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Post by rainforla on May 17, 2004 15:21:43 GMT -5
Having busted my second pair of Shimano RF shifters in past few months, Ive been shopping for some other options (no GripShift tho, UGHH!). Came across a pair of old school Suntour XC thumb shifters (8 speed:) that look interesting. I use my bike for mostly XC but it also takes some jumping abuse. The Suntours look tough, but can they be as quick as Rapid Fires once I get used to them? Having never seen or much less ridden thumbies I would appreciate any opinions or advice.
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Post by terryg on May 17, 2004 17:51:15 GMT -5
I use Shimano 7spd XT Top Mount Thumbshifters on a 8 speed freewheel with no problems (it came built in with a extra 8th click). I have never used rapidfires so could not tell you in comparison but I love my thumbies and when these break will probably pick up some more on ebay. The suntour xc pros are also well thought of, some like them better than the shimano's xt. Check out www.mtbreview.com/reviews/shifter/You'll see the thumb (top mount) crowd pretty much loves their shifters and won't give them up. There are even some products catering to this crowd to convert the shimiano 8 & 9 speed barcon shifters to top mount thumb shifters. |
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Post by wooglin on May 17, 2004 21:30:27 GMT -5
There are two really great things about thumbies. First, the left is infinitely adjustable so you can get rid of that obnoxious derailleur rubbing. Second, the right can be switched to friction mode so that when you're 20 miles from anywhere and bend the hanger you can still get home in comfort. That said, most riders don't put high priorities on either of those advantages, so modern triggers are often a better choice. Where did you say you'd located some Suntour XCs at?  |
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Post by rainforla on May 19, 2004 13:11:14 GMT -5
After reading the mtbr.com reviews, I decided to order the Suntours. (Thanks for the link terryg,that is an awesome review site). Everyone that has them really does seem to love them. I really like that they are much tougher than the little flimsy plastic pieces on RF's. I ordered them new-old-stock from www.firstflightbikes.com/shifters.htm for 35$, they sell a lot of vintage and discontinued parts. Have seen them floating around on Ebay too, but don't have the time to shop around. This was my first post on this site and you all (or actually you two  ) seem pretty knowledgeable and helpful. Thanks  |
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) seem pretty knowledgeable and helpful. Thanks 