nuclear_biker

So, new here, biked a ton when I was in middle and high school. Now am in grad school and trying to see if I can get away with a bike instead of a car. I got my dad's old Trek 720 (circa 1992/3) and figured I could overhaul it, use it to learn basic maintenance etc. It doesn't need too much in new parts, just a lot of old, dirty, dry grease. I put in new tubes, and pumped them up, and took it for a test ride. Seemed pretty decent, except that the front derailleur didn't seem to want to shift. It was on the middle gear, and it wasn't too big a deal for riding around.

Got home, watched a bunch of videos on replacing the shifter cables and adjusting the front derailleur. To make a long story short, there was a crack in the shifter (its a grip shifter, will attach a picture at the end), and it was preventing tension from being applied. So the front shifter needs to be replace. Its worth noting that the rear shifter is not in great shape either.

TL;DR of above: I have a broken front grip shifter on a 1992/3 Trek 720 (3x7 speed), and I need to decide what to do.

Here is where I need help (try to bear with me, I'm new at this). I'm looking at the following options: replace it with a new grip shifter (but I hate grip shifters), replace the grip shifter with a trigger shifter (I'm assuming this is possible, google indicated it was), or the nuclear option, which is replace the entire handlebar, since I would prefer a drop handlebar. I do have a quill stem, so this might be more trouble than it's worth.

Currently leaning toward the second option just to get something working (currently I have the front derailleur set to the middle gear so I can get around), and looking into handlebar upgrades later. I'm mostly a commuter who does some pleasure riding on the weekends. I don't want to do too much too fast. My only worry is that since it's an old bike, a modern grip or trigger shifter etc will not work. Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance!

Edit: forgot to include this: https://imgur.com/a/3LyiV

SkyDog75

You're in luck: Compatible 7-speed shifters are cheap & plentiful. Something like a set of Shimano SL-M310 shifters would work fine:

Shimano Altus SL-M310 Rapid Fire Shifter - Left, 3-Speed
Shimano Altus SL-M310 Rapid Fire Shifter - Right, 7-Speed

A drop bar conversion is a bit more involved, generally requiring replacement/installation of new handlebar, brake levers, shifters, stem, front derailleur*, & tape. And you'll have to be aware of frame geometry so you can get an appropriately sized stem to keep from being too stretched out on the bike.

* Shimano road & mountain front derailleurs typically require different amounts of cable pull, requiring them to be paired to a compatible shifter.

dsbrantjr

Option two, trigger shifter(s), would be my suggestion. I don't care for grip shifters either. You will probably need a new set of hand grips since the ones you have are likely shortened to accommodate the grip shifters.

If your bike has the original Shimano Altus derailleurs something like this should work fine, I use them myself: Shimano Altus SLM310 3x7 21 Speed Bicycle Rapid Fire Trigger Shifter Set Black | eBay

Edit: Skydog beat me to it, great minds think alike.

nuclear_biker

I really appreciate the replies guys, thanks you!

Let me give you a bit more info. Currently has a Shimano 200CX derailleur. I can't get too much info, but here is a link: Shimano 200CX Triple Front Derailleur Hybrid 28 6mm FD M202 C Bike Mech Part | eBay. I'm not too sure how to tell what kind of shifter it needs.

Also, the front brake levers definitely need to be replace as well, so I wouldn't be opposed to a shifter that has an integrated brake lever as well. The bike must have been exposed to some serious UV cause all the plastic attached to the handlebars is in pretty rough shape. I am enjoying this project so far though!

Edit: One final potentially important piece of info, the bike has Biopace (elliptical) front cogs.

SkyDog75

You'll need to get brake levers that match your type of brake; cantilever and caliper brakes generally require the same amount of cable pull, but linear pull "v-brakes" require different levers. An early '90s Trek 720 most likely had cantilevers.

Shimano makes (made?) a few different sets of combination brake/shifter levers that work with 3x7 drivetrains like yours and can be configured to use either cantilever or v-brakes. Unfortunately, they've continued to use the same model numbers (e.g. ST-EF51) to refer to the same levers in a v-brake-only configuration. If you go for one of these combo units, you'll have to be careful which version you buy.

Or you can go the safe route and buy the M310 shifters mentioned above plus separate brake levers for minimal difference in cost.

But your great mind found the package deal that includes cables and housing!

Bill Kapaun

IF you have canti's, you want the version with the 4A suffix-
https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-ST-EF5...bo+3+x+7+speed

Both versions work with V brakes. Only the 4A is convertible to canti use.

nuclear_biker

Thanks guys. I have cantis. Just replaced the old, rusted, ones with Altus ones. Wish they were v-brakes but once you get em adjusted they work pretty good.

Edit: I'm gonna sleep on it and make a decision tomorrow, will keep you guys posted!

dsbrantjr

I prefer separate brake levers and shifters so that I can position and angle them independently. I use levers like these: Universal Cycles -- Shimano BL-R550 Cantilever Brake Levers Don't forget new wires and housings, they will make a world of difference.

nuclear_biker

I already got new brake and shifter lines (that's how this all started, corroded brake lines and the front derailleur wasn't working ). I think I will go with separate units just to be safe. This is my first bike project in a while, figure I'll play it safe for now.

I noticed Amazon sells Shimano Acera SL-M310 Rapid Fire shifters:
Amazon.com : Shimano Acera SL-M310 Rapid Fire Shifter, Left (Black, 3-Speed ) : Bike Shifters And Parts : Sports & Outdoors
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZM9RX6/

I'm guessing these will work? I couldn't find much info on an Acera SL-M310, so they may just be mislabeled? Prime shipping, so if they will work I'd prefer to get them.

RubeRad

The answer is, YOU CAN! And we are glad to help you.

Are you wanting to replace only the front/left shifter? B/C that amazon link is not for a pair. I think that should be fine, but my recommendation would be these. I put those on my son's bike after his grip shifter broke, and they work fine. And for a front derailleur, I much prefer friction over indexed, because you can always trim it yourself, you don't have to adjust anything but the limit screws.

cobba

Shimano still makes 7 speed grip shifters too.

Scroll down to the bottom of the following page to find all the different 7 speed shifters.

Revoshift = grip shifters

https://productinfo.shimano.com/#/spe.../Shift%20Lever

* click on the model numbers and you'll get a popup with a photo

nuclear_biker

There should be two links... one to the front and one to the rear shifter.

If possible (and it seems like it is) I want to move away from grip shifters since I hate them. I will probably stick with triggers since I like them and it makes me feel like I'm flying a spaceship.

RubeRad

Yes, it is definitely possible to switch from grip to trigger. I also prefer triggers (most people do), but there is a minority that prefers grips. SRAM makes grip shifters for their top-of-the-line XX1 mountain group (didnt' that used to be called X11?), and they certainly must be much higher quality than low-end units, which seem to always be shifting on their own, or too difficult to shift (especially for little kids)

nuclear_biker

It occurs to me that this might have been a good time to convert to V-brakes... oh well, I just replaced the canti brakes. I've at least learned how to adjust cantis pretty good.

Edit: Well, after adjusting my SO's V-brakes I may just spring for the 30 dollars.

RubeRad

Just don't forget that V-brakes need long-pull levers, and your canti/caliper levers are short-pull. Not safe to mix&match, serious performance degradation.

nuclear_biker

Thanks. I mentioned above that the levers needed to be replaced as well as shifters (UV damage I think), thus the comment. I just replaced the cantis though, so I will be out a few bucks if I go that route.

nuclear_biker

Sorry for the bit of radio silence, had a busy weekend! I decdided to go with the integrated shifters plus V-brake upgrade. I got everything working really well. Here are some pictures...

Before the upgrade: https://i.imgur.com/eDoAABu.jpg

New shifters: https://i.imgur.com/Asez0AY.jpg

New brakes: https://i.imgur.com/UYkgqCc.jpg

Thank you guys very much, I couldn't have done it without your help.

RubeRad

Good job, triggers are just cool, V-brakes work great, and those grips should be very comfy for you. Now get busy trying to wear those parts out!

nuclear_biker

Thanks! I'm pretty happy that everything turned out. I'm espeically surprised I was able to do everything myself; I half expected to show up at the bike shop with a box of parts. I'm sure the labor on everything would have been more than the value of the bike... I'm especially fond of these grips. They help me keep my writsts straight while I ride, which as somebody who uses a computer 90% of their workday, is valuble.

RubeRad

So true! A fair wage for a well-trained craftsman I suppose, but almost all elements of bike mechanics are within reach of the generally handy rider who is willing to take the time, and maybe take a few tries the first couple times.