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

While working on a project to convert my BMC Streetfire SS02 to an Alt Bar, I had to buy some flat bar shifters which should be compatible with my Shimano 105 RD-R7000-GS rear derailleur. Although there are numerous mountain bike flat bar shifters available, Shimano's unique pull ratio cable for each road and mountain bikes prevented me from using them on my road bike.

Shimano's own website lists as only original option the Shimano SL-RS700 flat bar shifters. These are 11-speed RAPIDFIRE PLUS levers; 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'. But after searching the online, I found only a pair priced NT$3,160.00 (approximately US$101.00), much more than I planned to spend.

Checking on more affordable alternatives, I discovered a better priced 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." (from the Microshift Homepage). Compared with the relatively expensive Shimano original, I bought the pair for NT$1,620.00 (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, strong and kind of flexible. My ordered pair came included with shifting cables. They are easy to replace and protected by a rubber piece to keep water out of the internal mechanism.  I clicked the shifters until the cables were the longest and threaded them through the outer housings and the guides on the frame. I took some black cable housing from one carton and the cable ends from my screw boxes; I secured the appropriate cables to the front and rear derailleurs, ensuring they were as tight as possible. I cut and ended both according to my desired or needed lengths. I tested both front and rear derailleur shifting, and they worked like they should.

For Microshift's own details, you can click on its 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 both the front and rear derailleur. 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 (smaller rear cog to larger), while the fingers can only click down one gear (larger to smaller) 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.

Learning the shifting is straightforward and becomes so instinctive that I had to adjust my shifting approach 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 loosening the cable tension a little. The loud noise ceased, and the shifting remained smooth.

Tip

Before attempting to resolve mechanical shifting issues by adjusting the L (low) and H (high) screws on the front or rear derailleur, I always check the cable tension first. Both my shifters and rear derailleur have adjustment barrels, making it easy to fine-tune the tension. Mechanical cables tend to stretch over time, some people chang the regularly.

Technical Details:  Centos Xpress Plus Shifters 2×11

Group	Microshift 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!