Help! WTB 8 Speed Shifters

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Classifieds - New and Used Triathlon Gear » Help! WTB 8 Speed Shifters Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
SOLD
2011-08-28 2:10 PM


76
252525
Subject: Help! WTB 8 Speed Shifters

So I finally found a bike for pretty cheap, a 96 trek 2300 w/ rx100 and 105 parts. frame was in perfect shape, but the components were not working when i got it. i figured it was just in need of a tuneup, but apparently i was wrong, as my LBS said they can't get the shifters workings. a new set of shifters would cost about as much as the bike itself, so i'm definitely not wanting to go that route. so now i'm coming to you all for help...

does anyone have an old set of 8-speed shifters they don't need? at this point, i don't care about quality, just looking for something that works. i'm really just looking to spend as little money as possible. if anyone can help me out, i'd really appreciate it.

thanks!

2011-08-28 2:57 PM
in reply to: #3662804

User image

Extreme Veteran
1175
1000100252525
Langley, BC, 'Wet Coast' Canada
Subject: RE: Help! WTB 8 Speed Shifters

suahoi

May I ask what is wrong with your shifters? What exactly is the issue?

I ask because I recently went thru a similar experience. My '96 bike sat in storage for most of its life and when I got it out, the STI shifters did not work, despite having only about 1000km. The LBS said they were toast.....

(He also mentioned that the mechanic told him some people had success with flushing them out with WD40 - the grease inside had solidified, which meant that the shifters would not 'catch'. (the LBS did not do this for me, but offered to order me new parts...hmmm...)

Anyways, I got a can of WD40, and went ahead with it, and all is working great now. If this sounds like your bike issue, I can give more detail, or just google it. So, if your shifters seem to not 'catch' or engage when you attempt to shift, this could be the cause, and a very easy fix.

Good luch!



Edited by triosaurus 2011-08-28 2:59 PM
2011-08-28 8:39 PM
in reply to: #3662804

Veteran
120
100
Subject: RE: Help! WTB 8 Speed Shifters
I have 105 shifters on a 2000 Specialized. I hung in my garage for about 2 years untouched, and then the shifters didnt work. I thought I would have to take it in. However, I got it down again today and pumped up the tires and voila, the shifters work. They missed once or twice but work again. I'll probably shoot some WD40 in there when I have time.
2011-08-28 8:55 PM
in reply to: #3662804

User image

Extreme Veteran
620
500100
Illinois
Subject: RE: Help! WTB 8 Speed Shifters
try the wd40 first. If not I may have a set.
2011-08-28 9:01 PM
in reply to: #3662853


76
252525
Subject: RE: Help! WTB 8 Speed Shifters
thanks a ton for the advice.. i'll give the wd40 a try tomorrow.
2011-08-29 5:37 AM
in reply to: #3662804

User image

Master
2447
200010010010010025
White Oak, Texas
Subject: RE: Help! WTB 8 Speed Shifters
I have a full set of 9 speed triples almost new not sure if they will fit tho

2011-08-29 6:35 AM
in reply to: #3662804

User image

Davenport, IA
Subject: RE: Help! WTB 8 Speed Shifters
Definitely try soaking them with lube first.  We usually use GT-85 at the shop I work at as a first option, instead of WD, because it's a bit better of a lube long-term.  Be aware if you do this and they start catching you'll need to ride them a lot or that grease will re-congeal.  If you get them freed up you may also want to throw some new cables and housings on the bike, if the shifters are that gummed-up the cables and/or housings may very well be corroded enough to harm operation as well.
2011-08-29 7:17 PM
in reply to: #3662804


76
252525
Subject: RE: Help! WTB 8 Speed Shifters
so no luck with the wd-40.. turns out they had already tried it at my lbs, and they weren't able to make any improvements.. so i'm definitely in the market for a set of functional 2x8, shifters, and potentially a 35.0 mm bottom pull/clamp on front derailleur (current one is fairly rusty). if you have an old set that you don't need, and would be willing to sell for fairly cheap, i would be extremely appreciative.. let me know. thanks!
2011-08-29 8:17 PM
in reply to: #3662804

User image

Extreme Veteran
528
50025
Severna Park, MD
Subject: RE: Help! WTB 8 Speed Shifters

honestly, if you need a front derailer, front shifter, and rear shifter, why not just go to 9 or 10 speed?  9 speed stuff can be had on the cheap. just pick up a cassette (again, 9 speed isnt bad)

Just a thought... Yes it would cost a little more, but it would be an upgrade also... and if you are willing to Nashbar it out.... here are some options:

10 speed shifters: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_168995_-1_202311_10000_202436 - I have the microshift shifters, they work just fine!

10 speed rear derailer: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_168995_-1_202311_10000_202436

Hit up a nashbar coupon (they happen all the time) and get almost an entire new drive train for under 200 bucks with a new chain....  8 speed crankset will accomidate a 10 speed chain, and pick up a 10 speed cassette of ebay or craigslist.

Sell Gear
SOLD
General Discussion Classifieds - New and Used Triathlon Gear » Help! WTB 8 Speed Shifters Rss Feed