Mountain Biking - Need help with shifter/lever problem.

So, I was planning on changing my shifters to DeoreXT. Only problem is, I dont think it'll work. My brake lever has the shifter sitting right on top fastened by two phillip head screws.

The new shifters look like this:

http://pricepoint.com/media/XT_8speed_pod.jpg

They seem alot bigger than the ones I have now. Do you think Ill run into a problem of mounting the new shifters on top of my current levers?

Sounds like you have an integrated brake/shifter pod. This won't work you will need to buy brake levers too.

Well that sux. Are all shifters/levers like that? Except for grip shift of course.

If you have a shifter/lever combo I don't believe you can buy just the shifter pod on any of them. Thats why I don't work with combos. It also forces you to use cable actuated brakes...

Why are combos bad? What are cable actuated brakes?

I wanted to switch over to shifter/lever combos in order to take back an inch on my handlebars.

Also, can you use 27 speed shifters with an 8 speed cassette?

Thanks,
Draft

1 - I don't like combos because they don't give me options. If I was running cable actuated brakes (basic cable brakes disc or v's) I would want to use avid levers which offer more control and feel better. You can't do this with combo packages. Better yet, I run hydro brakes...I am screwed and would have to toss these in order to use a combo lever set...

2 - I assume you mean 3 in the front and 9 in the back with an 8 spd cassette...no idea sorry

Ill use the extra 60 bones to buy new bars and a nice stem.

What do you think is a better deal?

Kore Package for $24.98:

http://pricepoint.com/media/Kore_LiteStem_1inchbar.jpg

Stem Specs:
The Lite 3’s rigidity continues along the shaft of the stem with an oversized ovalized center tube. This design not only delivers incredible torsional stiffness, but also is lighter than a typical straight stem. Finally, like the top of the line Elite Stem, the Lite 3 shares the patented Knee Saver rear clamp design – stronger, more durable and safer on your joints than any other clamp design on the market!

Handlebar:
Kore Riser Bars feature a strong and lightweight 2014 T-6 aluminum that is double butted to reduce weight. Glass bead blasted, Black, 1" rise.





Or the Easton EA50 Package for $34.98:

http://pricepoint.com/media/Easton_50-50BarStem.jpg

Handlebar Specs:
-24" Long
-2" Rise
-300 grams
-Color: Silver
-8 deg. sweep

Stem Specs:
-1 1/8" steerer
-Shot peen finish for maximum fatigue strength
-Two bolt removable face plate
-Custom Easton cold-forged design
-Twin-reverse bolt rear clamp design
-225g

Originally posted by Maelstrom
1 - I don't like combos because they don't give me options. If I was running cable actuated brakes (basic cable brakes disc or v's) I would want to use avid levers which offer more control and feel better.

I've found Shimano XTR and XT to feel a bit nicer/better and offer slightly more control than Avid levers for cable-actuated brakes. However, I'll agree that Avid levers (across their whole line) are much better compared to LX and below. The big issue is that Avid levers are invariably cheaper than XT and much cheaper than XTR (especially in combo format) while offering pretty close feel and performance. I use XTR lever/shiftter combo (came with the bike that way) to pull Avid Arch Rival brakes and am quite pleased with the performance. I've also tried bikes with full Avid Speed Dial/Single Digit 7 setups and they felt comparable to my XTR with Arch Rival 50s while costing about half as much. You can get a whole SD-7 V-brake kit for front and back for the same price as a pair of XTR levers (without shifters).

Originally posted by troie
Ill use the extra 60 bones to buy new bars and a nice stem.

What do you think is a better deal?


I'd jump for the Easton combo if you think it'll feel right to you.

The only problem I have with Easton bar is that its silver, itll look weird on my bike. That and the logo is a sticker, not etched or painted.

I read at mtbreview that Kore had a problem with the bolts of that stem. The kept getting stripped and they were sized wrong by hair witch didnt fit the required allen wrench.

Crap, I also like the Titec Hell Bent Riser Bar and the Race Face Prodigy Stem. what to buy.. what to buy...

the hellbents are hot...and look at the raceface diablous...god made that stem ;)

i know, that badboy is ssaaawwweeeetttttt!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a RaceFace SYStem (no longer made) and that puppy just will not flex. I'm sold on RaceFace stems.

Do I need to be worried about the size? 50 or 70mm?

Whats you current size. Most bike comes stock with 70 to 90 so if you like that length get the 70. I like a shorter stem because it allows for a shorter cockpit and a bit more control of the front end. Either way it is preference we really can't answer that for you.

Also, its not something you should really guess at. Changing stem length changes the way the bike rides immensly. My suggestion would be to find out which length you like most.

I dont know what it is, theres no reference at their website or the manual. What exactly should I measure? The piece that it connects to at the top of the head tube is 1 1/4". I dont know what that is in mm.

Originally posted by DiL
Also, its not something you should really guess at. Changing stem length changes the way the bike rides immensly. My suggestion would be to find out which length you like most.

So, thats the lenght and not the diameter of the head tube connection? I measured the length and mine is 50mm.

Originally posted by Draft
Why are combos bad? What are cable actuated brakes?

I wanted to switch over to shifter/lever combos in order to take back an inch on my handlebars.

Also, can you use 27 speed shifters with an 8 speed cassette?

Thanks,
Draft

i don't think it will work very smoothly.. I can safelt mix 7spd cassetes w/ 8spd shfters.

Why not buy a new 9spd cassette. It will fit on your hub.

I have a crap crank. If I have to replace the cassette, I'll wait and get a nice Race Face crank and an Sram cassette. That with the shifter/brake combos should set me back a pretty penny, but I think it'll be worth it.

Are you sure that I can't use those XT combo levers with an 8 speed cassette?

Thanks a bunch,
Draft

Draft, those levers are 8 speed. Is your current setup integrated lever/shifter? If so, youll have the same problem as me, where are you gonna put the new shifters?

I think a better stem and h-bars is more important. If I do replace a derailleur, itll be the rear only. I shift the rear gears...alot!

The combo XT levers I was looking at were 9 speed. At some point I want to change my cassette to a 9 speed. Just wondering if a 9 speed shifter set would work with an 8 speed cassette?? I can't afford to upgrade everything at once. Plus I'd rather do it a part at a time.

My current setup is seperate shifters and brake levers.

Thanks,
Draft