Looking for a compatible shifter

[cityroadie]

I want to fix my aging Specialized Hardrock, which came with Shimano Altus C20 indexed shifters.

The front shifter needs to be replaced. Apparently the C20s are not made anymore. So I need to buy some kind of shifter and a cable. I am hoping someone can give me a reference to something inexpensive that will work.

The crankset has three chainrings and the cable pulls from below the front deraileur.

I also need some instruction in how to measure and buy a cable for the front deraileur.

If it sounds like I am little green, this is true. I have worked on motorcycles for years but repairing my bicycle is a totally new venture.

I am just trying to get it working as inexpensively as possible. I will get my mechanical learning licks on this one, and then graduate to more expensive things I can break

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[nfmisso]

There are lots of choices, the cheapest and probably the most reliable is the SRAM MRX twist grips,
http://www.amazon.com/SRAM-Bicycle-Twist-Shifter-7-Speed/dp/B0017YX2OO/
the set comes with inner cables, just lubricate and push into your favorite housing. Available for 6. 7 or 8 speed rear works with double or triple chain rings.

alternatively there are the SRM TRX trigger shifters:
http://www.amazon.com/SRAM-Mountain-Trigger-Shifter-7-Speed/dp/B000VSY9Q2/

http://www.amazon.com/SRAM-Mountain-Trigger-Shifter-8-Speed/dp/B000VT0D70/

For housing and brake cables, I purchase a complete cable sets from Wal-mart for less than $5- each. Always seem to have plenty of excess housing.

[cityroadie]

(07-09-2012, 02:14 AM)nfmisso Wrote:  There are lots of choices, the cheapest and probably the most reliable is the SRAM MRX twist grips,
http://www.amazon.com/SRAM-Bicycle-Twist-Shifter-7-Speed/dp/B0017YX2OO/
the set comes with inner cables, just lubricate and push into your favorite housing. Available for 6. 7 or 8 speed rear works with double or triple chain rings.

alternatively there are the SRM TRX trigger shifters:
http://www.amazon.com/SRAM-Mountain-Trigger-Shifter-7-Speed/dp/B000VSY9Q2/

http://www.amazon.com/SRAM-Mountain-Trigger-Shifter-8-Speed/dp/B000VT0D70/

For housing and brake cables, I purchase a complete cable sets from Wal-mart for less than $5- each. Always seem to have plenty of excess housing.

Tnx Nigel for the quick accurate reply.
I will immediately order the SRAM MRX twists since I have a six speed rear set. I don't have experience with twists, but it sounds like it will do me fine. Again, tnx for taking the time to help me.