should i use thumb shifter or grip shifter for my mountain bike?

Question

i'm upgrading my mountain bike to a better speed
there's 2 choice for me
a thumb shifter or a grip shifter
which one is better?

Answer 1

there's no better or worst
both works the same
its for you to prefer
would you want to turn the grip or just push the buttom?
i would prefer thumb shifter
its easier to reach and easier to shift 1 gear

Answer 2

It depends on which one in particular. Personally, I prefer thumb shifters because I have big hands, and I feel that I could shift unintentionaly on grip shifts. But that's what I think, not necesary what will happen.

I think it's easier to shift on thumbs, also.

Now, which is better shifting would depend also on which two shifters you're comparing. If your comparing a SRAM X.0 grip shifter vs a Shimano Altus thumb shifter, I'd take the SRAM any time of the day. Comparing a SRAM X.9 thumb vs a SRAM X.9 grip shifter, the thumbs would win, in my preferences.

Also, SRAM x.- series uses a 1:1 ratio vs Shimano 1:2 ratio. I think this makes SRAM the better shifting, I hear it is more 'forgiving' and shifts better, and also, the rear deraileur doesn't rattle as much when you're riding over rocks.

But you will need to have a SRAM rear deraileur to use Sram X.7, X.9 or X.0 shifters.

Answer 3

I have owned bikes with both grip shifters and thumb shifters. The ones with the thumb shifters have to be in nearly perfect adjustment, or they won's shift properly. You can only shift through one gear at a time, and it takes a little longer to fully engage the gears. It's no big deal if I'm just riding to one of my classes at college, but it's a very big deal if I'm on the mountain bike trail, on a steep climb, dodging tree roots and big rocks. Grip shifters are low tech, simple, and work instantaneously. Even if they are considerably out of adjustment, you can still get into all of your gears, but they won't index exactly right. And if you happen to crash, grip shifters are less likely to get broken.

Answer 4

That's a tough question, because both types of shifters work great. I have used Shimano Rapid Fires and SRAM ESP grip shifters. Both shifted great, but I prefer the SRAM grip shifters. The SRAM shifted faster because of the 1 to 1 ratio and I could rip or twist from one gear to several gears in one twist. Shimano XT rapid fire shifters are also xlnt quality shifters, but I prefer the grip shift. I would go out to your local bike shop and try out the shifters for yourself. It is a personal preference when it comes to shifters.

I have carpaltunnel (sp?), so the grip shifters worked well for me. The Shimano hurt my wrists after a few minutes of shifting. Just my Opinion.

Lots of the Mountain bike Pro's have used the Shimano Rapid fire shifter for years, but I am seeing a trend towards the SRAM thumb/finger shifters the past couple of years.

Answer 5

By far the grip shift. The grip shift is much more sturdy, and it enables you to "overshoot" the shift thus making it possible for you to shift under heavier load than with a rapid fire shift. Especially the front shifter is hugely upgraded in performance with a micro-interval grip shift - rapid fire shifters are for commuter bikes...

Answer 6

Get the GRIP SHIFT---9.0, etc. ---they are excellent for those no-brainer immediate shifting ----thumb shifters get major damage when your bike falls with the handlebars SLIDE upside-down and SKID!---Grip shifts just get bruised. Grip shifts are EASY to adjust and noisy but ,HELL, it sure does WORK!