I just bought a 1987 Miyata Alumitech 6500 with the Scott DH aerobars. I want to put grip shifters on the bars. The bike was upgraded to a 2x8 105 group with downtube shifters. I have a set of SRAM CX-DT 118 grip shifters, but they state Dura Ace specific. The CX-DT 128's state 105 specific but seem to be impossible to find. So the question - will the 118's work with 105, or does anyone have a set of the 128's in good shape they would part with? Also, are there other grip shifters I should consider? Thanks all.

The dura ace has a different cable pull ratio, they will not work with the 105

What about some Shimano 8 speed trigger shifters.

Shimano SL-R441 Flat Bar Optical Shifter 8 Speed Pair

I was under the impression that grip shifters were almost universally despised at this point.

I admit to not knowing much about grip shifters, but I have seen some old photos of the DH bars with them and it looked like a nice setup. There was also a shifter boss that would attach to the bridge at the end of the bars and allow one to use downtube shifters there, but again, impossible to find.

There are a variety of grip shifters available, why are you limiting yourself to that particular model of SRAM? Is it because of diameter of the bar?

I use 8 speed grip shifters on a couple of bikes, and have no trouble finding them. If SRAM, just make sure that they are Shimano 8 speed compatible, and if you are running a road FD, then make sure that the left one is capable of making minor adjustments (i.e., not three distinctive clicks, but with multiple positions between) that way it would work with a road FD in case you use road gear.

For 8 speed (except for Dure-Ace) the rear derailleur pull is the same for any Shimano group whether it is a road or mountain group. The front derailleur pull is different between mountain and road, but you should be able to work around that with the proper shifter on the left.

Hmm, I should have looked at the bar first. Perhaps some sort of "take off" that can mount downtube shifters near the brake levers. Otherwise it may be better to buy a more traditional drop bar and mount aero bars to it. It would provide more shifter options. Others may have better ideas.

Here is a set I use that might work for you: SRAM MRX Comp Bicycle 8 Speed Grip Shifter Set | Amazon.com: Outdoor Recreation

I did look at those Little Darwin. The old SRAM's seem to be a lot less bulky and I think would work better for the placement on the DH bars. I do plan to use this old beast in some triathlons as a throwback.

This is the photo that gave me the idea in the first place. You can see the shifters at the upper end of the bars, nice and sleek fit.

The problem with those shifters is that they are made for MTB handlebars and will not fit onto the Scott bars. There is a chance they may fit though; bars like the Scotts in question may be smaller than normal at the bar ends.

OK. I didn't know they were specific to the bars.

More realistic is Using a set of Bar end shifters in the far end of the aero bars .

the SRAM Bar End grip shifter is Old Stuff, Way before the Buyout-take over of Sachs, and probably 6 speed at Most.

I remember someone, a traveling sales Rep, Showing them to shop owners in the Mid 80's..

+1

Bar end shifters or hunt down an old Scott Bars shifter adapter that will accept downtube shifters.



BAR END SHIFTER ADAPTER | Try Me Bicycle Shop

attylah - If you have some calipers, measure the tips of the Scott bars. These old Scott bars measure 22.5mm and I just slipped a Grip Shift I have onto it with no problem. It's not the best grip having it "reversed" like this. If your bars measure like mine, you might be able to live with the cables pointing forward.

Vintage_Cyclist! That is the other option I was looking at, but couldn't find anywhere. Way to knock it outta the park!!! I went to the site and they had only one available, I bought it. Now I can use the nice 105 downtube shifters that are already on the bike. So this makes the grip shifter issue moot, I will go with this instead. Thank you everyone for your help. I knew I could count on the Bikeforums crowd for a solution........

I have a set of the vintage grip shifters made for aero bars. I can't remember if they are 7 or 8 speed.

If they happen to be the SRAM CX-DT 128's I would still like to get them from you.

Not sure what they are.

Have you considered getting a DA RD?

Aw man...I have a shifter bridge that I would've given you!

Actually tyler_fred, I would love to take you up on that. I could return the other one and use the money for a new headset for the bike, the current one is toast. Let me know, thanks.