Microshift R8 Drop Bar Brake/Shift Levers (Black) (Pair) (2 x 8 Speed) (Shimano Compatible)

I have ridden gravel bikes with a Shimano brake/shifter combo and another with a Sram brake/shifter combo. I like the idea of the combination of the 2 actions as my 1996 vintage Trek mountain bike has been set up with Shimano XT brake/shifter triple front and 8 cog rear for many years. I found that the comp handlebar was too wide and gave me neck/shoulder pain. I also have done most of my bike miles on a custom road bike (1979 vintage) using a rondonhour handlebar, standard brake hoods, and bar-end "fingertip" shifters on several bike tours in the rocky mountain region. I liked the number of hand positions possible on such a drop bar. After experimenting with several brake and shifter combos, and then using the combo brake/shifter on "official" gravel bikes, I decided to try the drop/flared handlebar by purchasing the Microshift R8 combination. To me the shifting of gears is once again intuitive with the 2 levers on both left and right combo brake and shifters. The installation on the handlebar was easy enough, and after a few miles it feels like ol' home week. The brake levers are comfortable on the drop-bar, and were easy enough to mount them on the bar. The only thing I have found I might change is where they are mounted on the drop handlebar in order to get the optimum comfort level and functionality for me.

Going from an old set of Shimano 600 shifters that the rubber hoods had gotten sticky and not being able to find replacements, to the Microshift 8 X 2 shifters. They seem to work just fine. It will take a little getting used to since I don't move the brake lever to shift now. My only issue is that the brake levers don't follow the bars they angle slightly to the outside, not a problem for me since I have big hands and I usually don't ride in the drops.

I was looking for parts to rebuild an old bike for a donation and I was happily surprised to find a set of brake levers/shifters that would do the job. reasonably priced, readily available, easy to shop for and find.
Everything I was looking for.