Bicycle Mechanics - Upgrading SRAM ESP shifters

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View Full Version : Upgrading SRAM ESP shifters


sandtiger
05-22-11, 08:01 AM
I was helping a friend clean out a shed the other day, and I found his old bicycle, I asked him what he was planning on doing with it and he said I could have it.
Its a 2000 or 2001 Mongoose MGX DXR (yes I know all about how I shouldn't use *-mart bikes but its free), it has been sitting in his garage for the better part of a decade because he rode it once like 2 miles and realized he was way to out of shape to ride it and parked it (The stringy tips are still on the tops of the tires). The bike is mechanically sound new save for the chain being rusty but not bound up. I aired up the tires and rode it for about 25 minutes without any issue other than realizing i don't care much for the grip shifters and the adjustment of the RD is off probably due to cable strech.
My question is can I upgrade the shifters to trigger shifters (Ok shifter I can deal with a grip shifter for the FD), and if links would be great. I know the Shimano shifters do not have the same ratio.
It has 7 speed SRAM ESP RD. I am not looking to take this bike and jump it off rocks (so please save me the quality of the bike posts) just ride around town in and occasional ride on gravel roads.
for example would this http://www.amazon.com/SRAM-Index-Front-Trigger-Shifter/dp/B002GIHF16/ref=pd_sbs_sg_4 be compaible?

Thanks for all your help.
Also_if_ I need to replace the chain would it be easier just putting a new RD and shifter on then. I'd like to not have to replace the RD if I can get away with keeping the current one.


Retro Grouch
05-22-11, 08:40 AM
1. The shifters will work.

2. Look at how your present shifters attach to the handlebar. Do they share a clamp with the brake levers? If they do (my guess) you'll either have to buy new brake levers too or find a way to saw the shifter pods off of the shifter/brake lever combination.

3. Don't forget to get new longer hand grips to go with the trigger shifters.

4. You can probably fix the shifting by rotating the barrel adjuster that's adjacent to your twist shifter a 1/4 turn (maybe 1/2 turn) counterclockwise. I'm not a fan of twist shifters either, but that would be a cheaper solution.

5. As you guessed, it's a lot less work to replace the shifter, rear derailleur and chain all at once than to replace the three things one-at-a-time. If you get a new chain you'll definitely have to resize it. That requires a chain tool.

sandtiger
05-22-11, 08:46 PM
The shifters are independant of brake handles..thank god
I have a set of Ergon ga1s so I will be good on grips..