Bar end shifters: to cut or not to cut bars?

So I'm looking at running a 1x drivetrain with a bar end shifter and am wondering whether I should cut the bars to accommodate it? I know this is something some people decide to do, and after a quick mock up I can see how it makes the bars somewhat lopsided due to the added length of the shifter on the right hand side.

Have you done it? If not what's your reasoning for not? How much should I removed and what's the best method for doing so? A pipe cutter or a hacksaw?

The thought of cutting my nice new bars does pain me a little but if its gunna make for a more comfortable fit I'll gladly do so.

I've got a bar end shifter on my Ritchey breakaway, it never occurred to me to cut the bar to accommodate it.

I can't image why you'd want to cut the bars ? the shift doesn't add much length and its not like your going to hold the bars by the shifter.

Have you done it?

No

If not what's your reasoning for not?

Because the shifter doesn't change my hand position

How much should I removed and what's the best method for doing so? A pipe cutter or a hacksaw?

However much you want to. The only reason to do it Imo is aesthetics, our because you're catching yourself. So whatever you think looks good or whatever you need to stop yourself catching.

If you have metal bars a pipe cutter is easier and usually works better ime. If you have carbon bars, a fresh hacksaw blade and breathing protection.

I guess on a 1x you could remove an amount equal to the collar of the insert. But then your left hand bar grip will have a bigger area.

I'm still not sure I understand why you'd do this.

know this is something some people decide to do

Can you share some photo evidence to support this claim?

I see in your photo you have bar end shifters on both sides so I guess this keeps things balanced. My thoughts are more that having a bar end on one side slightly extends the bar, which I guess isn't to a great amount of detriment.

I guess the best idea is to set it up and take some time to see how I find it when actually riding. I'd probably only need to remove a centimetre of bar so maybe it's a negligible amount!

Thanks for your input!

in my experience I've never held on to the drops where the shifter is mounted.
Just mount it up without cutting it - you can always cut it off later if you find it could be useful to you.

Probably a fair point actually, you don't ride in the ends of the bars!

you don't ride in the ends of the bars

So why are they there? Might as well cut them off. The stationary bit of the shifter functionally extends the bar an inch or so; I can see your reasoning. The shifter will be closer to your hand.

If you have carbon bars, a fresh hacksaw blade and breathing protection.

If you've gotta use a hacksaw, you're best off with a diamond blade, or something similar typically used for cutting ceramics. Failing that, use the finest teeth you've got.

I use the thin abrasive cutting discs on my Dremel.

I sometimes cut the drops by 20-25mm when I fit bar end levers. If I don’t, occasionally the bar end lever gets knocked by my knee when trackstanding at lights, depending on bar shape/ positioning. The main reason for cutting is that I barely need to move my hand to shift when riding on the drops.