Chops717

I just picked up a 90s specialized rockhopper that I’m going to be converting into a knock around city/gravel trail bike to take on some slower rides. First step is to get rid of the annoying twist grip shifters.

currently the bike has a set of 400 set ffs shifters, Shimano front and rear derailleurs. The shifters have tacky grips but seem to work just fine, but I’m looking at either converting to a drop bar sti set up or even a flat bar trigger. Wondering what the easiest way would be to do so.

Is a trigger easier to set up than an sti set up? Or will they both just be put the new cable in, adjust and then go.

also considering turning it into a 1x7 setup to simplify things and drop the front derailleur, so would something like a micro shift 1x7 drop bar shifter set up work for that or just a 7 speed shifter? I know i need to keep them shimano compatible but is there anything else i need to look for?

Thanks guys

andrewclaus

What style of brake calipers? If cantis, you can use road levers. If linear, you shouldn't. That's remedied with new calipers, but it's an extra step. Cabling at the rear can get tricky depending on frame stops.

If you get combination trigger shifters with brake levers, be sure they're compatible with the brake calipers.

Road shifters are a little more work with cabling, and handlebar taping, but just a little.

You may have a compatibility issue with a road front shifter and a MTB front der--check that carefully or someone else here will know. The rear should be compatible across the board.

If there's a bike co-op open near you, that's a good source for salvaged parts, and advice.

Chops717

It’s got linear v brakes on it now, not cantis, so it may be MTB trigger shifters is the way to go right now, not opposed to keeping the flat bar setup it currently has so that might work out best/easiest/cheapest. I can always upgrade the brakes later but they seem to work fine now so no need at the moment.

Jeff Neese

These are probably what you want - they work great. You'll need new grips as well. These are the 3x7 versions.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...49VH4BIB&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...NSSH80LS&psc=1

leob1

Swapping to trigger type shifters would be the cheapest and easiest thing to do. You'll reuse everything but the old shifters. I'd also replace the housing.

Bill Kapaun

V Brakes simplify things.
IF you like combined shifter/brake, look at Shimano E-51's of E-65's. (or whatever the equivalent currently is)

squirtdad

If you don't have to have indexing and want cheap, reliable and easy set, a set of friction thumb shifters would work great

hokiefyd 

You can also do indexed thumb shifters if you like thumbies. Sunrace and Microshift currently make some that will work. You can use 8-speed thumb shifters with a 7-speed cassette...just use the L limit screw to keep the shifter from shifting the derailleur that final click.