Bicycle Mechanics - Shimano shifters maintenance?

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hyhuu
09-27-11, 09:22 AM
I know about maintenance for the chain, cassette, hub, derailuers, cables, etc. but have never read or heard anything about the shifters. Is it pretty much maintenance free? Or is there something I can do to make sure it lasts for a long time.

Thanks.

blamp28
09-27-11, 10:04 AM
Which shifters? a little more specifics would help. Genrally speaking, the shifters need little if any attention unless ridden in wet conditions. I have a set of Tiagra 9 speed brifters with around 10,000 miles on them. The right hand/rear shifter began acting up around 7500 miles. I gave it the WD40 bath and nursed it along for a few hundred miles and then replaced it. Not a bad performance for lower end shifters as far as i'm concerned. If we're talking off road equipment, I'm not a fan of Shimano's off road offerings so I can't help there. I found thier stuff to be a bit delicate for my liking but the road stuff is great.
dbruening80
09-27-11, 12:09 PM
Other than what was stated above in regards to brifters, there is not much to do. I do suggest you make routine cable replacement a priority. If the cable breaks inside the shifter, the head of the cable can jam the shifter necessitating replacement.

hyhuu
09-27-11, 12:24 PM
Which shifters? a little more specifics would help. Genrally speaking, the shifters need little if any attention unless ridden in wet conditions. I have a set of Tiagra 9 speed brifters with around 10,000 miles on them. The right hand/rear shifter began acting up around 7500 miles. I gave it the WD40 bath and nursed it along for a few hundred miles and then replaced it. Not a bad performance for lower end shifters as far as i'm concerned. If we're talking off road equipment, I'm not a fan of Shimano's off road offerings so I can't help there. I found thier stuff to be a bit delicate for my liking but the road stuff is great.

I have the 6600 on one bike and Sora on the other bike. Both shift flawlessly so far.
akansaskid
09-27-11, 08:44 PM
105 5600 shifters. Cable breaks between 3500-4000 miles on right shifter. Replace every 3000 miles works. Internal ratchet gear wears down after 15,000 miles or so, necessitating replacement. On my third shifter. Not much internal maintenance you can do.