Riders with a flat-bar bike, a triple chainset and an 8-speed cassette who want a tidy like-for-like replacement for worn or damaged shift/brake levers.
This is the Shimano ST-EF500 shift/brake lever set for a 3x8-speed flat-bar bike. Each lever combines the brake and the shifter in one unit. The left lever runs a three-chainring front derailleur, the right lever runs an eight-speed rear derailleur, and both are black.
Shimano's EZ FIRE PLUS shifting uses two shift levers, just like RAPIDFIRE PLUS, and the optical gear display on each lever shows your gear at a glance, which suits newer riders. The 2-finger brake levers have reach adjust and a cable adjuster, and they work with V-brakes and mechanical MTB disc brakes.
EZ FIRE PLUS shifting
Two shift levers on each unit, like RAPIDFIRE PLUS, with a clear gear display that Shimano says suits entry-level and sports casual riding.
3x8 in one set
The left lever has 3 front speeds and the right lever has 8 rear speeds, listed for MTB 8-speed rear derailleurs. The right main lever can shift up to three gears at a time.
Optical gear display
Both levers show the selected gear in a window on the lever, so you can check your gear at a glance.
Reach adjust brake levers
2-finger aluminium brake levers with reach adjust and a two-hand cable adjuster, made for V-brakes and mechanical MTB disc brakes.
Shifting
Brake lever
EZ FIRE PLUS
Two shift levers, just like RAPIDFIRE PLUS, with a visible gear display that suits entry-level riders. Shimano recommends this shifter for sports casual riding.
OPTICAL GEAR DISPLAY
Shows which gear position is selected while you ride, including how many gears you can still select on the low side or the top side.
Reach adjust
Sets the distance from the handlebar grip to the brake lever to suit any hand size, type of riding and rider preference.
Great for
Maybe not for
One size, for flat bars. Reach adjust sets the brake lever distance to your hand, and the brake levers are Shimano's 2-finger size.
Check the drivetrain and brakes match
The left lever is a 3-speed front lever, so it is for a bike with three chainrings. A front double needs a 2-speed lever such as the ST-EF500-2L2A. The right lever is listed for MTB 8-speed rear derailleurs, and Shimano recommends OT-SP41 outer casing for the shift cables. On the brake side, Shimano lists V-brakes and mechanical MTB disc brakes only, so these levers are not the right choice for road calipers or cantilever brakes.
