Elimination reactions of exo-2-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl tosylate and chloride and their exo-3-deuterated analogues are studied in base-solvent systems that induce clean bimolecular 1,2-eliminations. The relative propensities for competitive syn-exo and anti-endo-H elimination modes are assessed from nonkinetically determined deuterium isotope effects and the deuterium content in the bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene formed from the deuterated substrates. The competition between syn-exo and anti-endo-H elimination is influenced by base association, which stabilizes the syn elimination transition state. Potential steric hindrance by oversized dissociated bases has no effect on the elimination stereochemistry.