Bicycle Mechanics - I want SRAM grip shifters---is it possible with this bike?etc.

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA
nacho
08-20-08, 08:56 AM
I recently bought a used 2005 Marin Hawk Hill in great condition. I'd like to keep the frame, but slowly upgrade this bike. I want to change the shifters, which are Shimano Alivio, to Sram grip shifters(this is what I prefer). Is this possible at all? I know that there is sometimes a problem with Shimano and Sram compatability. The rear der. is Shimano Deore and the front is Shimano Alivio. I'd also like to upgrade these. Do I need to go with Sram or Shimano componentry if it is possible to make my shifting sram grip shifting?

Next, I'd like to upgrade the brakes. It's aluminum linear pull-brakes. I'd like to upgrade to disc. How do I know if the frame is compatible for this? Does anyone know if a Marin Hawk Hill 05 can be upgraded to discs.

Any other upgrades one would suggest? I'm new to bike mechanics, but I plan on learning as I go with the park tools website, a book, and help from you guys.

Thanks for any and all advice. I really do appreciate it all.

brandonsdad02
08-20-08, 07:59 PM
You shouldn't have a problem doing that. I have Shimano Deore rear der and my front is Shimano as well. I had Sram grip shifters put on at the LBS and haven't had any problems at all. Pick out what you want and enjoy riding!!!
JanMM
08-20-08, 08:12 PM
If you have a Shimano RD, you can only use SRAM shifters that are 2:1 actuation ratio. Most SRAM shifters are 1:1 to work with SRAM RD's. Make sure you get 2:1. (The FD doesn't care which brand you use.)
Does your front fork and frame have disc brake tabs? Are your hubs disc hubs? You must answer yes to both questions for a straightforward change to disc brakes. Not usually cost-effective if the answers are no.

Mondoman
08-21-08, 02:10 PM
Based on the bikepedia.com entry for your bike, it has disc caliper mounts on the fork and frame, and has Shimano disc-compatible wheel hubs (these may be CenterLoc rather than 6-bolt rotor mounts).
Changing to grip shifters should be inexpensive and straightforward. Again, from Bikepedia.com it looks like you've got an 8-speed cassette. I recently changed the Alivio shifters on my 8-speed Giant Yukon to SRAM Attack 8-speed grip shifters and it was very easy -- just removed the Alivios, mounted the Attacks, then threaded the new cable that came with the Attacks through the old housing segments to the front/rear derailleur.
As for upgrading the RD and FD, what are you trying to achieve? Unless they are getting worn or have other issues, why not just wait until they wear out or break?

PS - Here are the shifters I got -- hard to beat $30! http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/14904-280_SRAAS6-3-Parts-69-Shifters/Sram-Attack-Twist-8-Speed-Shifters-2007-offer?utm_source=Googlebase&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_campaign=FTP&offer=IN080GLB.htm&zmam=3075515&zmas=1&zmac=30&zmap=280%20SRAAS6