Mountain Biking - upgrade shifter on new C-dale?

I have decided to buy a C-dale Silk Trail 400. I've been looking for a good bit, and while no bike is perfect, this one comes as close as I've found, without blowing my budget. The only thing I would change about the bike, is the shifters. It comes with the SRAM Centura grip shifters. I really like the Shimano thumb shifters. This bike is an 8 speed (that's fine for me) and I am wondering if is possible to get the bike shop to upgrade the shifters. Does it make sense to do this for a brand new bike, or I am I nitpicking? I am upgrading from a 14 year-old Trek 800, so any shifter will be a tremendous improvement! If I do upgrade the shifters, how much should I expect to pay the shop...or is this something I could do myself? I am fairly handy, but have never done any bike work. :confused:

I can't see any problem with getting the LBS to uprade the shifter for you. Barring unforseen, or unknown to me, problems, why not get them to do the work, it's waranteed, and the bike's ready to go the way you want it when you take it home?

They'll probably do the work for the difference in price of the new shifters and the old.

I don't blame you for upgrading, I don't like grip shift either, although others swear by it.

They should be willing to do a swap for you. I'm sure they have some 8 speed shifters lying around in the back collecting dust since that isn't a high traffic item anymore. If not, a new set of Shimano STX 8 speed shifters will set you back retail for $29.95 at Nashbar. For a point of reference here is a link:

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=104&subcategory=1122&brand=&sku=6229&storetype=&estoreid=

Given the component mix of your bike the STX shifters should be fine.

As much profit margin as they make from a Cdale they shouldn't have a problem with a swap. Of course, they should be able to get you an 8 speed shifter set for less if they have to buy it.

Whatever you decide, let them install the things before you take delivery of the bike. Most bike shops charge around $40 an hour where I live and it shouldn't be more than a 30 minute job or less for someone that knows what they are doing.

Doing it yourself you really should have a 4th hand tool to get your cable tight and that will cost more than an installation charge in all likelihood. Barnetts Manual is online somewhere to help you in the future or you can check www.mtbonline.net for some of their info on maintenance. Also www.mtbreview.com might help as well.

Enjoy the new ride!