Svalas

Hi, I've bent my left shifter and looking if I can fix it at all or is it better to replace. It still shifts the gears but the lever is bent from the clamp body. Also one side of the brakes cable holder is slightly off and only grips the edge of it.

Image link: (not allowed to post, bikeforums rules apparently)

(it used to sit flush with no gap)

Thanks

maddog34

what brand/model of shifter are you talking about?

alcjphil

Really, without this information, nobody can even venture a guess

xenologer

You can try bending it back
but you'll also risk destroying it altogether
which is why most shops will just suggest replacing with new

suggested approaches:
bench vice with large channel locks and or adjustable crescent (monkey wrench)
figuring out where you can safely grab and apply force is an exercise left to the reader

Svalas

Sorry it's a 10 speed shimano ultegra (one that still had the gears cable to the side)

Svalas

Retrying to share the link to a photo: m.imgur.com/a/fBKE2

Retro Grouch 

Are you sure that the shifter is bent?

Shifters are properly installed on the handlebar just snugly enough that they will rotate on the bar in the event of a fall rather than bend or break. Without benefit of seeing your bike, I'm thinking that your problem can likely be solved by simply rotating the shifter back.

Svalas

Hi. The main body of the shifter (the part that is clamped on the handlebars) has not rotated, instead, the lever part has moved inwards leaving a gap (visible in the photo) between it and the clamped part. It also has spread the hooks for the break cable and one side only keeps the cable by the edge of the (cable nut?)

The only idea I have is to try disassembling it and bending the parts back but not sure if this is a right thing to do.. Or to just replace it..

Retro Grouch 

If it's not working for you now, what do you have to lose by trying to bend it back straight? Shift/brake levers are often the most costly component on your bike to replace. Whether you repair or replace, if it was my bike, I wouldn't clamp the shifter quite so tightly to the handlebar next time.

Svalas

Heh. True, thanks

blakcloud

That shifter looks pretty beat but as RetroGrouch says what do you have to lose? I would grab a pair of channel locks and persuade it back into position. Cheapest solution, find a replacement for that side only. Another solution would by keeping the lever for a brake lever and use a downtube shifter for the front, it is something the Lance Armstrong use to in his early days. Any friction downtube shifter should work. Good luck.

Svalas

Thanks! I've ordered a new set (105, 5700). but will also try to fix this one too - as it still shifts the gears I think there is hope would like to be able to bend back exactly the bent part rather than the whole thing