Strengths: Love these shifters! Was afraid I would never find anything to replace my older lat 90's XT shifter pods (I have separate brake levers and shifter pods). I took a chance on these and just installed them today (about $37 from Nashbar) they are heavier and more awkward than the XT shifters, but they shift wonderfully and I would buy them again. Now if they could just figure a way to shrink them and lighten them a little. ;)
You get use to the thumb being both up and down very quickly (this from someone that ran Shimano rapidfire setup for 20 years)
Weaknesses: heavy, little awkward
Bottom Line:
If you have doubts, buy them, you will like them (unless you are one of those riders that worries about every gram of weight on your bike.
Submitted by
firechkn
a Weekend Warrior
from east bay area, ca
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2011
Strengths: light lever feel, easy to see indicators, available for both 8/9 speed
Weaknesses: cable adjusting barrel had unclear detents, hard to turn (just on my 9spd sram rocket shifters) not an issue with the attacks
Bottom Line:
this is a review for both the rocket trigger and the attack trigger shifters. they are just ilke the attacks, but silver
both shift levers have a fairly light feel to them, without feeling vague.
the display is easy to read, just wished sram would offer one with just lines. either way, they serve their purpose.
the detents were soft and vague on the rockets, but sram seems to have fixed them on the attacks.
i was worried if it was going to be hard to switch from rapidfire, but it was not to bad. the dual thumb levers were very easy to reach and use. the long pulling levers give you good leverage, but do make for a bit of throw going across multiple rear gears.
i haven't had any shifting issues with the rockets, and i hope i get a repeat performance from the attacks.
overall, great value for smooth, crisp shifting and decent price.
Submitted by
dani1282
a Cross Country Rider
from Lane Cove, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2011
Strengths: Crisp and precise shifting, 8sp shifters
Weaknesses: Too much plastic
Bottom Line:
These are excellent shifters, they are very precise and provide crisp shifting for a 8sp set up. These shifters also include an optical display so you know what gear your on and have very precise adjustments. These are far better at shifting than Shimano Alivio Shifters. If you have a 8sp drivetrain than these are the best shifters for the job.
Similar Products Used: Shimano Alivio Shifters, SRAM X4 trigger shifters
Bike Setup: Fluid Rapid w/upgrades: SLX Derailleur, Truvativ Crankset, Suntour Epicon SF9 RLD, 2004 Fox FLOAT L shock, Tektro Auriga Comp Brakeset.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
preludedriven
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2009
Strengths: These are one of the lightest Trigger Shifters available for this price point. Cable can be accessed by a single screw.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
These shifters are what I've been looking for. 8-Spd Shimano shifters are rare....it's either these or the Alivio Rapidfire (which have a lower review score). I'm still adjusting to the thumb-only shifting.
Sram Attack shifters are a great buy for the money (Thank you Jenson for that price-match), if you want to run Shimano rear derailluer. One thumb shifting a plus. Not as bulky as Shimano. I wish I knew how to flip the gear indicator(1st gear is really 9th)but hey, for 1/3 the price of Shimano, I'll get used to it.
reliable and a value, have not tried xt or xtr trigger shifters as I am quite pleased with what I have.I use xtr cables with all my bikes.slight problem with 2004 shifter housing causeing cable to hang up on release, adjusted screws on housing and problem was solved
Bike Setup: 2001 trek fuel 90 with 2006 attack trigger shifter and xt rear derailleur, 2004 Ibex trophy hardtail with 2004 9.0 trigger shifter and 9.0 rear derailleur, 2006 santa cruz heckler with 2005 9.0 trigger shifter and 2005 xt derailleur.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Blacksburg, Virginia
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2007
Strengths: Super smooth trigger action. Fast, efficient single thumb control. Simplicity. Easy to read gear indicator that doesn't bulk out like Shimano XT shifers. Compatible with all Shimano 9 speed rear derailleur and SRAM/Shimano front derailleur. Great value.
Weaknesses: None thus far
Bottom Line:
Very simple, efficient shifter that requires only your thumb for shifting. Great for when you have to brake and shift at the same time on the downhill or technical section.
Similar Products Used: Shimano Deore, Shimano XT, Sram grip shift.
Bike Setup: 04' Giant NRS, Shimano XT/Raceface drivetrain.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, Western Australia
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2007
Strengths: Light weight, thumb shifting up and down, crisp shifting
Weaknesses: possibly the triggers being plastic, time will tell
Bottom Line:
I had been having recurring shifting problems that the LBS diagnosed as hanger issues, no matter what was done, after 50 metre ride out of the store back to shifting issues. Upgraded to the SRAMs as a result of goin with SD brake levers. I installed the Attack Triggers myself, and instantly resolved shifting issues. They produce clean crisp shifting up and down on the casette, and crisp up shifting on the crankwheel, but shifting down isnt as crisp. small price to pay.
great upgrade for anyone with 3/8 gears, as shimano no longer make separate shifters, only integrated shifter/brakes.
Similar Products Used: shimano alvivo shifter/brake all in one
Bike Setup: 08 Giant Boulder Disc, BB7s, Avid SD Ti, Full Metal Jacket Brake cables, flak jacket derailleur cables, XTR deraillerus
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
McGuillicuddy
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 3, 2007
Strengths: Crisp shifting Greater control with thumb shifting (can leave index finger on brake levers) Almost no learning curve from Shimano Easy-to-read-in-an-instant gear indicator
Weaknesses: None that I can think of
Bottom Line:
These are outstanding shifters, especially for the money (admittedly I got a good deal). The instant I installed them there was a huge improvement over my previous shifters in terms of crispness and accuracy. I love the all-thumb control which to me allows me to keep greater control of the bike while shifting (can brake and shift simultaneously). If you have a Shimano drivetrain, these are really the only option for those of us too cheap/stubborn to go to 9-speed. Fortunately they are an excellent solution if you can find them.
Similar Products Used: Shimano shifters (AceraX, STX)
Bike Setup: Rocky Mountain hardtail, XT drivetrain, Avid BB7, some crappy fork I'm too cheap to upgrade
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Ray
a Weekend Warrior
from Cumming, GA
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2007
Strengths: The only 8 speed triggers I could find. Exact same external construction and functionality as my 2004 X7s.
Weaknesses: Plastic trigger easily damaged.
Bottom Line:
The stock Shimano Alivio shifters could not be adjusted to produce consistent shifting. The Attack shifters solved the problem. If these are as durable as my 2004 X7s have been then they will be a good value. Since Shimano has made the decision to no longer offer new 8 speed trigger shifters, this is really your only option.
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from LA California
Date Reviewed: August 10, 2007
Strengths: nice look. easy setup and so far smooth shifting.
Weaknesses: only 1 month in but no so far. a possibility is breaking upon wipeout. plastic construction.
Bottom Line:
nice to switch to something other than shimano. dual thumb triggers are different than shimano triggers but this is not a problem at all, zero learning curve.
Similar Products Used: older shimano Xt 8 spd triggers
Bike Setup: Ventana marble peak. mix of XTR, XT and SRAM parts.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Terry
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2006
Strengths: New 8 speed - cant get in shimano. Smooth, easy to use, not easily damaged, quick cable change
Weaknesses: havent found any
Bottom Line:
excellent. thumb for both is much better. easy to adjust to. I have shimano on other bike and switch easily.I pulled them to bit as soon as I got it and they are well made. Easy to lube through the cable replacement slot and hard to damage the indicator unlike shimano. Nice to grab several gears at once. I have sram both sides- other is X7. this is easily comparable.
Submitted by
Daniel
a Weekend Warrior
from Joplin, MO, USA
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2005
Strengths: 1. Crisp shifts 2. Thumb shifting = greater control 3. 8 speed
Weaknesses: 1. Thumb shifting does take some getting used to, but this is minor (I got the hang of it in about 15 minutes) 2. The nylon composite construction might prove to be less durable than comparable shifters by Shimano, but this reamains yet to be seen.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that these things do what they were designed to do and they do it well. I bought the Attack shifters to replace some SRAM Centuras that I got to test the grip style shifting. Didn't much care for it. Anyway the Attack shifters are very crisp. My front derailleur even seems to be shifting better as it was pretty finicky before and now. Lastly it's really great to be able to find 8 speed shifters like these as it seems that everyone's selling 9 speed Shimano stuff, but not 8 speed (maybe it's just me). I recommend these shifters a lot, and if you do some looking around you can find them at a great price. Only 4 Chilis overall due to having used these for such a short time, will repost if my opinion declines.
Bike Setup: Fetish Cycles Disipline w/ RockShox Psylo XC '03. Shimano XT front derailleur, BB, V-bakes, M440 cranks. SRAM 5.0 rear derailleur, Avid Speed Dial brake levers, Cane Creek S-2 headset, Sun Rhyno Lite rims w/ WTB Speed XC hubs and Panaracer TrailBlaster 2.1 tires. Various other components.
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Submitted by
Lonnie Jackson
a Weekend Warrior
from Lemoore, CA
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2005
Strengths: Fast precise shifting. Sturdy construction. Thumb shifting only.
Weaknesses: Took some time to get used to thumb shifting, setup also took me some time to get comfortable.
Bottom Line:
These are great! A very good upgrade from my Alivio shifters. The SRAM Attacks are very crisp and clean. it gives you a more confident feel in your shifting. I like the setup of the meter being the mounting bracket as well. I never use the indicator so I don't know how it compares to others. The trick for me was getting used to using only my thumbs to shift. Part of it was I did not have the shifters forward enough on my handle bars, that made for a long reach to get to the back shifter. But once I had the setup solved, the shifting was much easier.
