Mountain Biking - Upgrade 7 to 8?

I'm sure this has been asked already.
I have a 7 speed drivetrain. Been riding the same bike for 8 years. My shifters are finally going out on me, and besides that i am thinking about upgrading my components to 8 and eventually buying a new frame. Thought i would slowly build a new bike. I was hoping i wouldn't have to upgrade my entire drivetrain at once. So my question is:
Is it possible to use 8 speed shifters with 7 speed cassete and derailleur? Is it even possible to upgrade peices of the drive train at a time? or all at once?
I'd rather stay at 7 speed but I wonder how long i'd be able to find 7 speed components. Maybe just buy a new bike?
While i'm at it. any opinions on SRAM attack twist shifters?
Sorry about the long winded question.

I'm sure this has been asked already.
I have a 7 speed drivetrain. Been riding the same bike for 8 years. My shifters are finally going out on me, and besides that i am thinking about upgrading my components to 8 and eventually buying a new frame. Thought i would slowly build a new bike. I was hoping i wouldn't have to upgrade my entire drivetrain at once. So my question is:
Is it possible to use 8 speed shifters with 7 speed cassete and derailleur? Is it even possible to upgrade peices of the drive train at a time? or all at once?
I'd rather stay at 7 speed but I wonder how long i'd be able to find 7 speed components. Maybe just buy a new bike?
While i'm at it. any opinions on SRAM attack twist shifters?
Sorry about the long winded question.
Why bother using 8 speed shifters? There are plenty of places that still offer 7 speed stuff. And since you asked about twisties here you go.
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=104&subcategory=1195&brand=&sku=14185&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=

Thanks for the reply.
Do you think the SRAM MRX Pro shifters would be an upgrade from LX rapidfire shifters? Iv'e never used grip shift.

Thanks for the reply.
Do you think the SRAM MRX Pro shifters would be an upgrade from LX rapidfire shifters? Iv'e never used grip shift.
They're an upgrade over broken ones to be sure. They do take some getting used to and I personally don't care for them. However, my girlfriend swears by them and they're easier to maintain than triggers. It's certainly not the worst move you can make especially since they're about $10 for the set

That is true. Anything is an upgrade over broken shifters.
Actually, only my front shifter is messed up. I like my shifters. I'm just scared to take it apart and try to fix it. If i open it up, a spring will probably pop out and shoot me in the eye.

That is true. Anything is an upgrade over broken shifters.
Actually, only my front shifter is messed up. I like my shifters. I'm just scared to take it apart and try to fix it. If i open it up, a spring will probably pop out and shoot me in the eye.
In that case you could use anything. The front is the one thing that HASN'T changed in the 7,8,9 speed transition. I'd give the twisties a try as they're way cheap and if the (more seldomly used) front gave way the rear very well could be next.

It makes no economical sense to upgrade from a 7 speed to 8/9 speed. You need to go to a new 8/9 speed hub as well. As mentioned, there are plenty of 7 speed stuff still floating around. By the way, most SIS 8 speed shifters will shift through a 7 speed cassette. Keep your 7 speed drivetrain and just replace your shifters. :)

Thanks for the responses! I think i'll stick to my 7 speed and eventually just buy a new bike.
Why did they get rid of the 7 speed anyway? I never needed anything more. I figure if people are riding single speeds now i can handle 7.

Thanks for the responses! I think i'll stick to my 7 speed and eventually just buy a new bike.
Why did they get rid of the 7 speed anyway? I never needed anything more. I figure if people are riding single speeds now i can handle 7.

Just another advancement in technology that no one wanted.

7 speed parts are still available. Check ebay and you can score some nice older 7 speed stuff for good prices. To upgrade to 8 or 9 speed would cost too much and you'd be better off just buying a new complete bike with the money you'd spend.

Have you tried douching your shifter. Chances are the grease inside is just fully cruded up and is keeping the ratchet from working well. Soak it in some degreaser and shift it while submerged in degreaser. Then rinse it and let it dry and then spray some light lube in there.

You might just be able to save it!

Thanks for the reply.
Do you think the SRAM MRX Pro shifters would be an upgrade from LX rapidfire shifters? Iv'e never used grip shift.


I have LX Rapidfires on my NRS and SRAM Twisties on my comfort, "cruising the city" bike. To be honest, I like them both equally and almost got SRAM X0 twisties for the NRS because I like the twisties on my Giant Suede that much. My mountain bike before the NRS had Twisties as well and they worked equally well as the Rapidfires on the trail.

However, since I equally like the LX Rapidfires I decided it wouldn't be worth spending the money to change the stock LX Rapidfires that came with my NRS. I would think you would be just as happy with the twisties as the Rapidfires.

The front shifter will shift onto the two smaller chainrings, but won't shift onto my large chainring. It feels like there is a gear inside the shifter that slips. Once in a while it will catch if i get it just right and it will shift.
It's not that bad since i never use that chainring when i am climbing. It's just nice to know i can shift there if i ever need to.

Over the years, the grease gets contaminated by dirt and since there are about 220 pieces inside a SHimano shifter, I don't advise tearing it apart.

As the grease gets more contaminated and older, it hardens. This will prevent it shifting into a gear. It's a ratching system, the grease prevents the springs from moving and "clicking" into gear.

Remove the shifter from the handlebars and soak it in degreaser (Simple Green). Then work the shifter while it's being soaked. Rinse off the degreaser and lube it. Something like Pedro's Dry Lube would work.

I'll try that. Thanks.
If that doesn't work, i might try the twisties.