09-13-2011, 09:47 AM
How do you figure which shifter works with your rear gears? I'm getting conflicting answers from local shops.
Here's the facts:
Unknown origin used bike. It's been tampered with extensively so I don't have a reference to what it came with.
Daily commuter (10 miles) fat cruiser tires.
1 front chainring.
7 speed freewheel (not freehub/cassette). Looks like it says Shimano HG 37 on it.
SRAM twist grip style shifter, I could try & read the faded white model # on it if needed. The cable seems proper & appropriate.
The derailleur says 7SIS on it.
Here's the issues:
Somethings broken or missing in the grip shifter, the bobby pin lookin' spring that rests in the gear detents wont stay still, it slides around the interior rim of the shifter with a good 1/2 inch of travel.
It upshifts fairly well, but doesn't like to downshift, you have to go a few gears past to get it to go just one. Doesn't want to go into or stay in 1st. Will upshift when you ride over rough surfaces. The derailleur will move freely from 1st to 7th if you grab it & operate it by hand (hi-low screws are OK).
The freewheel makes sounds like two skeletons humpin' on a tin roof (clattering ensues from within), especially if you apply a little side pressue to the derailleur while pedaling.
SO, How do I know which shifter to buy to go with a new 7 speed freewheel. Do I just assume it'll be ok with my derailleur or a future derailler upgrade?
I'd like another twist shifter, but would a thumb shifter, or combination thumb shifter/brake lever work?
Should I get another identical shimano freewheel (the ratios seem fine)?
If I upgrade the rear wheel to 7speed freehub/cassette will the same shifter/derailleur/cable work? (Spacing between the cogs on the existing freewheel is about 3.12mm, except from 6th to 7th which is a bit more). Cog spacing on two of my other bikes that have 7spd Shimano Freehub/cassettes is also about 3.12mm, but for every gear.
Local bike shops give conflicting answers.
Oh, by the way, I'll get a new chain of course. I was thinking a KMC x8.99. It's 7.3mm wide, has a masterlink & is reasonably priced. Shimano chains seem to rust at an alarming rate, for me at least.
Here's the facts:
Unknown origin used bike. It's been tampered with extensively so I don't have a reference to what it came with.
Daily commuter (10 miles) fat cruiser tires.
1 front chainring.
7 speed freewheel (not freehub/cassette). Looks like it says Shimano HG 37 on it.
SRAM twist grip style shifter, I could try & read the faded white model # on it if needed. The cable seems proper & appropriate.
The derailleur says 7SIS on it.
Here's the issues:
Somethings broken or missing in the grip shifter, the bobby pin lookin' spring that rests in the gear detents wont stay still, it slides around the interior rim of the shifter with a good 1/2 inch of travel.
It upshifts fairly well, but doesn't like to downshift, you have to go a few gears past to get it to go just one. Doesn't want to go into or stay in 1st. Will upshift when you ride over rough surfaces. The derailleur will move freely from 1st to 7th if you grab it & operate it by hand (hi-low screws are OK).
The freewheel makes sounds like two skeletons humpin' on a tin roof (clattering ensues from within), especially if you apply a little side pressue to the derailleur while pedaling.
SO, How do I know which shifter to buy to go with a new 7 speed freewheel. Do I just assume it'll be ok with my derailleur or a future derailler upgrade?
I'd like another twist shifter, but would a thumb shifter, or combination thumb shifter/brake lever work?
Should I get another identical shimano freewheel (the ratios seem fine)?
If I upgrade the rear wheel to 7speed freehub/cassette will the same shifter/derailleur/cable work? (Spacing between the cogs on the existing freewheel is about 3.12mm, except from 6th to 7th which is a bit more). Cog spacing on two of my other bikes that have 7spd Shimano Freehub/cassettes is also about 3.12mm, but for every gear.
Local bike shops give conflicting answers.
Oh, by the way, I'll get a new chain of course. I was thinking a KMC x8.99. It's 7.3mm wide, has a masterlink & is reasonably priced. Shimano chains seem to rust at an alarming rate, for me at least.