Better feeling of higher end shift levers

[Titiritero]

Hi! We did a long family trip this summer, and my wife happened to use my "good" mountain bike, a 2012 re-edition of the Breezer Lighting with full 3x10 XT.

She oftens complains of pain in her thumbs when shifting, specially since she broke one in a fall a few years back. She was now delighted with the XT shifters, as she said they were very light to use, and required nearly no force to change gears. To be honest, I'm quite insensitive to those things, and although I would of course notice that an XT shifter feels "better" than an Alivio, for me it's relatively irrelevant.

The conclusion is that I'd like to get her some easy to use shifters, but most of our fleet is retro meaning the above Breezer with 10 speed is the highest geared bike we have. Would 9 speed XT or LX shifters be a big improvement to her current 8 speed LX (from likely around '94)? Any tips to make the shifters work with less effort? (apart from the obvious like lubricating housing, etc.). Thanks!

 

[hamster]

I suspect the difference with the 10S stuff is that the cable pull is longer and gives more leverage. My understanding is that with the exception of things like pivot bearings and multi-shift ratchet capacity, the inside of Shimano shifters was essentially identical. XT has the same nylon innards as Alivio in the 90s. I'd be happy to be proven wrong on this!

SRAM 9.0 and X0 9s shifters seem very light in operation to me.

 

[bikeworkshop]

I'd suggest you change the shifter, r. Mech and cassette to 10.

It might cost twice as much, but the difference is noticeable.
(The lightest 9 speed shimano shift is xt sl-m770 - it is noticeably lighter, longer shift levers, but still in the old cable pull.)
You will get to use the 9 speed kit on one of your own bikes, or sell it on.

 

[hamster]

The lightest 9 speed shimano shift is xt sl-m770 - it is noticeably lighter, longer shift levers, but still in the old cable pull.

Ah! That explains the different feel - lever length! Even though the insides are the same.

 

[bikeworkshop]

The longer lever shifters were in turn slightly more likely to break
10 speed is superior
The sooner you change, the longer you can use it for
My mtb is still on 8, but tbh 8 is better than 9.

 

[clubby]

My understanding is that with the exception of things like pivot bearings and multi-shift ratchet capacity, the inside of Shimano shifters was essentially identical.

Yes, but a 30 year old bearing is likely to be in a lot better shape than gummed up 30 year old bushing. I would always level up the shifter than the mech. That's the part you are actually feeling.
10 speed stuff is so cheap these days, why don't you just treat her to a full new set up? I think you've had your moneys worth out of the current set and if it improves her riding experience, it's well worth it. You can always sell the old parts on here.

 

[Woz]

Would 9 speed XT or LX shifters be a big improvement to her current 8 speed LX (from likely around '94)?

Yes. The LX 8 speed and the last iteration SL-M569 are very different to the say the XT 9 speed SL-M750 / SL-751. Even the XT 8 speed SL-M739 while a very good lever feels reliable but a little clunky still. The 9 speed Deore SL-M511 is rather disappointing clunky and feels cheap.

The 9 speed XT stuff feels much lighter and refined. Perhaps the only down side is that the front shift requires a rather long thumb push. For the rear one long push does about 3 or 4 sprockets.

Agree with the above if she's found the newer 10 speed a revelation.

[ The SL-M770 had a quirk where it was available in 9 or 10 speed (not tried them myself).]

 

[CassidyAce]

Gripshift is the way forward! Been saving thumbs for three decades now.

 

[Titiritero]

Ok, you have convinced me!! And any investment in making her happier cycling is money well spent!!

From the answers it seems the biggest factor for the easier shifting is the 10sp and modern tech. Would I achieve similar results with a Deore 10 speed shifter/derailleur? (I just checked and the XT is more than double the price!).

I presume I can keep using the 9 speed crankset with the 10 speed chain, right? That would be expensive if I need to replace it.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Chainset should be ok.
Deore 10 is excellent.