Thumb Shifters - mount under bar?
09-30-19, 09:54 PM
#1
bill nyecycles
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Thumb Shifters - mount under bar?
I'm looking into possibly using a thumb shifter for my 1x8 rebuild, instead of the larger trigger type. So far in my Googling I've almost universally seen them mounted on the bar so that the shifter is on the top. Is it possible to mount it so the thumb lever is underneath the bar - kind of hidden by the brake lever body? I've only seen it once or twice in various image searches.
I haven't picked out any thumb shifters yet - but am on the lookout for an indexed 8-speed shifter.
Do you think it would be hard to operate this type of shifter if it were mounted there - I mean, can you push it backwards with your finger (its obviously easy to push forward with your thumb)?
I'm not against using the larger trigger type shifter, but am looking for a more elegant solution if possible.
I haven't picked out any thumb shifters yet - but am on the lookout for an indexed 8-speed shifter.
Do you think it would be hard to operate this type of shifter if it were mounted there - I mean, can you push it backwards with your finger (its obviously easy to push forward with your thumb)?
I'm not against using the larger trigger type shifter, but am looking for a more elegant solution if possible.
10-01-19, 05:18 AM
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Shift levers
I use grip shift now but I used levers before. It was a great and easy setup. They were not indexed so that the cable length was adjusted at each derailer so that the levers are perfectly placed under the bars between first finger and thumb. Great working set up. Just remember, the left lever has to go on right side and right lever to the left side. I would be using that setup again when Grip Shift breaks.
10-01-19, 06:49 AM
#3
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I'm looking into possibly using a thumb shifter for my 1x8 rebuild, instead of the larger trigger type. So far in my Googling I've almost universally seen them mounted on the bar so that the shifter is on the top. Is it possible to mount it so the thumb lever is underneath the bar - kind of hidden by the brake lever body? I've only seen it once or twice in various image searches.
I haven't picked out any thumb shifters yet - but am on the lookout for an indexed 8-speed shifter.
Do you think it would be hard to operate this type of shifter if it were mounted there - I mean, can you push it backwards with your finger (its obviously easy to push forward with your thumb)?
I'm not against using the larger trigger type shifter, but am looking for a more elegant solution if possible.
I haven't picked out any thumb shifters yet - but am on the lookout for an indexed 8-speed shifter.
Do you think it would be hard to operate this type of shifter if it were mounted there - I mean, can you push it backwards with your finger (its obviously easy to push forward with your thumb)?
I'm not against using the larger trigger type shifter, but am looking for a more elegant solution if possible.
It does work but it’s also a bit clumsy. The lever on a thumb shifter is a bit short so it’s harder to find when shifting under the bar. On the other hand, modern under the bar dual lever shifters are just about perfect and probably easier to find.
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Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
10-01-19, 09:47 AM
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I like friction thumb shifters and have one for a 1x8 set up. the top of the bar position is totally natural and easy to use..... I don't see the objection to that position.. Also to be considered it that depending on the shifter the bolting set up may be less than elegant....not looking good if you put the shifters on the bottom of the bar YMMV
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
10-04-19, 06:26 AM
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It depends on the shifter, I suppose, but I think mounting them upside down would mean they would be more likely to collect water.
