Microshift Centos Xpress Plus Flat Bar Shifters 2×11, SL-R861-2

While working on a project to convert my MTB into an 11-speed road bike, I needed to buy flat bar shifters compatible with my Shimano 105 medium-cage rear derailleur, the RD-R7000-GS. Although there are numerous mountain bike flat bar shifters available, Shimano's unique pull ratio cable for each road and mountain bikes prevents me from using them...

According to Shimano's own website, the only original option are the Shimano SL-RS700 shifters. These are 11-speed RAPIDFIRE PLUS levers designed for flat handlebars, according to the homepage 'they provide crisp, quick shifts (Instant & Multi-Release) and are compatible with 105 R7000 road derailleurs, making them ideal for fitness or flat-bar road bikes that require road gearing on a straight bar'. After searching online, here in Taiwan, I could only find a pair priced at NT$3,160.00 (approximately US$101.00), which is slightly more than I planned to spend.

Checking on more affordable alternatives, I discovered my 105 compatible Microshift Centos 11-speed flat bar shifters. The comparatively small Taiwan-based manufacturer has been working on drivetrains since 1999:

"While you were honing your riding skills, our engineers were busy leveling up their drivetrain expertise. Since 1999, we have been improving our manufacturing, material science, and drivetrain designs. The result is a product with great feel and function that performs in real-world conditions." Microshift Homepage

Compared with the relatively expensive Shimano original, I bought the pair for NT$1620 (or ~US$52.00), nearly 50% cheaper or a saving of around USD 50.00. And who would refuse a deal?

Installation

Installing them was straightforward thanks to the forged alloy clamps made for my flat bar. My set came with shifting cables that are easy to replace and are protected by a rubber piece to keep water out of the internal mechanism. I had some black outer cables in one box and cable end in one of my screw boxes, which I cut and ended according to the needed lengths. I clicked until I had the longest cable and threaded them through. I secured the appropriate cables to the front and rear derailleurs, ensuring they were as tight as possible. I tested both front and rear derailleur shifting, and it worked like it should.

For Microshift's own details, you can click on it's own manual @ Xpress Shifter Installation guide...

Microshift Centos Xpress Plus Shifters 2×11, SL-R861-2 Left Shifter

Ergonomics

My older SRAM X7 mountain bike shifters utilize thumb triggers for both up- and downshifts on the front and rear derailleurs. In contrast, the Centos design separates upshifts and downshifts between the index fingers and thumbs.

- The right lever allows the thumb to push up to 3 gears to a lighter gear, while the fingers can only click down one gear at a time.

- The left lever enables pushing up one gear from the smaller to the bigger chainring, you release it to a lower gear with the index finger.

The shifting is easy to learn and becomes so intuitive that I had to rethink shifting when riding my older mountain bike.

In my experience, the significance of cable tension in mechanical shifting is often overlooked. While cycling, the downshift on the front derailleur to the smaller chainring initially caused a loud clunking noise. I stopped and adjusted the cable by turning the barrel back. The noise ceased, and the shifting remained smooth.

Tip

Before attempting to resolve shifting issues by adjusting screws on the front or rear derailleur, I always adjust the cable tension first. Both my shifters and rear derailleur have adjustment barrels, making it easy to fine-tune the tension.

Technical Details:  Centos Xpress Plus Shifters 2×11

Group	Centos
Shifter Style	Xpress Shifter
Speed	11-Speed
Chainring Count	2x Double
Side	Pair
Lever Bearing	Yes
Gear Indicator	No
Clamp Material	Forged Aluminum
Compatibility	Shimano Road

 In my excitement, I did not weigh them, but the seller claimed a reasonable 206g for the pair.

Microshift Centos Xpress Plus Shifters 2×11, SL-R861-2 Right Shifter

Conclusion

The Microshift Centos Xpress Plus Shifters 2×11, SL-R861-2 are affordably priced and perform reliably with my Shimano 105 rear derailleur and the Microshift front derailleur, whether going uphill, downhill, or on flat terrain. Both shifters feature barrel adjustments, making it easier to maintain this mechanical crisp shifting.

And I like the story of David vs. Goliath...

Stay and ride safe, Gerhard!