Thumb shifters are aggravating my arthritic thumb!

[billiobob]

My left thumb is getting very stiff and sore after a ride on my Standard triple front chain set MTB. Other than changing to a single chain set on this bike or changing to a single chain set bike has anyone got suggestions. I am looking at thumb splints if anyone has used these?

 

[MichaelW2]

Is the angle of your grip and thumb shifter set up properly for you?
Can you add some length to the levers?

 

[All uphill]

On one of my bikes I have a weird set of NOS M580 Shimano Deore XT shifters from about 2004.. They use a road bike mechanism in a flat bar shifter. That means that the brake lever is used for shifts against the derailleur spring.

This works brilliantly taking all the strain off my arthritic thumbs by allowing me to use my whole hand.

I bought them from Bankrupt Bike Parts. Edit: just checked they still have them in stock. 3x9 only.

Highly recommended.

 

[billiobob]

Thanks. These are described as being for V brakes and I have hydraulic disc brakes, so would these work?

 

[billiobob]

Is the angle of your grip and thumb shifter set up properly for you?
Can you add some length to the levers?

I will check that out. How would I add length to the levers?

 

[All uphill]

Thanks. These are described as being for V brakes and I have hydraulic disc brakes, so would these work?

Unfortunately not.

Another idea is to fit a twist grip LH shifter which might be easier on your thumb.

 

[MichaelW2]

I will check that out. How would I add length to the levers?

You may find that Sugru alone is strong enough to form an extension, and that is the easiest way. Otherwise,
Dremel, file , metal rod, epoxy glue.

 

[fossyant]

Cheap option, try Shimano SP41 optislick cables - may lighten the pressure. Other option is go 1x but that won't be cheap.

Hate to say it, but what about decent SRAM twist grip - not the cheap ones ?

 

[billiobob]

Cheap option, try Shimano SP41 optislick cables - may lighten the pressure. Other option is go 1x but that won't be cheap.

Hate to say it, but what about decent SRAM twist grip - not the cheap ones ?

Great idea. I also found these: Shimano RevoShift SL-RS35 3/6/7/18/21 Speed Twist Grip Shifter Set for MTB What do you think?

 

[billiobob]

My left thumb is getting very stiff and sore after a ride on my Standard triple front chain set MTB. Other than changing to a single chain set on this bike or changing to a single chain set bike has anyone got suggestions. I am looking at thumb splints if anyone has used these?

Just ordered an SRAM left shifter with cable for £4! Thanks for both suggestions for this cheap and affordable fix. I wouldn’t have worked it out without your help and advice. Happy Christmas.

 

[All uphill]

Just ordered an SRAM left shifter with cable for £4! Thanks for both suggestions for this cheap and affordable fix. I wouldn’t have worked it out without your help and advice. Happy Christmas.

Happy cycling!

Now if anyone can tell me how to enjoy cycling with arthritic big toes I'll be very grateful.

 

[Punkawallah]

Either a down tube shifter, or a stem shifter, for the front derailleur?

 

[CXRAndy]

My left thumb is getting very stiff and sore after a ride on my Standard triple front chain set MTB. Other than changing to a single chain set on this bike or changing to a single chain set bike has anyone got suggestions. I am looking at thumb splints if anyone has used these?

Electronic shifting

 

[cyberknight]

Electronic shifting

My initial thought was the same although the OP states they didnt want to go to the expense of 1x if possible and electronic is another level of moolah .

 

[billiobob]

Just ordered an SRAM left shifter with cable for £4! Thanks for both suggestions for this cheap and affordable fix. I wouldn’t have worked it out without your help and advice. Happy Christmas.

Neo G thumb support and grip shift has resulted in a great deal of improvement in pain relief after a quick ride today.