A grip shifter integrates the grip of the handlebar with a mechanism that shifts the gears on either the front or rear derailleurs. By twisting the handlebar grip, instead of operating a separate lever, the cyclist can maintain a grip on the handlebars and shift simultaneously. This makes for a more efficient and comfortable ride. While several different grip shifter models are available, most install in relatively the same manner. Removing the old grips and lever-type shifters and replacing them with an integrated grip shifter is not difficult and takes less than an hour, on average.
Step 1
Shift your bike to the smallest gears on the front and rear derailleurs.
Step 2
Insert a small flat head screwdriver between the old handlebar grip and the handlebar itself. Lift the grip up and pour some rubbing alcohol between the grip and the handlebar to loosen the grip. Twist the grip until loose, then slide the grip off the handlebar.
Step 3
Loosen the crimp bolt on the derailleur with an Allen wrench. Cut the cable end cap off with the wire cutters. Pull the cable from the cable housings. Loosen the old lever shifter clamp with a Phillips head screwdriver or Allen wrench. Slide the old shifter off the handlebars.
Step 4
Loosen the brake lever clamp with a Phillips head screwdriver or Allen wrench. Slide the brake lever toward the handlebar stem.
Step 5
Select the proper shifter for the side of the bike you are currently working on.
Step 6
Loosen the set screw with an Allen wrench, pry the cable cover off with a small flat head screwdriver and insert the gear shift cable into and through the shifter, if your shifter is an SRAM type. Replace the cable cover and tighten the set screw.
Step 7
Loosen the screw in the side of the shifter cover with a Phillips head screwdriver or Allen wrench---and open the shifter carefully, if it requires an internal installation of the shift cable. Avoid dislodging the tension spring inside the shifter. Attach the new shift cable end to the appropriate slot in the shifter. Loop the cable around the guide groove in the handle. Close the shifter and tighten the screw.
Step 8
Thread the shift cable through the cable guide and the tension adjuster on the grip shifter.
Step 9
Loosen the retaining screw in the side of the grip shifter that holds the shifter in place on the handlebars with an Allen wrench. Slide the grip shifter onto the handlebar. Adjust the position of the shifter and tighten the screw to secure the shifter.
Step 10
Place a drop or two of oil into the cable housings. Thread the cable through the cable housings. Insert the cable end through the pinch bolt in the derailleur.
Step 11
Shift the grip shifter to the lowest gear setting. Pull the cable taut and tighten the pinch bolt. Place a cable end onto the cable and crimp it in place with the wire cutters.
Step 12
Slide the brake lever close to the shifter handle. Adjust the angle of the brake lever and tighten the clamp to hold it in place on the handlebar.
Step 13
Repeat the procedure with the other grip shifter.
Things You'll Need
- Flat head screwdriver
- Rubbing alcohol
- Allen wrench set
- Wire cutters
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Cable ends
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