A neighbour has asked me to look at his son's bike to fix a few bits that his son has tried but failed to maintain. That's no problem.
The only requirement is to possibly upgrade the shifters.
It currently has Alivio 8 speed combined shifter/v-brake lever units.
He can't afford discs so i was wondering if it was worth getting some separate shifters (possibly LX) and brake levers. However 8 speed stuff seems to be really hard to acquire.
Any pointers to somewhere that sells 8 speed shifters or an alternative approach? Yes, I've tried google but I'm coming up blank. No, he doesn't want a singlespeed.
Alivio is going 9 speed so get your 8 speed alivio shifters now.
Which would be no upgrade!
If he needs a new drivetrain at the same time he could go 9s though it's pricier than 8s. Only low end 8s available these days.
[url= http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Shimano-Deore-XT-Thumbshifters-7-Speed-SIS-SL-M732-/260615598199?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item3cade67077 ]Possibly the greatest shifters ever!!![/url]
Oh & yes even though they are officially 7 speed they do have an eight click, or is that seventh?
I have an 8spd XT shifter and an 8spd XT cassette going if they are any use, £12 posted for both?