Best Bike Shift Levers in 2022

Last update: November 17, 2022

Are all shift levers universal?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the make and model of the vehicle. However, in general, most shift levers are universal and will fit most cars. There are some exceptions, however, so it is always best to check with the manufacturer or dealer to be sure.

Are bike gear shifters universal?

Most bike gear shifters are universal, meaning they can be used on any type of bike. There are a few exceptions, however, such as mountain bikes that use a different type of shifter. Always check with your bike mechanic to be sure you are using the correct type of shifter for your bike.

Are trigger shifters better than grip shifters?

There are a few key differences between trigger shifters and grip shifters that might make one or the other a better choice for you. Trigger shifters tend to be more precise, making it easier to get into the exact gear you want. They’re also usually lighter weight, which can be a consideration if you’re looking to shave ounces off your bike. Grip shifters are often less expensive, and some people find them easier to operate since they don’t require moving your hand as far. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference, so try

Can friction shifters work with any derailleur?

Friction shifters are the most common type of shifter, and they can work with any derailleur. The main advantage of friction shifters is that they're very simple and reliable. The main disadvantage is that they're not as precise as indexed shifters, so it's easy to miss a gear.


SRAM X1 11-Speed Trigger Shifter Review:


As far as I can tell, it has never been installed, but something didn't look right about the packaging. The cardboard wrapping for the disk brake installation instructions appeared to have been opened. The x1 shifter feels far better than the NX it replaced, which broke down after one season, and shifts smoothly.



Yaesport New MTB Bicycle Bike 3 x 7 Speed Shift/Shifter Brake Lever Combo Review:


They are simple to install, look fantastic on the bike, and require little tweaking to fit my set of sprockets.



SHIMANO SLX SL-M7000 Trigger Shifter Review:


The shipping timeliness was excellent. The stuff is of outstanding quality. met all requirements.



SunRace MTB Right Friction Shift Lever Review:


These "cheap" Shift Levers have impressed me so much that I thought I'd give some of you some advice on how to use them properly. However, first...a few words of wisdom: Take close-up pictures of the cable and wire paths leading to the rear derailleur if you have access to a digital camera. Take numerous shots from various perspectives of everything. Play the part of a forensic investigator. Make some sketches of how the cable lines are running and note exactly where they are running from and to if you don't have access to a digital camera. The purpose is to have a point of reference in case something goes awry. You must locate the location where the cable-wire is locked down on the rear derailleur and remove it from that tiny clamp on the derailleur assembly before proceeding to the next piece of guidance. Now, gently remove the cable wires from the rear derailleur via the protective sheathing (black plastic sheathing). Rear derailleur cable and wire should be carefully retracted all the way to the handle bar, where the original shift-lever control is positioned. Remove the entire cable-wire and carefully disassemble the old shift-lever mechanism. When removing the cable and wire, try your best to avoid losing any pieces. You can now either completely remove the old shift-lever mechanism or keep it in place after removing the old cable-wire. Just be sure to put everything back together, excluding the old cable-wire, in case you ever need it again. Whether the previous shift lever is integrated into the hand brake levers will frequently determine whether it may be removed. Leave the reassembled shift lever on the handle bars unless you're also changing the brake levers. If they are standalone shifters, you are free to disassemble, then reassemble and put the previous assembly in storage. You'll need to make a decision about how far you want to take this conversion. (Again, be cautious not to lose any tiny screws or other objects!) I simply cut the cable-wire from my built-in levers and left the original shift lever in place—at least for the time being. Cleaning all mechanisms is the final and most crucial step. Before actually installing the new shift lever, make sure to thoroughly clean the chain, chain ring(s), rear derailleur, and rear gear cluster if you want a flawless function. Spend an hour or two thoroughly cleaning these components with kerosene and gloves. Most surfaces can be cleaned with kerosene, but avoid prolonged contact with your skin or rubber tires. I worked on this cleaning for an entire afternoon in the heat. It was like going back in time to when I was growing up in the neighborhood and we would mash together fixies out of beaten-up bikes we'd rescued from the nearby dump. Use any spray-on lubrication to protect these components once they are fully dry. Being traditional, I always have a ton of WD-40 on hand. The important thing to remember is that everything needs to be well cleaned and examined before continuing!I carefully disassembled the old shift lever and got rid of the indexing cam and spring before putting the new one back together. To do this, you will require a Phillips driver. Remove the top black plastic cover by carefully unscrewing the chromed screw that runs along the middle of the assembly. It is directly below the indexing cam and spring. Set them aside and then cautiously put the parts back together. Use caution when tightening the screws on these shift levers because none of them are of great quality and are probably simple to strip. So be careful! The tiny spring-loaded cam is basically only needed for tactile and aural feedback. Nevertheless, I would grow accustomed to determining my position on the rear derailleur based on the actual location of the lever. Isn't that the concept? I also followed a reviewer's advice and stripped the cumbersome hard-rubber cover off the actual lever handle. does not appear bad. For a more streamlined cover, I'm considering putting some black heat-shrink tubing. We'll see if it's actually necessary.Here's a helpful hint: after thoroughly cleaning the rear-derailleur, reset the limit screws before completing the shift lever's installation. When you really use the rear-stepping derailleur's function, this should ensure there are less issues. Before messing around with anything you might not know how to do, if at all feasible, download a PDF manual for your rear derailleur (if you can locate one from the manufacturer's website). So be careful when turning the limit control screws on the back derailleur! Additionally, if you have never done it, find out about your model and don't be reluctant to learn how!Find a location on the handlebars that is convenient for the new shift-lever assembly and is also reachable with one hand when riding. Although it may seem simple, paying a little extra attention to the tiny things might be the difference between maintaining control while steering, braking, and shifting. Don't just put it somewhere and shut your eyes, then! Consider how your hands manage the shifter when you sit on the bike. Find out what, if anything, needs to be moved. I located the ideal location close to the built-in brake levers, not far from the location of the previous shift mechanism. I lock the clamp down on the handle bar after carefully expanding it. Hold off on tightening it all the way until you've used it on the road for a while. Just leave it snug enough to retain position while testing shifting till then. Keep in mind that these infants aren't of the highest grade and are probably rather simple to strip!The cable wire that is attached to the new shift lever was then carefully threaded through the old cable-wire shrouds and back down to the rear derailleur. I then lubricated the now-empty cable-wire shrouds (for good luck). I taught the cable wire and secured it to the cable-wire clamp on the rear derailleur while the shift lever was in the six o'clock position. After performing a series of gear steps from the gear cluster's maximum to least sized range, I carefully adjusted the rear-derailleur limit screws. I clipped off the extra cable wire after I was happy with the rear derailleur's stepping control. Always leave an extra two to three inches of cable-wire so that pliers have something to grab when making changes in the future.I couldn't believe that with a little bit of thought, I could eliminate the SIS shifter all at once! I rode the bike at night while enjoying the sound of the drive chain and rear derailleur shifting in unison. That sound hasn't been heard by me in years! The majority won't believe it! But with a "cheap" shift-lever, some hard work, and common sense, I've finally managed perfect gear shifting.I buy two despite being aware from other reviews that these levers aren't of the greatest caliber. Despite not being the richest kid in town, I still wanted a backup in case the first one fails me. I'm seriously considering saving up some serious cash and purchasing the premium thumbie/shifter combination now that I know this conversion is possible. But instead of 10 dollars a piece, we're talking about a hundred fifty! So, yes. I'm suddenly excited about the possibility of upgrading. I'm going to take advantage of one of the better deals I've recently found in a cheap shift-lever that does the job until then.



Microshift Bicycle Shifters Compatible Shimano, Twist Grip Gear MS25-7 Shifters 3X7 Speed DIP Review:


This was used on my daughter's bike as an OME shifter replacement. Compared to the one that came with the bike, the shifter's quality was considerably better. Fit and functionality were excellent, and the price was also excellent. Installation was simple, and it performed as it should. Would have awarded five stars, however the shifter did not come with installation instructions. To replace the old unit with a new one, there are numerous online videos available on YouTube. I would advise purchasing this item.



Shimano Acera SL-M310 Rapid Fire Shifter 3x7 Speed Trigger Shift Levers Set with Inner Shift Cables Black Review:


It was simple to install them and adjust them. Shifting is fairly clean. Precision and speed define lever action. There is essentially only one method to install these because they are made to fit tightly around brake levers. The components must be mounted from the bar ends due to the single bolt clamp that is typical of lower-end components. Although I don't glance down at it much, the indicator and window are pleasant, and they are much easier to see than the integrated brakes and shifters I replaced.



Microshift MTB Bike Bicycle Twist Grip Gear MS25-6 Shifters 3X6 Speed DIP Compatible for Shimano Review:


These twist grips are a very simple replacement for your existing ones. Just be sure to make a note of the cables' routing before getting rid of the old. The cables are more than long enough, so once you get them placed, you should trim the extra length. To prevent the ends of the cut cables from unwinding, some sort of end crimps should have been offered. Crimp on butt connectors were employed. You'll probably need to cut the old hand grips off, so make sure you have replacements on available.



Shimano Tourney Mountain Bicycle Shift Lever - SL-TX30 Review:


My 9-year-old son and I just purchased his first mountain "type" bike. It also happens to be his first time using a gear-equipped bike. I couldn't wait for him to graduate from the "kiddie" bikes and be able to ride farther, climb steeper hills, and other things because he could now swap gears. He isn't strong enough to shift the twist style, so he and I were both pretty unhappy on the first ride. I made adjustments multiple times and viewed videos on tips in the hopes of picking up something, but nothing worked. I bought it just to give it a shot since I thought the lever action would be simpler for him to use than the twist shift. He is now utterly thrilled about his new bike and being able to shift gears on his own after I installed it 30 minutes ago! Shifting is SO simple! very fluid He does have a Shimano 7-speed system on his bike. I'm not sure if it would work with different brands. I can state with certainty that it works fantastically for a content 9-year-old!



Anxingo ST-EF51 Set 3x7 Speed Shifter Brake Lever Combo 21 Speed Shifter Set and Brake Levers for Mountain Bike Review:


Remember the bike that used to belong to the individual who would almost stop their car, get off, and then just let the bike go over? Of course it does, and frequently onto the brake or shift lever. This set of cables (no sheath) for the shifter and cables for the brake lever on both sides is a reasonably cost, high-quality unit that will restore the functionality of all the handlebar components. Don't forget to replace your grips, either.



REAMTOP New MTB Bicycle Bike 3 x 7 Speed Shift/Shifter Brake Lever Combo Review:


These shifters are excellent for retrofitting an old bike with 7-speed brake/shift levers from downtube shifting. Everything is simple to understand. On its website, Microshift provides a PDF with instructions and a YouTube video. However, I discovered that for correct shifting from a larger freewheel cog to a smaller freewheel cog, I must slightly push in the large shift paddle before pushing in the tiny paddle. If you struggle with shifts, keep this in mind as your results may differ. for larger hands, the best. suitable fit. no rattling


Can I use any shifter with Shimano derailleur?

Yes, you can use any shifter with a Shimano derailleur. There are adapters available that allow you to use a Shimano derailleur with a SRAM shifter, or vice versa.

Can you change shifters on a bike?

If you're not satisfied with the shifting on your bike, it's possible to replace the shifters. Shifters are available in several different styles, so you can choose the ones that best suit your riding style. Once you've selected new shifters, you'll need to remove the old ones and install the new ones in their place. This is a relatively easy process that anyone can do with a few basic tools.

Can you convert a 7 speed bike to 21 speed?

Yes, you can convert a 7 speed bike to 21 speed. You will need to purchase a new rear derailleur, shifters, and chain. You may also need to purchase a new cassette or freewheel, depending on your bike's current setup.

How do you remove a motorcycle shift lever?

To remove a motorcycle shift lever, first loosen the set screw that holds it in place. Then, unscrew the shift lever from the shifter shaft. Finally, pull the shift lever off of the shifter shaft.

How do you use vintage bike shifters?

If you’re looking to add a touch of vintage style to your bike, then installing some vintage bike shifters is a great way to do it. But how do you actually use them? First, you’ll need to identify which type of shifter you have. There are two main types: friction and index. Friction shifters are the older style, and are generally found on older bikes. Index shifters are the more modern type, and are the kind that most bikes nowadays have. Once you’ve identified which type of shifter

How does a bike quick shifter work?

A bike quick shifter is a device that is used to change gears on a bike quickly and easily. It is usually fitted to the gear lever, and allows the rider to change gears without having to take their hand off the lever. Quick shifters are becoming increasingly popular on race bikes, as they allow the rider to change gears mid-corner, without having to slow down.