Quote Originally Posted by ridebikeme View Post
You didn't mention whether your bike was a 9 or 10 speed, so I'll assume that it is a 9 speed. If indeed it's a 9 speed, your availability of shifters is getting slimmer each year. There will come a time here in the not too distant future, that you won't be able to get a 9 speed shifter. Shimano shifters can not repaired, unless you are lucky enough to have it be a cable/housing issue. It is costly for sure, but there's also a decision to be made... do I want to keep the bike and replace parts or do I buy new? And if you buy new, what will you do with your current bike? If you want to sell it, your chances of selling are much higher if it's rideable... so I'd at least take it to LBS and see what they have to say, at least then you can make an informed decision. Good luck!
Glad you found out it was only needing a cable.

I still have 9 speed STIs on some of my bikes and I like them and hope they will last a long time.
If I do need a new set of 9sp STIs in the future I know that Microshift offers 9sp Shimano compatible STIs that I want to try out someday.
I think they are pretty inexpensive, <$200.
http://www.microshift.com.tw/road_9s.html


My bf has been successful at rehabbing older STIs that have gotten gummed up inside and don't work anymore. He sprays PB Blaster inside the shifter and it clears the gunk out.