Safer Cycling Calgary News Blog

Once you have determined how many gears you have on front and rear, you can go shopping for shifters. Locally, any place that has a bike service shop should have click shifters available, but you don't need to buy expensive ones: the most basic click shifter set on the market is the Shimano SL-TX30 Tourney Thumb Shifter Set. This will cost around $30 Canadian and is available in 3x6 or 3x7 configuration.

If you need a different configuration, I highly recommend the Shimano EZ Fire shifters (which also have brake levers built in), available for 2 or 3 x 7, 8, or 9. (This will cost about $56 for a 3x7 set.) Note these shifters also require you to re-run your brake cables. 

Since the grip shifters take up a significant part of the handlebar, when switching to any kind of click shifter, you will need to get new hand grips. Even if you only have rear gears, I recommend changing both sides. 

Really basic grips that slide on the handlebars will cost around $10. For a few dollars more, you can get ergonomic grips, which are designed with a wider section to support the heel of your hand - these are much more comfortable. You'll be able to find these at many stores, in different colours and grip patterns. 

A big step up in hand grips, from the ones that slide on, at least in terms of ease of installation, are lock-on grips. These have a ring at one or both ends which tighten to secure the grip onto the handlebar and reduce the possibility of the grip turning under the hands. Many lock-on grips are very affordable, starting at $15 for basic round ones and are also available in a wide range of colours (including the lock-on ring), grip pattern and in ergonomic or round. The pink grips pictured above are lock-on grips with an "open" pattern.

Please note the vast majority of hand grips are made of rubber: if you have a latex allergy, you may want to look for grips made with synthetic or natural leather or silicone. You may opt instead to wear full-finger gloves when riding. 

Only very basic tools are necessary to make the switch from grip shifters to thumb shifters, including a Phillips screwdriver, hex keys, an adjustable wrench and a pair of pliers. A wire/cable cutter and end caps for the cable are also useful, though you may not need them. 

Some method to hold the bike up, whether that's a kick stand, bike stand or something else is also very useful. 

You'll need about an hour of time to complete the transition. More time may be necessary, but this is a good ballpark to start with. There's no need to do both sides at once, or to complete the entire transition in one stretch (though you don't want to ride your bike with no hand grips or gears). 

If in doubt, there's no shame in taking the bike to a professional! See the Maintenance page for a list of places with professional assistance. 

The easiest way to describe the process is to demonstrate it. I don't recall what video I watched to learn how to do this when I made the change, but this one covers it well: video. 
Note that the new shifters used in this video have integrated brake levers: if your new shifters don't, you can skip the part where he reconnects the brakes. 

Here's a video for installing the Shimano TX30 Thumb Shifters (the bike does not have grip shifters to replace), for example. 

You can also search for videos for the installation of your specific shifters. 

After you've installed your new shifters, it's important to adjust them & the derailleur to make sure that your shifting is working properly. I have loads of videos on my maintenance page to help you do so!