Road Bike Shifter Brake Lever 2x8 Speed Double Derailleur for Shimano 2x8-Speed Lever STI Set

I picked up a 1986 Centurion Ironman Expert for a really good price with an eye to fix it up and have a functional road bike that was also a bit of a conversation piece. I was able to use all of the existing Shimano 600 components, but wanted a more modern cockpit.I was not really willing to spend upwards of $200 just for shifters on this budget build, so I decided to check out these Micronew shifter/brake levers for about $56. Pulling them out of the box, I was impressed with how solid they felt. I don't have anything really to compare them to, but my impression is that they are a bit heavier then Shimano units I've had in the past. Installation was a breeze and I was impressed with how easy they were to get dialed in.Once I got things set up, I took off on the first ride. Riding with my hands on the hoods (which is where I ride about 90% of the time) was very comfortable and I felt like I had good access to the shifters and brake levers without having to reach too much. I was most impressed with how crisp and responsive the shifting was. Shifting to a larger cog or chainring is precise and quick. Shifting to a smaller cog or chainring is almost instantaneous and I don't think I ever had that kind of response with Shimano. The best part is the trim on the front derailleur on both chainrings to keep the chain from rubbing in either extreme.I have about 100 miles on these so far and I am very impressed. We'll see how they hold up over time and miles but I would be hard pressed to spend 4x as much to get Shimano STI shifters when these work just as well.

I got these for a budget carbon bike build, and I am very impressed with the performance!!I had no issue setting these up with a Claris RD and an Ultegra FD as well as rim brakes. Shifting and braking is smooth and precise if paired with high-quality cables.I prefer the independent lever set-up as opposed to the popular integrated brake/shift lever, so I am looking for an 11spd version of these if anyone knows of one?One thing that I didn't like AS much about these shifters is the shift cables are not routed through the grip housing, so they come out of the side of the unit, as shown in the photo. Brake cables are concealed however.This is by no means a deal-breaker for me, as I went for the 'Lime in the Coconut' color theme around the control area, and I don't mind showing a little more cable ;-).

For the cost, these are probably the best, cheapest brifters you can find. I got a pair for my touring bike back when Performance Bicycles was closing shop and they've served me well over for the past few years. Bought these Micronew ones for a road bike build and they are identical to the Performance Bike ones, just a different name. They work great with quick, precise shifting. My only gripe would be to use caution when pressing the bigger paddles inwards toward the center of the bike. If you're not careful, you can easily get your fingernail caught between the brake lever and the paddle, bending your fingernail backwards. Not a pleasant experience. I keep my nails pretty trim too. But still, having blood dripping off your finger, though badass looking, is not something I want to repeat whenever I go biking.

No instructions. Had to reference You Tube. Not terribly difficult but some instructions would help..

Easy to install and use, lightweight, smooth to operate.

I have Shimano 2300 RD and Shimano Sora FD and they work flawless with this micronew levers. Changes immediately and they are very very solid. Surprised with the quality. You have to take a good care so they'll last long, as everything in this world.

They just don't really offer any mechanical advantage for braking. Shifting is great for the price, install was incredibly simple. Just can't really recommend.

Couldn't secure the handles to the bars with the clamps. Had to tape off the section where I wanted to mount them to fully secure it to the bars.