Submitted by
Jesse
a Cross Country Rider
from Logan, Utah Date Reviewed: March 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
These have been a good set of shifters. Very clean shifting, I really like the micro adjust on the front shifter it makes for a cleaner ride if you are not set up precisely.
Weaknesses:
I would have to agree that they seem a little fragile around the gear indicators. They are also a little smaller than most grip shifters and can be a little awkward to get used if you have had a different model.
Similar Products Used:
xt, deore, lx, older grip shifts
Bike Setup:
Bontrager Ti, xt/xtr, cane creek team ti wheels, tubeless wtb weirwolf tires, titec ithys gove seat(i love this seat)
Bottom Line:
I would definantly give these another go if they broke I have been very impressed with the shift quality. I would caution against buying if you have huge hands unless you are able to try them out before purchase. I might also look at a different model if you tend to crash tons. I give them a solid recommended to anyone that likes grip shifts and has a shimano rear derailleur.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Dalls, Texas, Collin Date Reviewed: January 1, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
air bomb
Strengths:
Very smooth shifting. Much easier to shift than shimano "easy fire" shifters.
Great product for a cheap price. My bike came with Acera shifters & an Acera front/Alivio rear der. The bike shifted well on pavement but shifts were very rough on the trails. Shimano has abandoned building quality 8 speed shifters. SRAM continues with Attack/Rocket for shimano components & they still carry x9 & x7 in 8 speed. I really love the grip shifts. They are very smooth & light & really simplify your cockpit. I'm fairly new to riding & these grip shifts are perfect. I'll make sure all my future bikes have them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim D.
a Cross Country Rider
from Winnipeg, Manitoba,Canada Date Reviewed: August 31, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Cable-Hayward Wisconsin
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Better shifting mechanism with Shimano derailleurs than the other Sram grip shifters.
Weaknesses:
Hard to get replacement parts
Similar Products Used:
Sram X-ray
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mtn. Vertex T.O., XTR derailleurs, Raceface cranks,bars & headset, Shimano 737 pedals, Noleen forks, White Industry hubs/mavic rims,magura hydraulic brakes,Selle Italia Ti saddle.
Bottom Line:
A great set of shifters, as long as you don't need a replacement part.I needed a new rubber grip. Had no problem with parts for the Sram X-rays I used to use. BUT this set is impossible. I contacted Sram (who took along time to get back to me).They said I could get that part BUT had to be through a Sram dealer in my area. Contacted my bike shop which is a Sram dealer, who contacted Sram and got the reply, can't get that part, have to buy a whole new shifter. This grip is glued on but on the Sram X-rays it wasn't. My bike shop further told me, Sram has been hard to deal with and getting parts from them has been next to impossible. For the first time in 10 years, it looks like Sram won't be the shifter of choice on my mtn. bike. This shifter gets a high overall rating, because it's good. But a low value rating, because if anything goes wrong with it, you're out of luck.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Doe
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: August 10, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Yellow River
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
cambriabike
Strengths:
Easy to install, ease of use
Weaknesses:
Grips are a little bulky (and I have big hands)
Similar Products Used:
Shimano LX and STX-RC (or so)
Bike Setup:
old GT hardtail with RS Indy fork, LX FD and STX RD
Bottom Line:
The installation was easy except getting off my old grips. It took me maybe one ride to get used to them but after that everything works very smooth. Shifting for the FD is superior to Shimano. There is no arguing about it. For the RD it's about the same, but you can shift faster from low to high. All in all, I am very happy with them and will probably install them on my other bike as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Sunnyvale, CA Date Reviewed: January 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Long Ridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Shifting, simplicity, accuracy.
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Deore
Bike Setup:
GF hardtail, Deore mechanics.
Bottom Line:
Excellent value on ebay. probably worth retail. Easy to install, easy to adjust, fast accurate shifting with mid-level components. Blows away Deore thumb jackers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel
a Weekend Warrior
from SoCal Date Reviewed: January 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Cannell Plunge
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Light, simple, indexing, cheaper than Rapid-fire. Allows me to still use my XTR rear derailluer.
Weaknesses:
When running a standard 580mm flat bar, with barends, you'll end up running the brake levers on a pretty narrow stance. Going to a riser/wider bar, will lessen this. Not that I've ever had a problem, but a more aggressive grip pattern would be a good idea when the going gets wet and muddy. I'm dreamin' here, but I would like to see a friction adjustment on the shifting, like the old Sach's wavy's...
Similar Products Used:
Sach's grip-shifters, XT pods, LX rapid-fire, Old-school top-thumb shifters (back in the 80's).
Bike Setup:
Kona Kula Deluxe: XTR, SID, Avid mech discs, blah, blah... K2 Razorback SL: XT, Fox/Fox, Hayes hyd discs, blah, blah...
Bottom Line:
This is a apples and oranges comparison, because some folks like'm, some folks hate'm. I personally prefer the lighter weight, and index capability on the front shifting. I also like the ability to go from one side of the cassette, to the other (when cresting hills) in one movement...much faster than click-click-click-click, etc...of the rapidfire's. It's a matter of asthetics, but I prefer the smoother lines of the grip-shift, over the bulky, under-bar pods of the rapidfires. Durability seems to be very good, as I've yard-sale'd many times in the past two years, and haven't broken them yet... A very good product! I'm giving a 5 flamer for the value over Shimano's pods, with a 4 flamer overall!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jam
a Cross Country Rider
from sydney & UK Date Reviewed: November 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
jenson usa
Strengths:
Superfast gear changes, light weight, looks neat on bars!
Weaknesses:
so sensitive, can accidentally overshift.
Similar Products Used:
old gripshift SRT 800
Bike Setup:
SC Blur, XTR & SRAM
Bottom Line:
Very happy with these shifters. Changed from Shimano Dual action shifters to these- much prefer the twist action. Was also worried about hitting a branch with the shimano levers and trashing a $300 lever! I use these in combination with Xt hydraulic levers & they feel fine. Only thing to note- when paired with a newer XTR rear der the right grip changes gear by rotating in the opposite direction to the older set up, like on my old bike (XT rear der & SRT800s). Consequently I have to remember which bike I'm on or I change up when I want to change down!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randall
a Cross Country Rider
from Blacksburg, VA, USA Date Reviewed: April 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
They work great.
Weaknesses:
No weaknesses found in two years of riding.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano rapid fire
Bottom Line:
If you want to ues twisties but don't want to convert your entire drivetrain to Sram use these. They work, bottom line. Maybe one day shimano will realize that indexed front shifters are not the way to go, although I doubt it. Also these let you use whatever brake lever you want, something other companies are trying to phase out. Personally, I like the freedom of choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tommi Bass
a Cross Country Rider
from U.K Date Reviewed: August 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
the ones with joggers on
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$26.00
Purchased At:
merlin cycles (uk)
Strengths:
Looks,easy to slap on the steed,its cheap!
Weaknesses:
none so far!
Similar Products Used:
deore/lx/xt rapid fire, the old skool thumb shifters (xt)these are the daddy!
Bike Setup:
Merlin 7005 xc frame,with loads of ill kit!
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that i was plesantly suprised about this product, it looks the dogs and it shifts profoundly well. It took about five mins to set up(freash out of the box)it was a little squirly with the shifts for the first couple of days, these need time to bed in etc. Now it works like a dream.....which is nice!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Jersey Date Reviewed: July 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
jenson
Strengths:
So intuitive it's scary. Shift as many cogs as you want NOW.
Weaknesses:
?
Similar Products Used:
SRT-600, Rapid-Fire
Bike Setup:
Cove Stiffee, Manitou Black Elite, Shimano XT, Sun Rhyno Lites, WTB MutanoRaptor 2.24s (The Tank).
Bottom Line:
I never loved Rapid-Fired (wife does, though). I instantly loved my SRT-600s (7 and 8 speed). These Rockets seem to shift even more positively. I rarely think about shifting - it just seems to happen. I hope they hold up as well as previous Grip Shift products I've used.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Perfy
a Weekend Warrior
from Paranaque Date Reviewed: June 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Munti, Mount Makiling
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$42.00
Purchased At:
Velo City
Strengths:
Micro Indexing, Looks, Indicators can be read easily.
Weaknesses:
the rubber on the shifter appears to wear out easily, grips that come with the shifters can't be secured well on the handlebar.
Cool Product to consider when you have a shimano drivetrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leotis Denetclaw
a Weekend Warrior
from Waterflow, NM, USA Date Reviewed: January 15, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Too Many to Note
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Ease of use, durability, Looks, and fit
Weaknesses:
the only weakness I see is when I go to replace cables, sometimes it is difficult.
Similar Products Used:
X-rays, shimano thumbshifters, and various sram & shimano shifters
Bike Setup:
Homegrown, XTR(brakes, derailluers, and cassette), Raceface (cranks & BB), Syncros(carbon post and cattlehead stem), Ringle(hubs and rims), Easton CT2 carbon bar, and Time pedals.
Bottom Line:
These are the best shifters out there, I used to break shimano rapid fire shifters all time (wrecks, forceful shifting, etc.). With the rapid fire plus setup, it required alot of getting use to, they don't seem as secure as the sram. I love these shifters, they are second to none and are lighter, more durable, and cheaper than anything out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nick
a Racer
from WA Date Reviewed: September 23, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Really excellent shifts, light, HEY SHIMANO: IT's GOOD TO BE ABLE TO TRIM THE FRONT DERAILLER. being able to trim the front derailer allows you to over shift during hard pedallng so you can get the chain to actually move to a different chainring. You cant do that with a shimano rapidfire, no matter how much you tune it.
Weaknesses:
i think that probably a full sram setup with a 1:1 ratio would be better because, in theory, the 1:2 ratio that shimano/rocket shifters uses is more suceptible to cable stretch and dirty cables. but sram, until its recent debut of the x.0 had never produced as good a derailler as shimano XTR. (x.0 is the first sram derailer with sealed pulleys) So i stuck with my XTR derailler and got the rockets. I think that the longer cable throw of the full sram setup would also result in fewer mis-shifts and over shifts, but with a little getting used to i dont tend to overshift, even with the short throw of the rockets.
Similar Products Used:
hmmmm, 7 speed gripshift, shimano deore (breaks easily), shimano XT, both 8 and 9 speed versions, sram 9.0 9 speed, old shimano stx-rc (worked very well for a budget group), old shimano deore xt 7 speed. also, a few different top mount shifters from when i was a lot younger. basically everything.
Bike Setup:
rocket shifters, XTR rear derailer, lx front derailler, xt cassette
Bottom Line:
These shifters work exactly how they are supposed to. I have fine tuned my shifting to where it is "telepathic." You can get "telepathic" shifting with a lot of products out there (XT, XTR, and several higher-end SRAM shifters) but i like sram twist shifters, so i got them. I cant say anything about customer service, but the product i have on my bike right now works as well as i could expect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Mission Viejo, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 18, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$43.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Light weight, quick shifts, easy install and adjustments.
Weaknesses:
Very Fragile indicator lens, Poor customer service.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano rapid fire Deore, LX, XT & XTR
Bike Setup:
Weyless single pivot, XT/XTR Mix, RS Psylo Race and Hope mini Disks.
Bottom Line:
Just an update on my prior review. Tried to get replacemnet parts for the Rocket shorty shifters. Went to SRAMs website and go correct part#. Contacted SRAM directly, they do not sell parts to consumers refered me to LBS. Contacted 3 LBS's they said that they havehad a VERY hard time ordering parts from SRAM directly and recommened that I contact one of SRAM listed distributors. I contacted 4 of their distributors they say they do not sell direct. I then contacted Jenson USA they said that I would need to deal with SRAM. Forget SRAM Rocket Shifters they are plastic junk! I've NEVER had this problem with Shimano components. Just had to contact their customer service, brought them the broken part (they're in Irvine, CA) and they gave me a replacement, NO HASLES, NO PROBLEM! I WILL NEVER BUILD ANOTHER BIKE WITH SRAM COMPONENTS (and I liked the PC99 Chain!) DUE TO VERY POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE!! I'm changing my rating. No one should have to suffer for SRAM poor quality! Do Not buy this product!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter McCann
a
from Houston,TX Date Reviewed: July 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Durable, fast
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
halfpipe
Bike Setup:
custom ellsworth
Bottom Line:
Never had a problem with gripshift in 8 years. Prefer sortys to halfpipes for positive feel and rough stuff. These things have withstood many collisions with trees and constant neglect-they just keep working. Fewer parts=fewer probs. Easy to get abig handful of gear fast, even while braking hard. SRAM backs their stuff. Oh yeah, I think they are about 3ozs. (1/4lb.) lighter than trigger shifters (shimano).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Sager
a Cross Country Rider
from Mission Viejo, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 11, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$43.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Light weight, adjustability, ease of use.
Weaknesses:
Cheap clear plastic window easily breaks.
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Rapid fire LX and XT
Bike Setup:
Weyless Single pivot (Santa Cruz superlight copy) XT/XTR mix, Hope Mini disks, RS Psylo Race.
Bottom Line:
Thought I would try Grip Shift on a new bike build. Rockets are easy to install and adjust. Micro adjust for front XTR derailer is GREAT! You can rapidly shift from high to low with ease. But, the clear plastic window on the indicator is VERY fragile. Had my ride resting on my truck after a ride, went to help a friend with theirs and my bike feel over. When I got home I noticed that the clear window of the shifter for the front derailer was cracked completely open and the one for the rear upon further inspection showed signs of a crack begining. I will try to find replacement parts but, in the mean time I've installed Shimano XT shirts that I had in parts. The XT shifters only weight about 20g more but, are MUCH more durable. The grip shift idea is great for control, low price and ease of use but, the materials need to be more durable for Mountain bike use. These are a good bargin for a budget beginner that does not ride too agressively and does not CRASH!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Janesville, Wisconsin Date Reviewed: June 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
the one I'm riding at the time
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Cambriabike.com
Strengths:
Lightning quick shifting, Breeze to set up, Light, micro indexed front derailleur shifter to stop chain rub in Hi-Lo gear combos. Snap twist from 1 to 9 in one shot <-Handy!!
Weaknesses:
Some difficulty finding the right niche between Rocket shifters and avid levers when mounting. takes time to get used to when switching from Rapid Fire
Similar Products Used:
Shimano Rapid Fire
Bike Setup:
'00 Marin Pine mountain/ Avid disc/ Mars Elite/ LX/XT/XTR Rocket.
Bottom Line:
These shifters are where its at if you need more speed and precision from your shifting but want to keep your shimano drive train. The setup took me 10 minutes! The shifting is nearly instantaneous. They arent easily beat up in crashes as they don't have all kinds of triggers sticking out all over the place. For the price paid you just cannot beat the performance of these shifters! There's never any question whether your derailleur ignored you when you know you heard the 'click'. Shimano's shifting just can't compare in my opinion. I give it five smoking compost piles!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kirk Pedrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Sicklerville Date Reviewed: April 21, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$68.00
Purchased At:
Action Wheels
Strengths:
Easy shifting with a more natural motion.
Weaknesses:
Very rare: mis-shift.
Similar Products Used:
Shamino LX Rapid fire
Bike Setup:
2001 Schwinn Moab
Bottom Line:
I had previously rented a bike during a trip out west that used GripShift; I fell in love with it. Quick shifts with a twist of the wrist, sign me up -- no more sore thumbs!
I was OK with the LX rapid fire I had, but I took the plunge on buying the Shorties this year and never looked back. These shifters are light and fast acting. Man, I can run through the smallest cog to the largest with one twist -- try that with Rapid Fire. Also, don't overlook the fact that you can micro adjust your front derailure; with RF it's a single step index.
Happy? Hell yes! But, there is a slight hic-up. I have had the rare occurance of a mis-shift. Granted this more of a D.O.E (dumb operator error) than the product, but be aware of your hand position vs the shifter.
All said, I have to rate this 5 Chilis. Special kudos to my local shop for ordering these for me and helping me set them up. Thanks Rich.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kedrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: March 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Yellow River
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Smooth, accurate shifting, EASY setup, EASY adjustment
Weaknesses:
A bit on the bulky side, rubs your thumbs a bit, not much
Similar Products Used:
Shimano rapid fire
Bike Setup:
K2 Razorback Team
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is these things work great. I was a little nervous about switching from Shimano rapid fire to these. However, I am glad I made the switch. Very easy to setup and easy to adjust during a ride. I had them setup and working in under 20 minutes.
The shifting is better than on my Shimano rapid fire shifters. It is also nice being able to go from 1-9 in one shift. Never could do that with rapid fire.
The grip will take a bit to get used to but not that big of a deal. I like them and glad I made the purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from Ridgewood, NJ USA Date Reviewed: March 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Old Croton Aqueduct Historic State Park Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Bikeworks, Rochelle Park, NJ
Strengths:
Appearance, functionality, price performance
Weaknesses:
Number decals on window display
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Cannondale 2002 F900SL with SRAM 2002 Rocket Shorty Shifters, Sun-Ringle DS1-XC Rims, IRC Mythos XC Tires, Wellgo Pedals w/straps, mini pump, bottle cage, underseat bag, and pinger - all other components stock from Cannondale
Bottom Line:
Why on earth would any XC rider use Shimano Rapid Fires when you could use these instead? Duh?
These are the best shifters ever! If something does go wrong, parts are available and cheap.
There's really not a lot more to write about this product other than they work and work well!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mountain goat
a Racer
from everywhere Date Reviewed: March 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
sa
Strengths:
good shift performance with xtr derrailers
Weaknesses:
window display and number decals
Similar Products Used:
sram attack, plasma
Bike Setup:
good
Bottom Line:
this shifters do the job as far as shifting the only complain I have is that the numbers that tell you what gear you are on are decals and the come off very easily leaving you with no way of knowing where you are at. Also the plastic windoe display that covers the red needle is very fragile and can crack very easily. All and all this is a good shifter now if they would have stuck to the way they use to do the display like on the plasma and attack they would have a great shifter, I think all and all I prefer the plasma and attack they are a lot lighter and performance wise they don't give up that much.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wicked
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines Date Reviewed: February 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$38.00
Purchased At:
Trixx
Strengths:
Short throws, micro indexing for front derailleur solves chain rubbing on cage. Better control on technical terrain.
Thought I'd give these a try after going full-Shimano on my last bike. Turned out to be a good change. These shifters allow me to keep my hands on the bars at ALL times while shifting. I felt the difference while upshifting on a technical descent--more fingers on the bars=more control=better ride. While I won't keep away from Shimano trigger shifters if I build another bike, I appreciate the added control the Rockets give me on technical terrain. Good performance so far except for some misshifts but that may be due to its being new. 4 poops overall but 3 for value because of the cheap barrel adjusters.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy Lovell
a Cross Country Rider
from Hudson NY Date Reviewed: January 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Thats my secret
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
very nice feel, very short travel, and light weight
Weaknesses:
a bit on the bulky side
Similar Products Used:
all shimano and srams.
Bike Setup:
Custom 2001 Jamis Dakar Pro, XT disc, sun rims etc....
Bottom Line:
I replaced my old(but still perfectly working) 1997 x-rays and changed to these only because I just upgraded to 9-speed. Wow what a difference. These really shift with much more precision than the x-rays and have a much shorter throw and a lot less effort. I would recomend these shifters to anyone not satisfied with thier current setup. They arent too expensive either.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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