MTB Shifter question.

[Andrew G]

On my MTB the shifter for the front mech has stopped working smoothly, notchy and often doesn’t shift without some “encouragement”. Looking at it the casing appeared to be a bit loose yet tightening the screw, prodding it with a screwdriver, even hitting it with a hammer (gently and a small hammer), didn’t close the gap and get it working properly.

I think it’s only a cheap one (looks like a fairly cheap plastic casing) so probably broken and needs replacing.

Do you buy the shifters in pairs as with a road bike or can you get individual ones?

It doesn’t get a load of use so something fairly basic and durable would do, in which case is it worth getting a pair and replacing both anyway?

Can you recommend something to me as the world of MTB equipment is a bit of a mystery to me. The kit on it is 8 speed Shimano of about 15 years ago I think (Marin Palisades Trail) so would there be any problems matching up to the rear mech. The bike was hardly used before I got it last year so most stuff on it is still in reasonable nick.

Thanks,

Andrew.

[Ivor]

Yup you can buy the bits seperately (just spent the weekend upgrading my commuting folder with a selection of spare and new bits - new cassette, chain, ring, shifter, mech).
The only thing to watch is that you get one with either a 1:1 (most stuff) or 1:2 (shimano) pull ratio.

I just put an SRAM Attack shifter (£29) on the folder (which also happens to be an 8 speed shimano). The Alivio M410 (£25) would fit yours too and has the advantage of being an STI. Or there's the cheap and cheerfull SRAM TRX (£19).

Or if you want free I have an 8 speed SRAM twist shifter that I took off that you're welcome to.

Regards,
Ivor

[Ivor]

Doh!! front mech!! oops completely misread that post. sorry! Ignore my comments about the rear mech.

[Ivor]

Although I do also happen to have an SRAM TRX front mech shifter you're also welcome to have!!

[stu23]

Try doing what marco said, ie cleaning the inner and outer, ie buy new inner and flush gt85 through outer. if that doesn't work,

[url]http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=7274[/url]

and maybe

[url]http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=13263[/url]

as i dont know if that shifter will be compatible with your old school mech

sram front mechs aren't amazing, but im presuming you're not out on the mtb 3 times a week? therefore should suffice!

[Elliot M]

as a first step, i would check whether the problem is the shifter, cable or mech by releasing the cable from the cable stops, so there's no tension, and working each component by hand.