Twist shifters switch to indexed/levered...

[TonyEnjoyD]

I had posted this on the tools & tips forum to no avail...


My wife's 18 speed suspension bike has twist shifters which are horrible.

Can't afford a new bike yet, but can I change the shifters to idexed lever type?
Something like Shimano Tourney/TY - TX50 6-speed Thumb shifter plus, as well as the left hand 3-speed front chainset shifter to match?

Also are they easy to fit?

Your help and advice is much appreciated.

Tony

 

[3tyretrackterry]

i dont see why not I have replaced a broken trigger shifter and it was easy.there may be an issue with the length of cable so you will probably have to change the cable as well though i am sure a more experienced bike mechanic than me may be able to offer more advice

 

[Arch]

Yeah, I'd have thought it was possible, after all the cable and the nipple on the end are standard whatever shifter you have, aren't they? It's just a case of fitting it to a new shifter...

Probably worth treating the bike to new set of cables anyway. Note: In my experience, cables tend to come with two nipples, one each end, different shapes for different uses. Check which you need to keep on, and check again, and once more, before you cut the other off.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Hardest part will probably be getting off the grip shifters. Fitting a Tourney Shifter is very easy indeed. As for the left hand it might be worth considering a friction shifter

instead of an indexed one. Good luck anyway. Let us know how you get on.

 

[John the Monkey]

Probably worth treating the bike to new set of cables anyway. Note: In my experience, cables tend to come with two nipples, one each end, different shapes for different uses. Check which you need to keep on, and check again, and once more, before you cut the other off.

Yep, one end for use as a brake cable, and one for use as a gear cable, usually.

Shimano do sell cables with one end only though, so it's not a hard and fast rule.

The road shifters I've looked at usually come with the required cables, so it could be worth the op checking what's included in the pack...

One final thing - my LBs just started stocking PTFE coated cables, made by Fibrax - these are really good (so far) and I'd recommend them if you have to buy new.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I am pretty sure that is not the case. The difference in the ends are there for different gear or brake designs. Brake and Gear cables have different thickness and tensile strength. (I think!)

Yep, one end for use as a brake cable, and one for use as a gear cable, usually.
.

 

[John the Monkey]

I am pretty sure that is not the case. The difference in the ends are there for different gear or brake designs. Brake and Gear cables have different thickness and tensile strength. (I think!)

Gah, my bad then, apologies.

I stand by my Fibrax recommendation though...

Edit: Yes, you're absolutely right, the different ends are for different gearing systems, mea culpa.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

No worries mate

Gah, my bad then, apologies.

As would I, it sounds great!

I stand by my Fibrax recommendation though...

Edit: Yes, you're absolutely right, the different ends are for different gearing systems, mea culpa.