Switching shifters question
09-03-11 | 02:57 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Kittery Maine / NC
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 175
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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
09-03-11 | 03:36 PM
#2
Banned
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,787
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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.
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.
09-03-11 | 09:05 PM
#4
use your best eye
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,050
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From: Olympia, Washington
Bikes: '75 Bertin, '93 Parkpre Team 925, '04 Kona King Kikapu, '05 Bianchi Vigorelli
Paul's Thumbies, perhaps?
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"I tell you, We are here on earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you any different." - Kurt Vonnegut jr.
09-05-11 | 09:59 AM
#8
The space coyote lied.
Joined: Sep 2008
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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?
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?
Last edited by LesterOfPuppets; 09-05-11 at 10:04 AM.
