Originally Posted by
maddog34
Should I also replace the derailleurs?
What are some good quality brands of shifters and derailleurs? I don't compete or anything and all my riding is on paved roads when its nice out.
What is the benefit of having a separate brake and shifter vs integrated?
1.. are they damaged? no? then don't bother.
2... Shimano, Micro-shift, SRAM, in that order.
There are different Quality Levels available from all three brands... and there are a spectrum of different configurations to select... 8 speed stuff is getting more scarce in a higher-quality type since that number of gears is not found on new high-end bikes now..
Altus and Alivio are both Shimano-built Derailleurs that work very well.
3.. the Benefit of having them Separate is that you can position them separately for greater comfort, and you can Upgrade, Replace, or Work on them without replacing/removing the other part.
Having them together (commonly called "Brifters") is a sleeker appearance, ease of installation, and one less clamp to deal with during repairs/adjustments. A Brifter may also leave extra room on the bars for lights, bells, GPS distractions, huge bags to carry things you may never need, and a cell phone mount so your daughter can call to tell you she will be spending the night at tracy's house ( but will never actually BE at tracy's house
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I dont believe the derailleurs are damaged but I have not taken a good look at them. The front derailleur is an Altus and the rear is an Acera.