Kapusta

Something like "sram esp 5.0 front shifter" or 7.0 or 9.0

Here are two examples for $25. I assume you want the shorty models.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SRAM-7-0-3-...oAAOSwxNBcmW20

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sram-9-0-SR...wAAOSw4rZefV2M

Here is a 3.0 for $12: https://www.ebay.com/c/1180223988?iid=193248804439

BTW, for those older ones, the 3.0 through 9.0sl are all identical other than the paint.

mitchmellow62

https://www.canadabicycleparts.com/s...-shifter-15535

$15 canadian. Says the front shifter is friction.

Kapusta

SRAM site says they are micro-index (which is what the OP wants

https://www.sram.com/en/sram/models/ts-mrxc-a1

user_1

Thanks all of you.

user_1

On this site, where does it say the front shifter is friction?

----------------------------
On another site: https://www.bikesandbeyond.ca/produc...r-201545-1.htm

"SRAM's 3.0 Twist Shifters are simple to use and offer solid shifting and reliable construction. Using SRAM's 1:1 actuation ratio technology, the 3.0s are easy to set up and easy to adjust. Plus, with a simple twist of the wrist, you can shift all of gears at once. These shifters are indexed to shift three front chainrings, and feature micro-adjustments to keep derailleur alignment perfect."

How can a shifter be both indexed and have micro adjustments?

sorry for all the questions - i've already had to return two gear shifters and one was sold as friction on amazon but turned out to be indexed.

user_1

https://www.bikesandbeyond.ca/produc...r-201545-1.htm

mitchmellow62

They are described as friction in the lower part of the page under the "description" area. I agree with others that they are actually what SRAM called micro-adjusting which means there are numerous small detent steps that allow one to trim the position of the front derailleur. In my mind it is still correct to call this friction shifting in that there are not just 3 detent positions that have to be matched to chainring positions. I think we're getting hung up in the minutiae of a manufacturer's babble and hype. What was the shifter you're replacing? Micro-adjusting perhaps?

user_1

sram micro adjusting, mrx 200-12, 3 speed marking.

LesterOfPuppets

I wouldn't call it friction. Maybe we should go way back and call them power ratchet, after the old Suntour shifters.

I wouldn't say they're friction just because there are more index positions than there are chainrings. New Shimano road double fronts have 4 positions, but I wouldn't call them friction.

LesterOfPuppets

So you haven't even tried it?
​Does it have 9 clicks?

user_1

mrx 200-12
That's the oem broken part - i can't see how many click it had but seemed like a lot. it worked okay.

LesterOfPuppets

Oh, I thought that was the item you got as a replacement that wasn't working for you.

Retro Grouch 

Are you sure that the shifter you have is indexed? An indexed Gripshift MRX will have 3 shift positions and 3 numbers on it. The same part but non indexed won't have the numbers but will still have a whole bunch of little clicks.

user_1

the existing broken shifter was micro indexed and had numbers on it. keep in mind, it's 19 years old - that's how they made them back then.

phughes

"Affordable shifter with the time-tested GripShift design and construction.

Includes inner cables.
Friction front shifter is compatible with all major brands of front derailleurs.
Rear shifter is compatible with Shimano derailleurs."

LesterOfPuppets

Most of the ones (maybe all) made these days have lotsa clicks too.

user_1

That's not what i was told by two bike shops.

Anyhow, I bought an older stock sram 3 front, it was over $20. Cheaper further from me but the shipping cost would have more than offset the savings.

It's not the best quality but should work.

LesterOfPuppets

Most bike shop guys don't know or care much about gripshifts. A high percentage of them would, upon being asked to install a new shift cable on one, suggest just buying a new one or installing triggers instead.