Fixatated

I ride a 2006 Trek Fuel EX 8. I love the bike but HATE the shifters. They are the kind that has the shifters and brake levers integrated into one unit like you see on most modern road bikes. So to replace the shifters, I also need to replace the brake levers (and other brake components too?)

I am a bit strapped for money lately, so I'd like to do this conversion as cost effectively as possible.

What parts do I need to buy to do this conversion? (N.B. the rear cog has 9 gears, brakes are hydraulic) Does anyone have specific recommendations for brands / retailers?

Thanks

theextremist04

I'm guessing you could just get new Shimano brake levers and Shimano shifters and call it good.

Fixatated

That's what I thought. A mechanic at LBS told me I would need new brakes and not just new levers. Am I missing something, or is he trying to sell me something I don't need?

kenhill3

I am assuming that what you currently have is Shimano. As far as I can tell, you can certainly buy stand-alone Shimano hydraulic levers and also shifter pods. I would be curious to know what your LBS guy's reason is for the no-go.

Fixatated

I must look like a dope. I asked a difference mechanic at a different LBS and he said that I would need a whole new drive train. I might have 10 thumbs but my brain is still semi-operational so I just walked out.

theextremist04

I know you can just buy shifters, I'd assume you could buy replacement levers too. Another shop?

kenhill3

Here's some levers: https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...ke+Levers.aspx

And some shifters: https://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?ID=71378

bigredgrad01

https://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=np09377

Dannihilator

With rapid rise deraillieurs you can use a normal rapid fire trigger, it's just that everything will be backwards and you can get separate shimano hydro brake levers.