Bicycle Mechanics - Move Grip Shift to the Opposite Handlebar?

Hello,

I was wondering if anybody has moved a grip shift from a 3 or 7 speed from the Right handlebar to the Left?

Can it be done? Will it cause any problems?

Thanks for your help.

The derailleurs don't care but, depending on the shifter model, numbers and perhaps words will be upside down and the movement of your hands will be different.

The derailleurs don't care but, depending on the shifter model, numbers and perhaps words will be upside down and the movement of your hands will be different.

Probably won't work well due to cable routing issues.

You can just cross cables in front of the head tube instead of routing them on the same side. Shifting would be a little squirrely, but I don't see why it couldn't be done.

Hello,

I was wondering if anybody has moved a grip shift from a 3 or 7 speed from the Right handlebar to the Left?

Can it be done? Will it cause any problems?

Thanks for your help.

Which shifter exactly do you have?

You can just cross cables in front of the head tube instead of routing them on the same side. Shifting would be a little squirrely, but I don't see why it couldn't be done.

That doesn't solve anything. The cable will still exit, (for example left shifter mounted on the right) to the right.

Looking at my SRAM 5 speed IGH grip shifter it does not appear that it would be a problem that I can see mechanically. Shifter rotation directions for gear selection would be reversed. The same applies to the SA 3 speed grip shifter I just bought and have not yet installed. Depending on cable routing fitting a new cable might be needed. I do not have a Shimano IGH grip shifter or a derailleur grip shifter to check.

That doesn't solve anything. The cable will still exit, (for example left shifter mounted on the right) to the right.

:crash:
Not if you flip the whole shifter when installing it on the opposite side so that the normal outside of the shifter that sits against the grip still does so in the new position. That will leave the cable exit from the shifter still pointed towards the center of the bike.

Switching bars without flipping would make for some interesting ergonomics, along with cable routing.

I see the main problem being ergonomics. My SRAM twist-shifters (X-7 model, with X-7 RD and 105 FD) need some force to pull the cable. If you flip them around then you will have to twist it away from you to pull the cable. I would expect it to be a bit tough to put a lot of force when twisting something away from you - it is just not how your wrists were designed to work. Mechanically, there should be no problem, though (and the cable routing shouldn't be an issue).

I agree that the ergonomics of flip-flopped shifters could be 'interesting'.