
( Brand: Microshift ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: BS-M19-R ), ( Model: MICROSHIFT BS-M19-R ), ( Part Type: Bar ), ( Shifter Style: Bar End ), ( Set Includes: Shifters )
The **Microshift BS-M19-R Bar End Shifter** for the Advent series is a meticulously engineered component designed to elevate the performance and precision of your bicycle s shifting system. Crafted with a focus on durability and responsiveness, this shifter is built to handle the demands of both urban commuting and spirited rides through varied terrain. The **M19-R** model features a robust, ergonomic design with a smooth, slightly curved bar-end mount that ensures a natural hand position, reducing fatigue during extended rides. Its **right-hand side orientation** is ideal for riders who prefer a more intuitive thumb-over-lever operation, allowing for quick, effortless shifts without compromising control. The shifter s **high-quality internal mechanism** delivers crisp, predictable gear changes, minimizing hesitation and ensuring seamless transitions between cogs critical for maintaining momentum on climbs or accelerating smoothly on descents.
Constructed from **durable, corrosion-resistant materials**, the BS-M19-R is built to withstand the rigors of daily use, whether you re navigating wet city streets or tackling rough gravel paths. The **adjustable cable tension system** allows for fine-tuning to match your drivetrain s specific requirements, ensuring optimal performance regardless of whether you re running a single-speed setup or a multi-speed cassette. The shifter s **sleek, minimalist aesthetic** complements the modern, performance-oriented look of the Advent frame, while its **lightweight construction** contributes to an overall reduction in bike weight without sacrificing strength. Whether you re a casual rider looking for reliable shifting or an enthusiast pushing the limits of your bike s capabilities, the Microshift BS-M19-R delivers a blend of **precision engineering, comfort, and adaptability** that makes it a standout choice for discerning cyclists. Its compatibility with a wide range of derailleur systems further enhances its versatility, making it a practical upgrade for riders seeking to refine their shifting experience without overhauling their entire drivetrain.
The **Microshift BS-M19-R Bar-End Shifter** is a popular choice among cyclists who prefer traditional bar-end shifters, particularly for gravel, touring, or retro-style bikes. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.
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### **Pros**
1. **Ergonomic and Intuitive Shifting**
The bar-end design allows for a more natural, finger-controlled shifting experience, which many riders find easier to operate than index-style shifters, especially when riding with gloves or in cold conditions. The shifter s lever design mimics the feel of a traditional derailleur shifter, making it intuitive for riders accustomed to older systems.
2. **Compatibility with a Wide Range of Drivetrains**
The BS-M19-R is compatible with **Shimano Deore/Deore XT/XT Tourney, SRAM NX/GX/XX1, and Campagnolo Record/Electron** groups, making it a versatile choice for riders upgrading or mixing components. It works with **9-speed, 10-speed, and 11-speed** setups, though it is primarily designed for **1x drivetrains** (though it can function with 2x setups, though not optimally).
3. **Durable and Reliable Construction**
Microshift components are known for their robustness. The BS-M19-R features a **stainless steel body**, which resists corrosion and wear, making it suitable for gravel, touring, or off-road use where components may be exposed to dirt and moisture. The internal mechanism is also designed to handle rough conditions better than some budget alternatives.
4. **Adjustable Cable Pull Ratio**
The shifter allows for fine-tuning of cable pull, which can be useful for optimizing shifting performance, especially when paired with different derailleurs or cable routing setups. This adjustability helps mitigate issues like "sticky" shifting or inconsistent indexing.
5. **Aesthetic Appeal for Retro or Custom Builds**
For riders who prefer the look of traditional bar-end shifters, the BS-M19-R offers a classic aesthetic that complements vintage-style bikes or custom builds. It stands out as a stylish alternative to modern index shifters.
6. **Good for Gloved or Cold-Weather Riding**
Unlike some index shifters, the bar-end design allows for easier operation with gloves or in cold conditions, as the levers are more accessible and require less precision.
7. **Affordable for the Quality**
Compared to some premium bar-end shifters, the BS-M19-R offers excellent value for money. It is priced competitively while maintaining durability and performance.
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### **Cons**
1. **Not Ideal for Modern 1x Setups Without Adjustment**
While the BS-M19-R works with 1x drivetrains, it is not optimized for them. The shifting feel can be less precise compared to dedicated 1x index shifters, and some riders report that it requires more effort to shift smoothly, especially in tight groups. This can be mitigated with proper cable tension and derailleur adjustment but may still feel less refined than a modern index shifter.
2. **Limited to Certain Groupsets**
The shifter is **not compatible with Shimano s newer 12-speed or 13-speed groupsets** (e.g., SLX, Deore XT 12-speed) or SRAM s newer XX1 or XX eTap systems. If you re planning to upgrade to these setups in the future, you may need to replace the shifter.
3. **Less Precise Indexing Than Modern Shifters**
Traditional bar-end shifters lack the electronic or hydraulic precision of modern index shifters. While this is less of an issue for casual or gravel riding, performance-oriented riders may find the shifting less consistent, especially in tight groups or when riding at high speeds.
4. **Cable Routing Can Be Tricky**
Bar-end shifters require careful cable routing, which can be more complex than routing cables for drop-bar shifters. Poor routing can lead to cable binding, inconsistent shifting, or even damage to the shifter or derailleur. This may require additional work during installation.
5. **Not Suitable for All Handlebars**
The BS-M19-R is designed for **flat or slightly curved bars** (common on gravel, touring, or retro bikes). It may not fit well on **drop bars with aggressive curves** or **ergonomic bars**, where the lever position could be awkward or impractical.
6. **Learning Curve for New Riders**
If you re used to modern index shifters, the bar-end design may take some getting used to. The lack of "click" feedback and the need to manually adjust tension can be disorienting at first.
7. **Weight Consideration**
While not excessively heavy, the BS-M19-R is slightly heavier than some modern index shifters. For ultra-lightweight or racing applications, this may be a minor drawback, though it s negligible for most casual or gravel riders.
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### **Conclusion**
The **Microshift BS-M19-R** is an excellent choice for riders who prioritize **ergonomics, durability, and classic aesthetics** over the precision of modern index shifters. It excels in **gravel, touring, or retro-style bikes**, where its intuitive shifting and robust build shine. However, it is not ideal for **high-performance 1x setups, drop-bar bikes with aggressive curves, or riders who demand the tightest indexing** found in contemporary groupsets.
If you re looking for a **versatile, reliable, and stylish bar-end shifter** that won t break the bank, the BS-M19-R is a strong contender. That said, if you re building a **modern gravel bike with a 1x drivetrain** and want the smoothest possible shifting, you might consider pairing it with a **dedicated 1x index shifter** (e.g., Shimano Deore XT or SRAM NX) or investing in a higher-end bar-end shifter like the **Shimano STI or SRAM Rival Apex** for drop bars.
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### **Recommendation**
**Buy the Microshift BS-M19-R if:**- You ride a **gravel, touring, or retro-style bike** with flat or slightly curved bars.
- You prefer **bar-end shifters** for their ergonomic feel and ease of use with gloves.
- You want a **durable, affordable shifter** that works with a variety of groupsets (Shimano Deore/XT, SRAM NX/GX, Campagnolo).
- You prioritize **classic aesthetics** and don t mind a slightly less precise shifting experience.
**Avoid the Microshift BS-M19-R if:**- You re building a **modern gravel bike with a 1x drivetrain** and want the smoothest possible shifting (consider a dedicated 1x index shifter instead).
- Your bike has **drop bars with aggressive curves**, making bar-end shifters impractical.
- You plan to upgrade to **12-speed or 13-speed groupsets** in the future, as compatibility may become an issue.
- You re a **performance-oriented rider** who demands the tightest indexing and most refined shifting.
**Final Verdict:** The BS-M19-R is a **solid, no-frills shifter** that delivers where it matters most **durability, comfort, and compatibility** for riders who prefer traditional controls. It s a great mid-range option that won t let you down on long rides or rough terrain.
This shifter is in excellent condition and has not seen many miles. In friction mode, it will shift any number of speeds with most rear derailleurs. The Microshift Advent 9 speed bar end shifter uses a proprietary cable pull ratio when in index mode, compatible with Acolyte, and X rear derailleurs only. I'm selling because giving up drops to flat bars.