richyankee

I started riding less than 2 years ago (from barely being able to ride around the block).

During the winter, I bought a road bike (Jamis). I like riding this bike because I can go a little faster and I have gotten comfortable with it, except that the shifters are never very good. When it's at its worst, it will pop out of gear going uphill (big trouble - old weak rider going downhill without any gears ...).

The LBS was able to adjust this so that it works much better, but I still get sticky shifting sometimes and have to shift to high range then back down to get it right.

Anyway, my questions are:

Can I have the shifting hardware replaced at the LBS (I think they are competent and reasonable) - and would it be worth it if my total budget for this is less than $200?

I read a bunch of reviews of this bike after having a series of 'shifty' rides and this is a common complaint. The ones who wrote the reviews seem to know a lot more about bikes than I do - but that could still be BS for all I know.

I haven't felt that the brakes perform poorly and haven't broken any spokes (other common complaints in the reviews).

What shifters should I get as replacements?

Thanks for any help and advice.

Rich

shelbyfv

If you have 8 speed, you will not be able to buy new Shimano parts that will result in any meaningful upgrade, unless you are willing to consider bar end shifters. Bar ends are pretty nice because they have a very positive shift, much less cable, etc. You could convert to 9 speed or 10 speed but you would need shifters, cassette and chain. You might get that for $200 from Ribble or other UK store but your bike shop probably will not want to install it for you.

clydeosaur

I have a Jamis Satellite I picked up about a year ago to use as a winter bike on the trainer. It's a 9speed that runs Sora shifter with a 9 speed Tiagra rear derailleur and a FSA triple front crank. While the set up is lower end for a road bike and a bit noisy, it shifts fine. upgrading to Tiagra brifters (or used 105/ultegra) would probably firm up the accuracy and make shifting a little more crisp. That being said, if set up correctly, you should not be skipping gears / dropping a chain. Are you sure there isn't a problem ? bent derailleur hanger? Stretched cable? Etc... If you are looking for a solid upgrade, it would probably be worth while to simply sell the bike and move to something that has at least a 10 speed 105 group set. The bike is adequate, but seems more of a lower end touring / relaxed set up.