EricSteven5

So I think it's time to replace the rear shifters on my old trusty Cannondale F900, AGAIN. Currently running an Acera rear 8 speed shifter, which has probably 5000 miles on it. It will shift up but trying to go down it just won't move at all.

I'll take it in tomorrow to the LBS to see if they can get it working again (they just replaced shifter cables and cassette around 1000 miles ago). They also de-gunked the shifters at that time also. But I'm really just thinking I want something higher end that will last longer between needing corrections. The rest of the bike has pretty good specs and has been pretty bulletproof since I bought the bike new in 1999.

Are there any higher end 8 speed shifters still available new? I can't seem to find any aside from ebay ads claiming NOS. I've read that a 9 speed shifter will work, but.. I dunno...?

EDIT: These would be replacing rapid fire style shifters on a MTB. Would prefer to keep that style shifter.

3alarmer 

.
...there's a pretty bulletproof downtube 8 speed shifter from Shimano that you can buy for about 30 bucks online. But it only works if you want DT shifters.

Or you can look for barends in 8.

Either of those designs is probably more durable than ergo shifters.

EricSteven5

Sorry, should have specified that this would be replacing rapid-fire style shifters on a MTB...

3alarmer 

...never had one of those go bad. When they get sticky, they usually respond well to putting the bike on the stand, angling the bike down so the shifters are over a bucket, and running a quarter of a can of WD-40 through there while working the shifter. Worst case I had to run a pair through an ultrasonic cleaner once.

Can't say I ever had an Acera, though.

Andrew R Stewart 

We have a few 8x3 MtB shifters at the shop NIB we'd like to sell. I'll check out what their specs are and get back in a day or so (I'm only working a day a week currently so please be patient).


Although it sure sounds like the shifters have gotten gummed up again. If the shop that did the work before only sprayed out the pods and didn't actually solvent bathed and air blasted the pods then the thin spray lube has dried out and the not really removed old lube is still gummy. Don't think that a higher end lever set will have lube that lasts longer then the lube in a more basic level does. Perhaps the newer manufacturing of a newer set with newer lube will make you think it's the grade of lever that made the difference... Andy.

Jeff Wills

Shimano, even at the lowest levels, tends to be bulletproof. I wonder what's happening in your mild climate with fresh cables and de-gunkifying.

In any case, these may be comparable to Acera:
Sunrace M53 8-Speed Shifter Set Black
MicroShift Mezzo Triple 8 speed Shift Levers
https://www.niagaracycle.com/categori...er-set-black-1

EricSteven5

I do a lot of riding on beach bike paths oftentimes in windy conditions next to sand. That's my only guess.

I assumed higher level shimano (XT or XTR) would be better protected from debris, as they are designed for off road and mud, etc..?

Bike Gremlin

In my experience, the most durable Shimano MTB parts are Deore. XT, XTR - lighter, but not more durable.

I'd look for friction shifters for maximal possible durability.

Jeff Wills

I have a set of XTR first-series 8-speed shifters and they work fine. However, they don't get much use.

My 9-speed Shimano shifters have been bulletproof in all weather conditions here in the Pacific Northwet. I grew up in Southern California- I really doubt the teensy little breezes and occasional sand down there compares to our gusts & mud.

American Euchre

Open up the pod and spray with triflow. Should work perfectly.

dsbrantjr

You might consider these: https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-SL-M3...qid=1478609190 Under $30 gets you a set of two including cables


I have the M310 7-speed version on two of my bikes and they have been entirely satisfactory.

fietsbob

Best? IMO, Thumbie adapters from Paul Comp, and the 8 speed bar end shifter called the Ultegra model.

Use the levers from those..

And there are still 8 speed new bikes sold, you can always get the replacement shifters from that parts set.

check in at a bike shop, their wholesale distributors carry parts for repairs to older bikes,

that have been superseded by More 'speeds' parts for the latest OEM build specs.

Eric S.

I don't do any serious mountain biking, but I've been using Grip Shift for quite a few years. It's simple, inexpensive and just works.

willydstyle

Isn't that the exact model that OP wants to replace?

EricSteven5

Update: Shop could not de gunk the Acera shifter.

These are messed up shifters currently on there: https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-SL-M3.../dp/B003ZMH6IO

I had them order a 9 speed Deore shifter. 2-3 day wait time. Hopefully holds up better than Acera. To be fair Ive put the Acera through some tough tours in foul weather.

Nothing higher than Acera for 8 speeds unfortunately. Maybe when this new cassette wears down I can put a 9 on.

Darth Lefty 

At $20 shipped for a new shifter I don't know if I'd be really heartbroken about it.

For the 9s shifter to work you might need to be clever like this: Mixing Brands of Shifters, Rear Derailers and Cassettes

Bezalel

Going to 9-speed opens up more options. to get started all you really need to change is shifters, chain, and cassette.

EricSteven5

The cassette will be staying 8 speed until it wears out. Less than 1000 miles on the new cassette. The shop said they have a way so the new 9 speed shifter will only make use of the 8 cogs..?

Jeff Wills

You can do that by replacing all the spacers between the cogs with 9-speed spacers and changing out any cogs with built-in spacers. Not tough, but I'd rather just switch to a 9-speed cassette.

Andrew R Stewart 

Shimano 9 speed and 8 speed systems have different cog to cog spacing. Not by a lot but enough so after a few shift it adds up and the remaining shifts are off a bit. So most will consider 8 and 9 speed systems to be not compatible, shifter and cassette wise. Andy

EricSteven5

I have a loaded tour coming up and need this rig to be solid. I've read that 8 speed chains can take more load than 9-11, due to being thicker.. Is this true?

Should I scrap the 8 and go with a new 9 speed cassette? I'm not even sure a 9 will fit with the original late 90s mtb rims on there

Bike Gremlin

9 speed shifter can be made to work - decently well with an 8 speed cassette - alternate cable routing. Wrote how to here:
7) Bicycle rear shifter compatibility - Cycle Gremlin

8 speed chain is cheaper. It is a bit wider, but 9 speed chain won't break from pedalling. 8 speed drivetrain has more space between adjacent cogs, more cable pull per gear change, therefore, it is less sensitive to RD misalignment and any play in shifter cables, or housing. I'd stay with 8 speed Acera, over 9 speed Deore any day. Especially in terms of shifters. Used Acera shifter for full 3 years all year round cycling, some 5000 km per year minimal, without problems. After 3 years the bike got stolen, shifters were fine.

sarahbruce

Hopefully your new 9 spd shifter works out for you. If I wanted the most reliable and bomb proof option, I would have to go with this-
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...6DP1WV7KS3D6GA

8 speed indexed thumb shifter gets great reviews and is very simple! If you are doing touring then you probably don't really need any kind of rapid fire shifting and thumbies can be very quick once you get used to them anyways.
Bruce

Andrew R Stewart 

As Slaninar said the working differences between 8 and 9 speed are about wear more then load capacity. But there are other aspects not mentioned that can be at play.


What ergonomics does the shifter have? What gearing range and steps do either 8 or 9 speed have? Will others be riding with you and what set up do they have?


As far as the grade of the system goes- I prefer Deore over Acera for the der aspect. One thing I would consider is to install XT level pulleys, their bushing/bearing design do last longer then Deore or Acera do. Andy.

Wilfred Laurier

I don't know if they still make it, or where you could buy it, but the Sram Attack shifters were available in Shimano compatible 8 speed the last time I looked. These are not the same as the MRX shifters that were supplied on millions of entry-level bikes since the early 90s - these are a design that was sold by Sachs for a couple years before Sram bought them, and they are excellent.

I believe you said above that you have gripshifters and like them, well I think the standard gripshift design is crap-ola, but the Attack design is very very good.