like
> > the ones I have are, and if so why.
>
> If flipping it over out of the breeze doesn't work for you, as Ozark
> noted, seek a Suntour Skitter for a friction system or a 'backwards'
> Shimano for an index system. If you're running Record I have no ideas.
> Perhaps more creative minds here can expand on the options.
>
> --
> Andrew Muziwww.yellowjersey.org
> Open every day since 1 April, 1971- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

There's also those Grip Shift shifter gimmicks of yore.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sram-7-Speed-CX-DT-125-Grip-Shifter-Set_W0QQitemZ280132803577QQihZ018QQcategoryZ42330QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

/s

>>>> Bob McFakename wrote:
>>>>>>> My right bar-end is pointed straight down when I'm in highest gear, just
>>>>>>> when im trying to get aero and stuff. Why would someone design it like
>>>>>>> that?? To make matters worse I have sidepull brakes and that stuff is
>>>>>>> sticking out on the right also, so its not even balanced out.

>>>>> Ozark Bicycle wrote:
>>>>>> Try a 'low normal' RD; problem solved.

>>>> Bob McFakename wrote:
>>>>> First of all thanks -snip-
>>>>> I never heard about low-normal RD and that was cool to look up, (drum roll
>>>>> here) But, I was hoping I could just change the bar-end or something
>>>>> simpler. most of my rd's are dumpster dived and I don't have access to
>>>>> speciallity components like that. But enough about me.
>>>>> I researched this on google groups and there's nothing. I thought that
>>>>> something sticking straight out , like the lever of my barcon when I'm in
>>>>> high gear, would've at least had a mention. Maybe I should drill holes in
>>>>> the damn lever, then I could find some answers.

>>> A Muzi wrote:
>>>> Flip the mount over in the bar/ upside down; shift in reverse direction.
>>>> Very aero.

>> Bob McFakename wrote:
>>> It would be sticking into my forearm though. My FD shifter points straigt
>>> back when in big front chainring and I guess what I'm wondering is do I
>>> have retarded barcons or what, cause my RD shifter lever points straight
>>> down, and into the wind, when I'm in smallest rear cog. I think it's a
>>> stupid desgin... I suppose I dont actually think I can do anything about it
>>> with what I have, but I am wondering if all barcons are mis-designed like
>>> the ones I have are, and if so why.

> A Muzi <a...@yellowjersey.org> spewed:
>> If flipping it over out of the breeze doesn't work for you, as Ozark
>> noted, seek a Suntour Skitter for a friction system or a 'backwards'
>> Shimano for an index system. If you're running Record I have no ideas.
>> Perhaps more creative minds here can expand on the options.

Scott Gordo wrote:
> There's also those Grip Shift shifter gimmicks of yore.
> http://cgi.ebay.com/Sram-7-Speed-CX-DT-125-Grip-Shifter-Set_W0QQitemZ280132803577QQihZ018QQcategoryZ42330QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

That's SRAM's first product! We even have those; OP didn't say which
gear system. I agree classic G/S is yet another possible solution to his
quest, albeit not the actual problem.

As others have noted, improving 'aero drag' of a shifter is a bit like
adding wheel skirts to an open convertible . . .
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971

On Jul 12, 3:26 pm, A Muzi <a...@yellowjersey.org> wrote:
> >>>> Bob McFakename wrote:
> >>>>>>> My right bar-end is pointed straight down when I'm in highest gear, just
> >>>>>>> when im trying to get aero and stuff. Why would someone design it like
> >>>>>>> that?? To make matters worse I have sidepull brakes and that stuff is
> >>>>>>> sticking out on the right also, so its not even balanced out.
> >>>>> Ozark Bicycle wrote:
> >>>>>> Try a 'low normal' RD; problem solved.
> >>>> Bob McFakename wrote:
> >>>>> First of all thanks -snip-
> >>>>> I never heard about low-normal RD and that was cool to look up, (drum roll
> >>>>> here) But, I was hoping I could just change the bar-end or something
> >>>>> simpler. most of my rd's are dumpster dived and I don't have access to
> >>>>> speciallity components like that. But enough about me.
> >>>>> I researched this on google groups and there's nothing. I thought that
> >>>>> something sticking straight out , like the lever of my barcon when I'm in
> >>>>> high gear, would've at least had a mention. Maybe I should drill holes in
> >>>>> the damn lever, then I could find some answers.
> >>> A Muzi wrote:
> >>>> Flip the mount over in the bar/ upside down; shift in reverse direction.
> >>>> Very aero.
> >> Bob McFakename wrote:
> >>> It would be sticking into my forearm though. My FD shifter points straigt
> >>> back when in big front chainring and I guess what I'm wondering is do I
> >>> have retarded barcons or what, cause my RD shifter lever points straight
> >>> down, and into the wind, when I'm in smallest rear cog. I think it's a
> >>> stupid desgin... I suppose I dont actually think I can do anything about it
> >>> with what I have, but I am wondering if all barcons are mis-designed like
> >>> the ones I have are, and if so why.
> > A Muzi <a...@yellowjersey.org> spewed:
> >> If flipping it over out of the breeze doesn't work for you, as Ozark
> >> noted, seek a Suntour Skitter for a friction system or a 'backwards'
> >> Shimano for an index system. If you're running Record I have no ideas.
> >> Perhaps more creative minds here can expand on the options.
> Scott Gordo wrote:
> > There's also those Grip Shift shifter gimmicks of yore.
> >http://cgi.ebay.com/Sram-7-Speed-CX-DT-125-Grip-Shifter-Set_W0QQitemZ...
>
> That's SRAM's first product! We even have those; OP didn't say which
> gear system. I agree classic G/S is yet another possible solution to his
> quest, albeit not the actual problem.
>
> As others have noted, improving 'aero drag' of a shifter is a bit like
> adding wheel skirts to an open convertible . . .
> --
> Andrew Muziwww.yellowjersey.org
> Open every day since 1 April, 1971- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

The actual problem is that the OP, presumably, isn't shaped like a
chisel.

/s

bjw@mambo.ucolick.org wrote:
>
> If you're going to worry about the aero drag of your
> bar-end shifter, there's only one way you'll ever
> achieve inner peace:
>
> http://www.ransbikes.com/Gallery/Archive/images/Sherman1.jpg

Semi-public self-gratification?

Oy.

bjw@mambo.ucolick.org wrote:
>
> If you're going to worry about the aero drag of your
> bar-end shifter, there's only one way you'll ever
> achieve inner peace:
>
> http://www.ransbikes.com/Gallery/Archive/images/Sherman1.jpg

Hey, I resemble that remark!

The front fairing and bodysock are worth about a 20% increase in average
speed, despite adding about 7 pounds to the bike.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

On Thu, 12 Jul 2007 18:29:44 -0000, "bjw@mambo.ucolick.org"
<bjw@mambo.ucolick.org> wrote:

>On Jul 12, 1:23 am, Bob McFakename <b...@mcfake.com> wrote:
>> On Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:06:23 -0500, A Muzi wrote:
>> > Bob McFakename wrote:
>> >>>> My right bar-end is pointed straight down when I'm in highest gear, just
>> >>>> when im trying to get aero and stuff. Why would someone design it like
>> >>>> that?? To make matters worse I have sidepull brakes and that stuff is
>> >>>> sticking out on the right also, so its not even balanced out.
>>
>> > You're actually serious (! or ?)
>>
>> > Flip the mount over in the bar/ upside down; shift in reverse direction.
>> > Very aero.
>>
>> It would be sticking into my forearm though. My FD shifter points straigt
>> back when in big front chainring and I guess what I'm wondering is do I
>> have retarded barcons or what, cause my RD shifter lever points straight
>> down, and into the wind, when I'm in smallest rear cog. I think it's a
>> stupid desgin... I suppose I dont actually think I can do anything about it
>> with what I have, but I am wondering if all barcons are mis-designed like
>> the ones I have are, and if so why.
>
>
>If you're going to worry about the aero drag of your
>bar-end shifter, there's only one way you'll ever
>achieve inner peace:
>
>http://www.ransbikes.com/Gallery/Archive/images/Sherman1.jpg

Is there a banana seat under that thing?

Ron