cheap, indexed, and decent

[Joe Broach]

Can I pick three? I'm pretty far behind on indexed shifting bits. I'm
building up parent/guest bikes and want to keep it simple for the
riders. Likely they'll have either single or double chainrings and 7-8
gears in back. I found last year that friction may not be simple
enough for visiting flatlanders. What's a decent component set to look
for? Open to gripshift or trigger shift, I guess. I think I understand
the short v. long pull shifter/derailer thing. Any other gotchas? Bar
end shifters are a little out of my price range for this project.

Many thanks,
joe broach
portland, or
http://cyclerslife.blogspot.com/

[Joe Bernard]

There's plenty of mid-range SRAM MRX twisters and Shimano RapidFire Plus on Ebay that'll do you good. As long as they specify 7/8-speed Shimano compatible, and you're using Shimano MTB derailers, everything will work. If you go with SRAM X-5/7/9/0 derailers, make sure you use the SRAM twisters designed for them.

 

Joe Bernard

Vallejo, CA.

[Jim M.]

You can find NOS Shimano gripshifters (6-, 7-, or 8- speed) for 20 bucks on Ebay. I have used them for set-ups like you want, and they work fine. I also think gripshifters are easier for a non-biker to understand than brifters, and they don't shift when you brake. Lots of thumbshifters available too.

jim m
wc ca

On Saturday, April 21, 2012 2:55:39 PM UTC-7, joe b. wrote:

[Justin August]

One suggestion:
Go single chainring up front with a wide range cassette in back. Easier maintainence and less stress for visitors.

-J

[islaysteve]

Joe, I have some Shimano pod shifters (brake with integrated trigger/thumb shift).  Identical to those my daughter rides and likes.  Double or triple, 7/8 speed. Nearly new and cheap.  Have other parts for build also. Please email me offlist if you're interested: alkiremx5 at verizon dot net.  Cheers, Steve