MTB shifters and arthritic thumbs

[KEAppleby]

Hello: I ride a Specialized Stumpjumper. About 10 years ago, I had to switch to grip shifters from rapidfire due to pain from arthritis in my thumbs. Now, it's getting difficult to even use the grip shifters -- I basically stay in the middle front gear. Luckily I can still shift the rear gears. But -- something has to give!

What suggestions does anyone have? I never dreamed that what would finally make me think about giving up bike riding would be my thumbs!

[Cataboo]

You could get one of those automatic shifting hubs, then you wouldn't have to shift. I think they have an 11 speed one, but they are expensive.

Do you think you could use bar end shifters?

[softthings]

shimano is working on electronic mtn shifters/drivetrains. gonna cost you though. good luck!

[KEAppleby]

Thanks for the suggestions. It's worth an investment to continue almost 30 years of bicycling!

[OakLeaf]

There's always going back to downtube shifters... 50+ years of cyclists can't be wrong!

[KEAppleby]

I assume that with downtube shifters, you have to take your hands off the handlebars to shift? That seems a scary proposition on a trail!

[Kiwi Stoker]

OK a couple of suggestions here-

Go singlespeed! This may or may not be possible but you do get a weight advantage by taking off all the shifters etc.

Investigate equipping a cross bike with Di2 electronic shifters. You might be able to ride the trails you are riding now on a cross bike.

Or finally hang out for the MTB electronic shifting

[Adventure Girl]

I have very short fingers. My thumb was too short to get enough leverage to get into the big ring. So on my first two mountain bikes I had a grip shift to control the chain rings.

But on my current bike, I use dual control levers. There is only one lever that controls shifting and brakes. Squeeze like a regular brake lever to brake. And flick the lever up and down to control gear shifting.

Some people don't like them, but I really do! Sure it took a little while to get used to them, but eventually it became second nature and natural.