Expert: Dave - 8/3/2008

Question
QUESTION: Dear sir

I have fallen off my bike which resulted in damaging my left hand gear shifter for the triple chain ring set. The bottom trigger for going up the chain rings (e.g. going up in size from 1 to 2 and 2 to 3) became loose but still worked somewhat - but not properly. On taking the shifter apart to inspect the source of the problem a small 10mm nut popped off a bolt; it had completely sheared the thread off the bolt and therefore stopped holding all of the gear shifter internals together. The bolt goes throught the centre of the shifter holding all of it together. The shifter is Shimano make and off a £400 2001 Scott Kokomo, I have not been able to find the exact model number however. My rear rear derailler is Shimano too - an 8 speed cassette.

Many thanks in advance

kieran

My questions on this matter are as follows:
a)Would using a tap to re-thread the bolt solve my problems or has the damage rendered the shifter unusable? e.g. bent the internals preventing further use

b) Can replacement bolts be purchased? If so where from and what are their proper name?

b)If they cannot be purchased as replacements which shifter would you recommend buying? I have been looking at the following, please let me know which you think is the best buy based on quality and price.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5724
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=477
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=7274

ANSWER: Hello Kieran. Unfortunately, there is no remedy for your situation. The chances are that since you took a fall hard enough to do that much damage, the internals will be more than likely deformed. Your best bet is to get a new shifter.

Now, in my own opinion, the Sram products are better components. They are smooth and precise and are all around great components. The Sram X-9 shifters are amazing shifters and are the best shifters in that list. The X-7 is also a great shifter. Its downfall to the Sram X-9 will be the durability and the quality of the shift (Precision/smoothness). Never the less, either Sram shifter is the best buy in my book.

If you need anymore help with you bike Kieran, let me know. I will be more than happy to assist you.
-Dave

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much for your response - will the x-9's work with my set up? I have a 8 speed cassette and the website says that the x-9's are for 9 speed. However, they have another shifter (sram too) which can do both 8 and 9 speed.

Many thanks

Kieran

Answer
Hello again  Kieran. The shifters should work nonetheless. The index just wont go to the 9. The derailleur travel just has to be set for an 8 speed. I may advise that the X-7 is also a great shifter. If your willing to spend the money on the X-9 however, it is worthwhile.
-Dave

P.S. Sorry my response time was untimely. I was caught up in personal things.