I'm in the process of replacing most of the drivetrain on my crosscheck, new rings/cassette/chain/cables etc. I've got a set of suntour barcons Ive been using for about a year but Ive also got a set of ultegra bar end shifters...thus the dilemna. Should I put the friction shifters (the suntours) back on and have unlimited ability to 'trim" shifts or should I put the shimano's on and occassionaly have to adjust my rear derailer again but enjoy easy brainless shifting? It won't be seeing any races as its set up so thats not a concern, mostly an adventure bike. lots of epic rides, some light touring.

I prefer the friction front / index rear of Shimano Bar Cons. I've rarely found a need to trim the rear but it comes in handy up front quite often, especially in oxygen deprived states where gear choice is sometimes iffy, you can correct for a certain amount of cross-chaining with the friction front

My Shim. barcons are dual mode- indexed or fricton. Only for rear though. Don't remmeber what model they are tho I think all Shim. have this feature

I prefer the friction front / index rear of Shimano Bar Cons. I've rarely found a need to trim the rear but it comes in handy up front quite often, especially in oxygen deprived states where gear choice is sometimes iffy, you can correct for a certain amount of cross-chaining with the friction front

Barcons, FD on friction & RD on index.
Start out with good intentions of shifting between big & small chainring depending on course conditions but eventually running exclusively on small.

I've got two bikes set up with barcons. One has Suntour with Suntour XC Pro derailleurs. The other has Shimano barcons with Suntour XC Pro derailleurs.

On the Shimano barcons, you can switch between friction and indexing. I always find myself, preferring the friction mode on the Shimano's. The Suntours are friction only and I prefer them to the Shimano's. Therefore:

Shimano index v. Shimano friction? Shimano friction!
Shimano friction v. Suntour friction? Suntour friction!

Therefore:
Shimano index v. Suntour friction? Suntour friction!!!!!!!!

but not absolute as whole premise is based on a subjective, personal choice. can't argue with the logic though....well presented. Gotta love a good matrix.

but not absolute as whole premise is based on a subjective, personal choice. can't argue with the logic though....well presented. Gotta love a good matrix.

Whewww, that was close! When I saw Mr. atpjunkie had replied to my post, I quivered. I was afraid that the beast had again been awakened and that I'd be tossed into a 8sp vs. 9sp. chain-type debatument. (debate + argument = debatument)

I'm glad to see that my logic passed muster, subjective as it is.

I must point out that my experience with Shimano barcons is limited to Suntour and SRAM drivetrains which might affect (not effect) the results.

really I'm not a bad guy. actually quite amiable, just don't get my hackle up.
man...now I'm the board bad guy.......