Bicycle Mechanics - Homemade grip shifters?

I'd like to change over from my friction-type bar shifters to twist-grips. I was thinking I could persuade a couple of motorcycle throttle grips to do the job, but before I root through the local cycle salvage I thought I'd see if anyone has already undertaken a similar project, or if friction-type shifter grips are available.

SRAM still makes them in their low end Gripshift lineup.

I just checked out their website, and I didn't see anything that stated it was compatible with older non-indexed derailleurs. Which model were you referring to?

I just checked out their website, and I didn't see anything that stated it was compatible with older non-indexed derailleurs. Which model were you referring to?I duno what you are trying to do, but index shifters are generally not compatible with pre index or non index type derailers. A friction twist shifter, if that is what you are referencing,would be compatible with index or non index RDs.

That's exactly what I'm after -- a friction twist shifter. I'd been thinking I could modify a motorcycle throttle into one, but if they're available somewhere, that'd be the path of least resistance.

In Some of the replacement gripshift sets - only the right one is indexed. Maybe you could use another left one as your rear derailleur shifter. Just a thought.

Hm yeah I forgot the rears are always indexed. Front is easy, I think the MRX or something like that has the friction front.

Motorcycle throttle grips wouldnt work, because the bicycle derailler cable travel is too small - you would be overshifting all the time.

Cable travel on motorcycle throttles is varied. I've had some bikes you'd swear you needed two handfuls to open up, and then there are racing throttles with only about 1/4 turn. The latter would be useable as a shifter. I saw an aftermarket throttle that uses bevel gears, a la BMW 'R' series, to allow the cable to enter parallel to the bars. If the travel is acceptable, that'd be one answer at about $20 apiece.

The guy at the LBS also mentioned using front grip shifters on both sides.

I've seen friction type grip shifters on low end department store bikes made by Falcon. I don't know where you can get them other them finding a bike at a store and buying the bike to get them.