Dia-Compe Silver1 Bar-End Shifters

Dia-Compe Silver1 Bar-End Shifters are a pair of classic friction shifters for drop handlebars, developed for touring, bikepacking, and long-distance cycling where simplicity and reliability take priority over indexed shifting systems.

We often talk about being “one with the bike” when riding fixed gear, but there is a trick for achieving the same mechanical control on a geared bike: friction shifters. Dia-Compe’s Power Ratchet mechanism provides clear resistance in the lever, and after a while the gear positions become muscle memory. There are no fixed clicks—you move the shifter yourself until the chain runs quietly and precisely.

Silver1 shifters are designed by Rivendell Bicycle Works in the USA and are part of their Silver series of components, where function, durability, and simple mechanics are the focus. The left shifter is used for 2- or 3-chainring front derailleurs, while the right shifter works with Shimano drivetrains up to 10-speed. Since the shifters operate by friction, they do not need to match Shimano’s various indexing systems. SRAM rear derailleurs are not compatible with this model, however.

The shifters are mounted in the end of a compatible drop handlebar. Dia-Compe specifies an internal handlebar diameter of 19–22 mm, so measure the handlebar end before ordering.

Quick Specs

• Type: Bar-end shifters / friction shifters
• Shifting: Non-indexed / friction
• Mechanism: Dia-Compe Power Ratchet
• Quantity: One pair, right and left
• Left: For 2- or 3-chainring front derailleurs
• Right: Shimano up to 10-speed
• SRAM: Not compatible
• Mounting: In the end of the drop handlebar
• Internal handlebar diameter: 19–22 mm
• Material: Aluminum
• Weight: Approximately 168 g per pair
• Finish: Silver