Replacement shifters: Shimano Alivio -> SRAM X4 ?
04-11-14, 12:31 PM
#1
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Replacement shifters: Shimano Alivio -> SRAM X4 ?
My 2002 Norco Bigfoot needs a bit of work to bring it back into use, most of which is simple but the biggest issue is that the rear derailleur shifter is no longer working. It is (was) a Shimano Alivio (8sp) and I can find a Shimano Altus or, for much less, a SRAM X4.
I read on another post in this forum that SRAM may or may not be compatible with the Shimano rear derailleur but, might I not have issues with the current Shimano Altus (vs the 12 yr old rear derailleur)?
Any recommendations? It is not going to be used much, just for winter commuting (although I'll want to test it and get it tuned up before them) and the commuting route is 8km/5mi roundtrip.
I read on another post in this forum that SRAM may or may not be compatible with the Shimano rear derailleur but, might I not have issues with the current Shimano Altus (vs the 12 yr old rear derailleur)?
Any recommendations? It is not going to be used much, just for winter commuting (although I'll want to test it and get it tuned up before them) and the commuting route is 8km/5mi roundtrip.
04-11-14, 02:03 PM
#2
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The Shimano Acera on Amazon is under $20, even cheaper than the SRAM. Not sure you would notice significant difference between that and Alivio. I used the 7 speed version of the Acera to replace grip twist shifters on an older hybrid and they work fine. SRAM shifters might not be properly indexed for Shimano derailleur (different amount of cable pull per shift).
04-11-14, 02:12 PM
#3
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Thanks, I'll stick with Shimano then and try to find other suppliers; in my limited experience, amazon.ca isn't as good for Canadians as amazon.com is for US citizens.
04-11-14, 03:06 PM
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The part on Amazon was listed as for sale by Green Canyon Outfitters. Don't know if they ship to the great white north.
04-11-14, 03:12 PM
#5
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The Sram X series shifters have a 1:1 cable actuation and the Shimano derailleur requires a 1:2 cable ratio. Basically, the Sram shifter won't work with the Shimano derailleur.
04-11-14, 06:43 PM
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You can put almost any decent SIS shimano compatible shifter with the right number of speeds on this bike fine. Fairly nice options can be had from Amazon and Niagra for $15 or so up I would spledge a few extra for a matched set of trigger shifters myself.
04-11-14, 07:40 PM
#9
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Generally, numbered SRAM shifters work with SRAM RDs while named SRAM shifters work with Shimano RDs. (For instance, X4 versus Attack).
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