Wanted: Shifter recommendations/information

[Kim]

Hey all,

I've got a post in the Wanted section but figured it might be good to post here for advice. How does one decide on a new shifter/derailer? I need to replace mine because I have new hydraulic disc brakes to replace my caliper style brakes and my old setup is a brake/shifter combo. I know basically what they do but really don't know how to decide which shifter is better.

My Needs:
Weight really isn't a big deal for me (The GT already weighs a ton so what's a couple more ounces).
I don't like Grip Shifters
24 speed avanache GT mountain bike is what I have
Shimano derailer (could be convinced to get a new one if it were a significant upgrade/good deal. I wouldn't mind a smoother shift than what I've had.)
I don't see myself paying much more than 100 dollars. Although that's somewhat flexible


Anyway thanks for any advice or directions towards a good resource on shifters.

Kim

[fattirewilly]

You should decide if you want to change from 8 speeds to 9. There's probably little point, cause you'd need new chain, new cassette (and the new chain may force new rings up front...what fun!). So stick with 8. Your rear deraileur is probably fine. Take a look at the brake shifter combo, see if a hacksaw will separate the brake part from the shift part and leave you with a clamp. Sand/file down sharp edges. Otherwise, purchase an 8 speed Shimano shifter. Sram and Shimano have different pull ratios in the rear deraileurs. Sram makes some Grip Shifts to pull Shimano deraileurs, but I don't know if they do Shimano compatible trigger shifters. Factor in the 8 speed requirement and you take what you can find.

The most important thing is to install a new cable and housing. That will freshen up the shifting very well. Spend the extra dollar or two on a teflon coated cable.

[Kim]

Thanks for the advice. I've actually got a 9 speed cassette as well. It came attached to the mavic wheelset I bought from a guy off craigslist. That said I don't feel the need for 9 speed at the moment. I only use 3-4 of the middle gears usually as is. As to hacksawing the shifter apart, I'd rather save it in tact to put on an older bike my husband had. That said you're not the first person to recommend this to me. Must be somewhat common practice!

From the rest of your reply I take it that, once I've found an 8 speed shimano compatible shifter there's not a real difference between them performance wise so just pick the cheapest/most durable? What about hydraulic shifters? I found some Shimano Dual control hydraulic shifters pretty cheap but am used to normal stock shifters.

Thanks for your time,

Kim

[fattirewilly]

Thanks for the advice. I've actually got a 9 speed cassette as well. It came attached to the mavic wheelset I bought from a guy off craigslist. That said I don't feel the need for 9 speed at the moment. I only use 3-4 of the middle gears usually as is. As to hacksawing the shifter apart, I'd rather save it in tact to put on an older bike my husband had. That said you're not the first person to recommend this to me. Must be somewhat common practice!

From the rest of your reply I take it that, once I've found an 8 speed shimano compatible shifter there's not a real difference between them performance wise so just pick the cheapest/most durable? What about hydraulic shifters? I found some Shimano Dual control hydraulic shifters pretty cheap but am used to normal stock shifters.

Thanks for your time,

Kim

There are small differences in quality/durability as you go from Deore, LX, XT, to XTR. I can't recommend something below Deore. As you mention, weight typically decreases as quality price increases.

I used to be a major gear hound, keeping up with every development. I haven't paid as much attention over the last 4 years, but I've never heard of a hydraulic shifter. The hydro probably refers to the brake system that comes attached to the dual control shifter. If in fact there is hydro shifting, you'll pay a pretty penny for bleeding edge technology.

Another consideration is low normal verse high normal (I forget which is the old reliable), but I don't think they've make the new one in 8 speed, so you're good.

[Kim]

Okie dokie. I think you're right about the hydraulic shifter actually being a dual shifter/brake combo with the hydraulic referring to the brake.

Thanks for all the info. Appreciate the help.

Kim