Index front shifters GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!

[Diysuperhero]

I have fitted a fair few front mechs in my time but have just wasted about 3 hours of my life trying in vein to get my triple chainset to shift properly with a SRAM index thumb shifter, no matter what I tried I couldnt get it to work properly the shift gaps were just not right to allow for smooth running and with an index shifter there is no possibility to trim if its clattering. Eventually in desperation I remembered that I had an old Shimano friction front shifter (actually it works on the rear too), 10 mins after fitting it, perfect shifting and infinate trimming adjustment, needless to say, I am not a fan of index front shifters, at least not on the front, anyhow job done They are still available for about 8 quid so I have just ordered another as a spare.

 

[pigman]

With you there bro. No idea why the industry thought it was a good idea. Maybe they assumed cyclists are idiots who just want to press a lever in a consistent fashion without any further thought or involvement

 

[The History Man]

Just about to simplify an indexed 3 x 10 with xt thumbshifters. Think it will work?

 

[Diysuperhero]

Just about to simplify an indexed 3 x 10 with xt thumbshifters. Think it will work?

Yea I bet ot will be great, I had forgotten how good friction shifting is, the shifter I have fitted is brilliant, when you go onto a bigger ring you kind of lift it on and then just back off a touch, any rattling then you can just move it a touch, so simple and tactile and much nicer to use

 

[Diysuperhero]

With you there bro. No idea why the industry thought it was a good idea. Maybe they assumed cyclists are idiots who just want to press a lever in a consistent fashion without any further thought or involvement

Index front shifting is probably one of the reasons why so many have gone to 1X systems, its just a PITA, but with a good old friction shifter it works just great and easy to set up, it seems ok on the rear but much less reliable on the front

 

[bikeworkshop]

Is your derailleur compatible with both the chainring size and spacing and the shift lever model?

Mismatched or worn out components are the most common cause of poor front shifting - even the wrong chainring (from the same groupset even) can ruin it, but it could be a bent or worn cage, damaged cable, often a combination of several factors.