Switching shifters question
 

I just picked up an older Scott rigid frame and am wondering how hard it is too get rid of the grip shifts and go to thumb shifters. Even older shifters and maybe not new ones? Is it a pain or easy? Thanks

Badger:

Thumbshifters ARE GONNA BE OLD -- obsolete tech. TRIGGERS are the thing now.

But, for any of them, it's pretty much the same:

1. Make sure your new shifters match the number of gears in your drivetrain. (6, 7, 8, 9)
2. Remove the grips. This can be done with compressed air, or with an old wheel spoke and some Windex; work the spoke under the grip, pry it up a little, spray in the Windex, work the spoke around inside the grip (spreads the Windex), and pull the grip off.
3. Using the RIGHT TOOL (NEVER use standard allen wrenches where you need metrics!), loosen the old shifter and slide it off the bar. If your new shifters come with cables, you can cut the old cable anywhere it's exposed; but you must eventually loosen the cable from the derailleur.
4. Slide the new shifter on; do not tighten yet. Make sure the inside of the grip is dry, hit it with a little spray paint, and slide it back on the bar. THEN you can properly position the shifter.

The first time, it can be intimidating; but, I've done it a hundred times (literally, I build bikes for a living), and can almost do it in my sleep. It's not brain surgery.

I know it's not difficult. Thanks. I was kinda pondering old thumb shifters. Crazy I know. Just simple. Who knows. Might be the heat getting to me.

Paul's Thumbies, perhaps?

With new cable and housing, what's wrong with thumb shifters? If that's what you want, go for it.

Are you going 9 speed? Interloc makes a really sweet set of thumb shifters.

Holy crap, thats exactly what I want. Those are the bomb. it is for a 7 spd cassette. Think they will work on an old 21 spd mtb?

You'll need 7 speed bar end shifters. 8 speed might work too, the spacing is amost identical. The Thumbies are the mounts only, you'll have to come up with the shifters themselves.

Usually you can get some used Deore II or DX 7-speed thumbshifters for $30 or so on eBay, XT 7-speed for $70-ish.

Nothing up at the moment save for pricey NOS XT, but Keep your eyes peeled there.

If you don't mind friction shifting there are some new budget thumbshifter choices like Falcons for $15.

OH, by the way, what rear derailer do you have?