penexpers
10-21-09, 08:27 AM
Strange question (maybe): does anyone know if Shimano make a left hand side rear shifter for MTB? All the rear ones I can find so far are right hand side. Thanks!
Bicycle Mechanics - Left side rear shifter?
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HillRider
10-21-09, 08:42 AM
AFAIK, no one makes a rear shifter of any type intended for left side installation.
Mr. Underbridge
10-21-09, 09:02 AM
Any particular reason, or just left-handed?
If there's a real need, you might just take a normal right-handed one, flip it over, and run it with the pod on top of the bar on the left side. Ergonomics won't be perfect, but I think if you rotate it a bit, you might be OK.
I flipped my bike around to take a look at how it would feel, and Shimano's Deore dual-control levers (which I have) didn't feel too bad. Downshift via the thumb lever is OK, if not ergonomically perfect. Upshift to smaller cog is accessible via the index finger trigger only, as the bar blocks thumb access. But if you're OK with that, you might give it a try.
Probably your best shot. I'd only try it if I was running a 1x9 and there was a situation where I had limited use of my right hand for some reason.
If there's a real need, you might just take a normal right-handed one, flip it over, and run it with the pod on top of the bar on the left side. Ergonomics won't be perfect, but I think if you rotate it a bit, you might be OK.
I flipped my bike around to take a look at how it would feel, and Shimano's Deore dual-control levers (which I have) didn't feel too bad. Downshift via the thumb lever is OK, if not ergonomically perfect. Upshift to smaller cog is accessible via the index finger trigger only, as the bar blocks thumb access. But if you're OK with that, you might give it a try.
Probably your best shot. I'd only try it if I was running a 1x9 and there was a situation where I had limited use of my right hand for some reason.
fuzz2050
10-21-09, 10:03 AM
This is what friction is made for. An old thumb shifter will work perfectly, if you can live with friction on a mountain bike.
LarDasse74
10-21-09, 10:07 AM
Gripshifts can be installed on either side and are available in Shimano compatible versions.
JiveTurkey
10-21-09, 06:50 PM
Or maybe a thumb-shifter installed upside down.