Any Point in Changing 2005 Deore Shifters to 2002 XT Shifters?
 

Bear with me, total newb on quality of product and compatibility amongst components.

Someone in my MTB club is selling 2002 XT shifters for about $40 USD (apparently 2 years use). Is that a good price? Is it worth changing the 2005 Deore shifters that came on my Kona Blast? Any point changing them even if my deraileurs will stay 2005 Deore?

Thanks.

They'll probably look and feel nicer, and be lighter. If they're in good shape, i'd say go for it. XT is nice.

So you're swapping out 3 year old used shifters for a set of brand new shifters? Doesn't make sense to me, XT or not. They are rebuildable and have a definate lifespan.

[edit: should read are NOT rebuildable...]

If you're patient, you can find shifters on ebay for @ $20.00. Most of the time they are take-offs, so they are relatively new.

I wouldn't switch. I used Deore for two years before changing to LX. The LX (and XT) is better, but unless you are just hardcore, I wouldn't spend the money.

Good points. I think I'll pass then.

For what it's worth, the shifters are 2002 models but the owner claims 2 seasons of use. Anyway, given our long and cruel winters here, our riding seasons are relatively short (April to October). Unless the owner rode in the winter (possible but unlikely) his 2 seasons of use is equal to at most 1-1.5 years of actual use.

Just my 2¢ worth, but I don't replace anything that I haven't worn out 1st.... Except my front fork, sorry....

New deore shifters that work against 2 year old XT that might be a bit worn? Deore work fine so don't bother changinf them till you have problems. However I replaced my 3 year old deores with new XT and I won't be going back to deore.
Only replace or upgrade when things stop working or are causing problems. Thats why I have not replaced my acera front mech in 4 years. It still works perfectly and although low quality, it works well enough and still works.

Wait until your current stuff wears out, then switch it all to SRAM.