Shims: I am not going to comment on your desires - that is your choice. I purchase aluminum tubing from Online Metals Order Aluminum 6061 Tube in Small Quantities at OnlineMetals.com to make the various shims I need - mostly front derailleur. Cut to length, then in half along the length to split the shim. A bit of very thin double stick adhesive holds them in place during the clamping operation.