|   Installing Thumb Shifters | aantiix
Jan 4, 2004 12:12 PM | | I was using GripShift on my MTB and absolutely hated it. I have decided to try a set of Thumb shifters and have never used these before. I have no problem with actually installing them, the problem I have is I'm not quite sure how they should be positioned on the bike (How far from the grips or center of the handlebars? More towards the top of the handlebars angled back a bit, etc.) Anyone who could help explain or show photos of some already on bikes would be very much appreciated.
Thanks much! |
| are these the | EricTheRed
Jan 4, 2004 4:15 PM | | old school thumb shifters or the more modern type normally called rapid fire shifters?
How i have my rapid fire shifters set up is:
from out side in, grip, 1/4" - 1/2" of space, the brake lever, shifter. I push the shifter body up against the bottom of the brake lever. But this spacing will depend on many things so set them up how you think would be comfortable you can always adjust them later.
Its been too long since i use the older style thumb shifters, so i'll let someone else feild that if needed. |
| not rapidfire | aantiix
Jan 4, 2004 7:45 PM | | These are the old style thumb shifters not the rapidfire. I am just trying a cheap pair of these for now to see if I like them and if I do I will probably switch over to the rapidfire. Thanks for your tip as this will give me a bit of guidance. If anyone can offer assitance on the old style, I would still appreciate it. |
| not rapidfire | laffeaux
Jan 5, 2004 12:44 AM | | There is no "right" way. Put them where it's easy and comfortable for you to reach them. If they are not comfortable rotate or move them a bit and try again. I prefer to have them in a little bit so that they do not interfer with the grips. I also run the left one rotated further forward.
As far as your idea: "if I like them I will probably switch over to rapidfire." There is no similarity between these shifters. Liking one style has no bearing on if you will like the other. |
| whats the difference | aantiix
Jan 5, 2004 12:18 PM | | Sorry for the newbie question, but can someone explain what the differences are between the old style thumb shifters and rapidshift? I came from SS BMX and the only shifter style I have tried so far has been the grip shift (which I hated) and now the old style thumb shifters. |
| whats the difference | laffeaux
Jan 5, 2004 4:48 PM | | Thumbshifters are a single lever that when moved one way pulls cable and the other releases cable. As the cable moves, it shifts the gears. The lever can be moved any number of gears at a time and is very dependable. However, changing a lot of gears requires a long(ish) throw, and also requires that you move your thumb or index finger to the shifter, which can at times be awkward (for instance lifting your thumb above the bar to shift in rough sections can be next to impossible).
Rapid fire shifters tuck under the bar as opposed to above the bar with thumbies (unless you mount them upside down). They function via a ratcheting mechanism that is controlled by two paddles - the thumb operates one, and the index finger the other. Pressing the thumb paddle pulls cable, and pulling the index finger paddle (like a trigger on a gun) releases cable. The index finger lever switches exactly one gear, so multiple shifts are made by pulling the "trigger" multiple times. The thumb paddle can switch multiple gears depending on how far it is pressed. Both paddles return to their original position after a shift, whereas a thumbshifter remains where you moved it to.
Go to a bike shop and test ride a bike with Shimano shifters and see if you like them. Unless you grew up using thumshifters and just love them, there's not a lot of reason to use them IMO. |
| thanks | aantiix
Jan 6, 2004 9:07 AM | | Thanks for the info. I will give the rapidfire shifters a try as well. The thumb shifters I got are very cheap ones (paid $4.00) that I just got so I could get away from the GripShift and try something else out. |
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