Grip vs Triggers

[SpeedyChix]

Been riding mtb for 25+ years so have used thumb shifters, Shimano RapidFire, SRAM trigger and SRAM gripshift. My favorites are still the gripshift. They make a version to mate with Shimano 2:1 ders and there's the SRAM 1:1 pull version (rear der). I've got issues with my left thumb/wrist and I still stick with 'twisties' over triggers. The lower level SRAM triggers are a bit 'heavy' in their action. I don't have overly large hands and am happy with gripshift.

I've taken the grip portion off some SRAM Attacks in the past to use on the SRAM XO shifters. They have a little less 'knob' to them. SRAM may sell those separate and then you could combine that smaller shifter grip on the XOs. Think those smaller grips are called Amy from the Shorty shifters. See if your dealer can order up those replacement shifter grips. I know you can buy the XOs that way.

The other sweet combination with the gripshifts is to use the ESI Chunky grips (rather than the stock SRAM stuff)
http://www.esigrips.com/Silicone_Gri..._Absorbing.htm

If you're up around mid-Michigan before you are locked in you're most welcome to try mine. Likely be on the pavement as the trails are all under snow ; )

[Catrin]

If you're up around mid-Michigan before you are locked in you're most welcome to try mine. Likely be on the pavement as the trails are all under snow ; )

Thanks for the offer, I wish I could make it up there. Though I really need to put my hands on a high-level SRAM twister to make certain, I suspect from all I've read that it will likely work for me. My fitter is far more comfortable with going this route rather than their triggers if I don't get a chance to test ride something before I have to decide. If nothing else he is going to bring his bikes to the LBS so I can at least check both grips and triggers on the work-stand - he is so tall that we can't even put his bike on the trainer. The SRAM triggers I did check out on their trainer were much lower level and it wasn't a fair comparison.

My two main problems with my hands are my thumbs and the palms of my hands. I need to make certain the grips won't get my palms into THAT position - though I am pretty sure they won't.

[Catrin]

I did have the opportunity to feel what the high-end SRAM twisters felt like and fell in love! I REALLY like not having to use my thumbs at all, and I love how the shifting feels just as much. It isn't a quiet shift - but a very easy shift and if you need to do so, you can go jump ALL of the rear gears in a single shift without a problem (rear, of course). You also know exactly how many gears you have jumped. I can jump a few gears in the rear with my LHT, but I pretty much have to guess how far I've gone unless I am staring at the indicator.

I've decided to go with the X0 shifters, which is the highest level SRAM has. I think my fitter was a little surprised to find that I like the "tread" on them, and they are not too large at all - indeed they fit my hands well. He tells me that the X0 grips are less aggressive this year, so that no doubt explains it.

An X0 drive-train would be over-kill for asphalt application with the occasional gravel/limestone - it really is meant for mountain bike racing - so I've gone with an X7/X9 drive-train. Cassette will be 11-34 with a 22-32-44 crank.

I am really excited, in case that isn't obvious

[SpeedyChix]

I did have the opportunity to feel what the high-end SRAM twisters felt like and fell in love! I REALLY like not having to use my thumbs at all, and I love how the shifting feels just as much. ..

I've decided to go with the X0 shifters, .... not too large at all ...

I am really excited, in case that isn't obvious

That's super news! Glad you could at least get your hands on some before you committed. Enjoy that new ride!