Mountain Biking - STI dual shift levers

It is time for an 8-speed to 9-speed upgrade on my mountain bike, so I ordered some new Shimano LX ST-M580 "dual control" shifters from Jenson. These are the STI style where the brake lever is also the shifter. I am also replacing the RD with a "rapid rise" (low normal) model. What has been your experience with these newer style "dual lever" shifter/brakes?

Can't say that I've ever used them. It appears that the online retailers are blowing these out for cheap, perhaps because they didn't sell well (?).

Most folks who have been riding awhile seem to have NOT embraced Shimano's the rapid rise and dual control. Certainly not the 'old schoolers' who started out on rapid fire- they prefer to use the current incarnation of same. Some people just don't care to change what they feel works great for them, and have developed an intuitive sense as far as operating the shift mechanisms.

The practicalities have also played a big part here. A combined shift/brake lever does not give the option of separate levers and shifter mechs, most importantly when folks want to use brake systems (read Avid, Hayes, Magura, Hope, etc.) other than Shimano. The other thing about this is the complexity of the dual control mechanism- hopelessly complicated and almost impossible to repair. If the mechanism fails, you have to sh*tcan the whole thing.

I got a cheap used set of XT dual control levers...they do work quite well once you get used to them. They're kind of heavy...and ugly. Not sure I'd buy them again, but I'm happy with them for now...

Using them for about two years. They work great, and I would recommend them with rapid rise vs. without it. I agree they're ugly, although the new ones (08 XTR and 09 XT)look a lot slicker. Only fans of shimano brakes need apply.

And old schoolers started out on thumbshifters, not rapid-fire.

And old schoolers started out on thumbshifters, not rapid-fire.

+1, And, unlike several sets of 7 speed, trigger and rapid fire that broke, those old, 6 -speed trigger shifters seem indestructable.

I should have mentioned that I'm currently using a standard, high normal RD, and just switched from Avid SD Ti v brakes to Avid BB7's...

I am running some deore dual controls with some avid bb7s and an xt rapid rise rear and like it. I found the switch pretty intuitive (down to high gear, up to a lower gear on each side) Only concern so far is dragging the brakes on a steep rocky descent caused some unexpected shifting as I was jostled around on my steel hardtail w/ only 80mm up front.

I am running some deore dual controls with some avid bb7s and an xt rapid rise rear and like it. I found the switch pretty intuitive (down to high gear, up to a lower gear on each side) Only concern so far is dragging the brakes on a steep rocky descent caused some unexpected shifting as I was jostled around on my steel hardtail w/ only 80mm up front.

Thanks all for the great comments. I picked up my bike from the LBS today and both the shifting and braking seem excellent. I too am running Avid BB7 discs and they all work together well. If anyone is looking for an 8-speed set up in very good condition (rapid fire shifter/brake combo, high normal RD, 11-32 cassette and chain), PM me for details. :thumb: