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Upgrading old SIS drivechain
#1
I have brought an old Giant GSR200 (early 90's I would guess), as a hack to use to commute to the station in the morning, and leaved locked all day. I am happy with the condition of the bike, and for a tenner it was a bargin!

The only issue I have is that being so old it has Shimano SIS thumb shifters (the ones on the top of the bars). I would really like to change these as I find them awkward to use, so I started to search around on google for help but now I am confused more (I am very mechanically minded, but have little experience with bikes!).

So far I have established that I have a 6spd rear cassette(?) which is not the cartridge type but the screw on freewheel type and a Shimano SIS rear derailleur. It looks like to change to either gripshift or rapidfire (preferred) will warrent a change to a 7sp at the rear (unless anyone knows of a source of 6sp shifters?). I am happy to do this, but this is where I get lost.

What do I need to know/consider and how to I go about working out if this is possible. Can i change the 6sp for a 7sp cassette/freewheel assembly? Is there a better way to get around this problem?

I'm happy to spend a bit on this (>£50), partly for the experience of making the changes and learning through doing!

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
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#2
They do make 3x6 (18 speed ) grip shifters. Most even come with the grips too. This would be the cheapest way to go. Is the rear shifter an indexed or just friction type?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SRAM-MRX-Comp-3x6-Grip-Shift-18-Speed-Bike-Twist-Shifter-Set-Cables-fits-Shimano-/221783312949?epid=710130524&hash=item33a350ca35:g:RT8AAOSwxH1T-~rr

The mrx is Shimano indexed compatible
There are two kinds of people in the world, "Those who help themselves to people, and those who help people!"
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