Recreational & Family - shifters: twister or toggle/trigger

Which type of shifters do folks prefer (twister OR toggle/trigger) and why?

I like toggle/trigger because they seem to be less problematic. However I do not have alot experience with the higher end twist type shifters. I still have thumbies on my classic MTB :).

I don't like the twist style because it is easier to shift accidentally, for example when you happen to have your hand on the shifter and hit a bump. Plus, the triggers are more out of the way of your gripping area.

I much prefer trigger shifters. With a twist shift, you need to click once, then stop. With a trigger, there's no risk of double shifting when you're in a hurry or your mind is occupied with other concerns at the same time you need to shift.

I have twist shifters on my Trek. I've used the trigger style on rental bikes. Triggers are ok, but I prefer what I'm used to. I like being able to shift quickly without having to move my hands/fingers out of position.

Twist, as you can either dump or pick up as many gears you want at one time.

I prefer twist to trigger, I've had indexing hassles up the wazoo w/ trigger, my twist grips give graduated movement so can make sure not to be dragging the chain on the derailer.

Twist, as you can either dump or pick up as many gears you want at one time.What you regard as a feature, I regard as a shortcoming, in that it's too easy to pick up or dump gears that you don't want.

What you regard as a feature, I regard as a shortcoming, in that it's too easy to pick up or dump gears that you don't want.
Very seldom have that problem. The indexing on mine has enough friction to stop at just one if I want it to, or jump 2 or 3 quickly when I need it.

i use the SRAM thumb shifters.

i can't really get into the more expensive grip shifts and i hate the shimano trigger shifters.

the brake handle shifters used on more expensive mountain bikes, tho, those are sweet.

Which type of shifters do folks prefer (twister OR toggle/trigger) and why?

Yes :p

It all boils down to which one YOU prefer.

I've used both, and find either to be fine, but for winter riding you can use large gloves or mittens without problem with the twist grips.

What you regard as a feature, I regard as a shortcoming, in that it's too easy to pick up or dump gears that you don't want.

There is a thing called skill. I came up riding friction downtube shifters , which required a bit more skill to use while riding. Indexing made things easier, not the other way around.

As others have mentioned, it's personal preference and how well made/rugged or reliable the shifter is. It also "may" depend on what you are using your bike for and the conditions of the ride/course that might influence which type of shifter best does the job for you.

just took a quick poll:
Wife and younger child prefer twist shifters.
Older child and myself prefer trigger shifters; older child likes first generation RapidFire shifters with both buttons on the same side. Go figure.
From a wrenching point of view SRAM twist shifters are much easer to set up with an index triple FD.
Top

I grew up using friction shifters on the down-tube. If you can shift well using those, you can use just about anything else and appreciate just how easy modern shifters are to use. Personally I much prefer the toggle/trigger shifter. I can up or down shift very easily and quickly. I find the grip shifter to be a bit more anoying. I have the Shimano Alivio with Shimano Deore read derailer. This combo shifts like a dear and is very easy to control. With just a small push from your index finger you can easily down shift quickly, and I find that it is very easy to efficiently upshift even while accelerating away from a traffic light. I find the shifting actions to be extreamly intuitive and smooth, and can time it so that I shift right between reaching the power part of the stroke. In the grip shifters I've used I have not found the shifting to be nearly as smooth, not as easy to control. This might also have to do with the fact that the grip shifter almost always come on the lower grade bikes and therefore come with lower grade derailers. Just about everything that Shimano makes works well, but as you move up the product groups there are some noticable improvements in performance. I am not hung up about needing the best group products as I commute all year round, and winter is pretty harsh on the bikes' drive train components.

There truely is no right or wrong in this matter, try out various bike models and go with that works for you. For me getting the bike with toggle shifters meant only a small price increase, but along with it I got a few other features that I realy like.

Happy riding,
André

I prefer brifters.

http://bike.shimano.com/media/images/cycling/products/bikecomponents/ST/ST-5510-L_popup_v1_m56577569830551543.jpg