Mountain Biking - Brake/shifter upgrade

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sebring
04-03-03, 01:21 PM
I need new pads really bad and I'm not pleased with my current shifters. SO I was thinking of upgrading both. I currently use a combo unit. I'm think the Avid SD5's but unsure which shifters to go with. Everything is currently Shimano on the bike so I don't know if that makes a difference or not. Thanks in advance.

Raiyn
04-03-03, 04:34 PM
So what level do you have now? Deore, LX, Alivo, Acera what?
sebring
04-03-03, 05:27 PM
It's below Deore, I know that, forget if Acera or Alivio. I want to go with Deore or higher, but also looking into SRAM and others as far as shifters go. Got a high recommendation on Magura(sp?) brakes.

schnell
04-03-03, 06:02 PM
Be sure you get a compatible SRAM shifter set. The ratio on most SRAM stuff is 1:1, so it will not shift well with Shimano. They do make Shimano friendly shifters, however.

I would stick with Shimano shifters to match the rest of your drivetrain. LX is durable and good. As far as brakes, Avid makes really good stuff.
Raiyn
04-03-03, 09:54 PM
Deore shifters are ok I'll definatly second the Avid comment
sebring
04-04-03, 07:03 AM
If I were to go with SRAM, would I need to change the deraileurs? Sounds like since I'm going in baby steps it's easiest to stick with Shimano.
Maelstrom
04-04-03, 09:16 AM
If you go sram you have to change everything...

LX shifters and der are nice. Cheap and good shifting and eas to replace.
a2psyklnut
04-04-03, 09:32 AM
If you go with SRAM, you need to get a Sram rear derailleur, but your front one will work fine. If you stick with Shimano, you need new shifters and levers. I would recommend you get a seperate shift pod as opposed to the shifter/lever combo. That way you can upgrade to any brand brake lever, or even discs!

L8R
sebring
04-04-03, 01:41 PM
I definitely want to go with a seperate lever shifter thing. It looks like I'll go with Deore LX then. I saw on the internet a full set of Avid SD7 for like under $50. That was front and rear everything.

I am happy with the Shimano parts I have but didn't know if there was any benefit from swithcing to SRAM. Of course everything seems to be going to 9 speed, so if I do switch, I may need to do everything. Although I really don't care for the SRAM shifters, I like triggers personally.