|
||
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
| 29er-26 | Brakes | Disc Brakes | Frame Materials | Hardtail-Full Suspension | Handlebars | Lights | Lube | Pedals | Rear Shocks | Saddles | Shifter | Shocks | ShocksII | Shorts | Tubeless Tires/Rims | Water Carrier | |
Date: March 22, 2006
Aaron a weekend warrior from Florida writes:
I ride thirty miles every weekend and also for commuting on a college campus. I have used both. My rapidfire tends to need to be pushed pretty deep for a clean shift, but it is better than never getting a clean shift with an older gripshift. The twist is good when new, but seems to wear down a lot faster then rapidfire does.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapidfire there is no comparison its the new better technology easier faster, you get way more focus on ur riding
WINNER: Rapidfire
Dear Sirs,
The Holy International has been manufacturing quality performance sports wears for the sports enthusiasts. Our specialty includes Bikers wears in leather and textiles as well as biker shoes,and CE armours, gloves,jeans, helmets for adult and kid etc. We make under our customer any requisite logo as well as brand name. We offer our products with very fair prices. Get in touch us today for more detailed information or any desire question.
Thanking you,
Sincerely,
K. Samad
www.the-holy.com
www.theholy1.com
Tel.Nr.+92 52 4290080, Fax.Nr.+92 52 4273880
WINNER:
Gripshift sux. too easy to accidentally change gears when bouncing around in rough stuff. Older models are a bitch to recable. I have some on a hybrid. they're good 4 cruising. Rapidfires are a little better. can brake and shift at same time. Break too easily. sometimes stick. Old Skool thumbshifters are bulletproof and precise. (NOT the cheap plastic ones.) just takes a little skill to use. Pauls thumbies are good too. Friction shifting all the way baby!
WINNER: Tie
I'm amazed at how many people actually choose Gripshift. I guess I choose rapidfire just cause I believe they are more durable and efficient. I am a mechanic in a bike shop and see far more broken gripshifters than I ever do Rapidfire.
WINNER: Rapidfire
in my last post i meant to say shift not shit....
WINNER: Rapidfire
I have previously had a gripshift. It was nice other than sometimes when you are doing tricks you accidently shit. Right now I have something from Shimano almost exactly like the Rapidfire. I like it very much and I woud sugest it to all mountain bikers.
WINNER: Rapidfire
I use RevoShift shifters i i love them! i've never tryed rapid fire but i dont care becasue i love the shifters i got now. The RevoShift ers are quite a short so you dont accidentally shift. i would use any others!
WINNER: Gripshift
Rapid Fire... all the way!!! Gripshift are hard to maneuver uphill, rapidfire just so smooth and responsive. Hand positioning when braking then shifting is awful with gripshift. No problems with rapidfire, plus shimano is more durable than sram.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Twisties rock with a rapid rise rear. Add a Rapid for the front 3 and yur good to go!
WINNER: Tie
Rapid fire is cool except for the fact that you cannot get your entire hand around the handlebar... therefore GripShift is the way to go.. Also, Shimano sux donkey.
WINNER: Gripshift
prefer trigger shifters
WINNER: Rapidfire
We, M/S TOP ONE INTERNATIONAL Pvt Ltd are Manufacturer / Exporters of All Sort of Motorbikes Garments & accessories. For more detail about our product, please visit our web site www.toponeintl.com.
Please don't hesitate to contact us freely you are most well come.
With best regards,
M. Riaz
Top One International Pvt Ltd.
P.O.Box # 235
Sialkot - Pakistan
Tel: +92 52 3542217 / 8
Fax: +92 52 3542306
E_mail: topone@cyber.net.pk
Web Sites : www.toponeintl.com
WINNER: Tie
Rapid fire no contest
WINNER: Rapidfire
rapidfire shifters are alot more responsive reliable and more helpful while gripshifters are annoying and tale to long to shift
WINNER: Rapidfire
Gripshifts work great. NEVER any accidental shifts. But, havn't used rapid fire extensively.
WINNER: Gripshift
I prefer the gripshift it is alot easier to use and it dosent get in the way at all.
WINNER: Gripshift
i dont know wut the *** to put so *** all of u and lieave me the hell a lone and the end
WINNER: Rapidfire
Because if you ever have any trouble with the grigshift shifter is user serviceable and the rapidfire shifter is not. And the grifshift shifter is much more reliable.
WINNER: Gripshift
Wow this debate is still going. Gripshift is the clear winner for weight, performance, resistance to the stress of the trail, cost and versatility. The only problem being they don't have as much brand name recognition.
WINNER: Gripshift
cause it is poo
WINNER: Tie
ME my self like jumping off of stuf and wen u got a Gripshift its Really Hard cuz wen u land are jump off u swich a gear Really gay.... i hate them AND TODD IS right!!!!! lol Gripshift is freaken stupid well.. if u have to use it i gess so ... Rapidfire OWNS!!!
WINNER: Rapidfire
Mmmm... I have ridden quite a lot with both, and shifting requires too much power with the grips. Also shifting and braking is more difficult with grips. I will have sram triggers on my next bike.
WINNER: Rapidfire
SRAM gripshift just works better than any other system I have used, rapid fire either brand, or the new shimano setup. It works and you seem to be able to shift under more tension. Just dial it in and ride the cables until they rust out. Even with horriable cable friction they seem to work. I guess other things could matter more like preference or weight, but when I am pushing my bike to the limits I just want the drivetran to do what I tell it to do.
WINNER: Gripshift
Rapidfire is the only way to go. I know I don't like my bike to shift when im hitting a jump or dropping off of something. Maybe if uy a casual rider on the street but otherwise. RAPIDFIRE
WINNER: Rapidfire
grip shift one grip and you can go sexy huh?
WINNER: Gripshift
trigger, grip = accidental shifts, and on techinal decents that sucks.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Griftshifts, crazy design, very near to the handle grips that may cause accidental shifting.
Rapidfire is safe, unless you will not pull da trigger, no problem, di ba !?
WINNER: Rapidfire
I used both shimano gripsgifter and the rapidfire ones, I realy think that thes best option is rapidfire cuz you can break and shift at the same time, much more easier! but the best ones aren�t rapid's or grip's the best are the ultimate dualcontrol levers from shimano, they are simply perfect U can break and shift at the same time instinctly! the shifting is reeaaly smooth and much more precise! tey rule! you have much more performance and safty with the dualcontrol levers, the shifting is performed instinctly and instaneous! the only problem is the uncompactibility with other sistems..
WINNER:
I choose rapidfire (here on known as trigger shifters). Trigger shifters allow me to control the bike without worry of accidently shifting. I know it may seem dumb but I sometimes have pulled back a little at the wrong time on the grip and bang threw it into the wrong gear. I however, despise Shimano trigger shifters. After the rise of rapid rise I have decided to replace most of my drive train components with SRAM. Let me say that the X.9 components have offered me so much better riding after I've switched.
WINNER: Rapidfire
tried rapidfire, tried gripshift, stayed with gripshift...smooth like butta
WINNER: Gripshift
I can figure out paper ballots but hit a wrong button... I will have to vote Gripshift to cancel my Rapidfire as my original vote was a tie. I did not even want to vote the last the last post. I'll stick to riding a bike. Also correcting many mistakes on this post.
WINNER: Gripshift
Didn't put my name on the below post. There is no edit option but this is who I am.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapidfire is just as the name implies. However, I think I am split on the number of my bikes with each. My Sram trigger shifters are my favorite though.
WINNER: Tie
Running STI levers currently, but prior to my STIs, I preferred a set of Rapidfires any day. More than anything, I'm simply more comfortable with them. I've tried grips a few times and simply haven't been able to get used to them. Have also experienced slip shifts on them.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Grip shift is nice cheap to make solution for Walmart type bikes. 3pieces of moulded plastic and a spring and a screw. very similar to other toys they sell there.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Gripshift works!
WINNER: Gripshift
Neither! Get a pair of Paul's Thumbies and some Dura Ace 9 spd bar end or Ultegra 8 spd bar end shifters for a perfect, precise, throwback shifting experience. Works in index or friction mode. No more chain rub! Thumbies are about $40 plus the cost of the shifters--another $55. Bottom line: Rapidfire and Gripshift tie--they are both crap!
WINNER: Tie
I think that rapid fire shifters are way better they dot break as easy and are easier to acces on the handle bars I have twistshifters and they suck big ass
WINNER: Rapidfire
I have had XTR rapid fires for a total of 8 years, and they have never failed me..
WINNER: Rapidfire
Sram all the way. Rapidfailure are a joke. Too many little pieces to break, too many things to go wrong. It's a mtb shifter fer cryin' out loud, the parts on it should be durable. Sram shifters are incredibly simple, work great with very little maintenance, and feel natural.
WINNER: Gripshift
Dear Sir
Keven Impex is a world re known name in the field of manufacturing of gloves over a decade in all kinds including cycle gloves, paded gloves,summer gloves, winter gloves, mountain bike gloves, dressing gloves, police gloves, riding gloves etc., as well as martial arts uniforms and boxing equipment, caps, etc
To promote business we are looking for new resources where we could sell our quality products, and because of being self-manufacturers we can offer unbeatable prices with top quality workmanship.
In view of that we would like you to give us a chance, so you will be able to compare our quality products in the market.however,we are absolutely confident once a chance be offered to us even against you inquiry, you will not be able to deny us a business opportunity.
Meanwhile,looking forward to your early favorable news will be highly appreciated Pls.,
Best Regards
M. Akram
Keven Impex
P.O. Box 2477
Ahmad Nagar, Bunga
Zafarwal Rd.,
Sialkot - Pakistan
Tel: +92 432 544439
Fax: +92 432 540245
Email. keven@gjr.paknet.com.pk
Hotmail: keven_impex@hotmail.com
URL: www.kevenimpex.com
WINNER:
I hate gripshifters. I had them on the old bike. I felt like i was going to break my wrist sometimes. Also, I kind overpowered one of 'em and broke it completely. I don't think I'm going to break my new shifters by gripping and twisting my hand on the grip.
WINNER: Rapidfire
grip shifts suck because of hand positioning.
if you're riddig some choppy techinacal area the last thing you want to do is have you wrist in a wierd position after a shift. Its a good way to hurt your wrist and cause a fall.
both are pretty crappy solutions.
lets take the most delicate part of a bike (rear derailuer) and hang it of the back side of the frame exposed to anything and everything.
lose the gears
no shifters
no cables
no derailuers
no cassette
One ---ing speed baby!
a little dirt won't be an anoyance on the ride
no shifting to cloud the riding experience
unless you've tried it you don't know what i'm talking about
(by tried it i don't mean once or twice) it takes a while to reach the zen of the single speed. Once you do, your geared backup bike will collect a lot of dust.
gears are for queers
(not that there's anything wrong with that)
WINNER:
It all depends on personal preferance.
I've use Rapidfire triggers and SRAM and Shimano twistshifters but haven't SRAM 'Impulse' triggers.
My preferance are SRAM twistshifters.
Pro's and Con's of twistshifters:
Pro: Dumping (down and up?) of gears
Con: Trigger-users freak out when they can shift up than one gear and down more than 3-6 gears
Pro: Comfortable to use (actuate the cable with the hand instead of thumb/finger)
Con: Trigger users freak out on twisting to shift
Pro: Half-pipe and the rare Shorty-Half-pipe hybrid have their shifters at hand all the time.
Con: On the 'usual' setup, your hands are not always on the shifters.
Pro:
Con: A large proportion of grip makers don't cater for twistshifters.
Overall it's down to personal preferance, since Rapidfire has been around for eons and Impulse triggers a year or two, there many more Rapidfire lovers.
I think about 1/3 or more Shimano Rapidfire user whose shifters fail in the future (yet's face nothing last forever) will shift (pardon the pun) to SRAM's Impulse triggers and stay with Impulse.
Dual-Control is shite, tried and tried to adapt to them on a mate's bike, STUPID IDEA.
WINNER: Tie
I use both SRAM gripshift and SRAM triggers. I also use Shimano Rapidfire's on other bikes. I love 'em all, so for me - it's a tie because it depends on the application and the bike.
WINNER: Tie
I have an old bike AMF-roadmaster courier street bike and of cource It dosnt have grip shift it has an old shifter that is metal and made by shamano Its the best thats why I have to give my vote for Rapidfire and I also have another bike a Kent 18 speed atb with gripshifts and I always change gears when I dont want to.It is one of the worst things .For the first time keep it old school.
shamano is the best company so I know they will keep it real.
WINNER: Rapidfire
I have some kind of wierd iteration of the rapidfire on my ol school GT Pantera, both up and down are under the bar for the thumb, kicks ass and is way better then my other rapidfire, but i dont think you can get them now. GS is all poo! My riding partner has it and he is always getting stuffed about by it on the climbs. So if you dont want to get hosed get rapids
WINNER: Rapidfire
rapidfire. just because of ease of use, and for safety, ive used gripshifters befaore, and been throne outta gear on a climb, and it broke my chain
WINNER: Rapidfire
Higher end grip shifters like SRAM 9.0 or X.0 shorty's makes all other shifters obsolete. They are more ergonomic, asthetic and effortless in shifting. You can jump into any gear you want unlike trigger shifters.
WINNER: Rapidfire
I hate twist grips! there is a reason WalMart uses these on their bikes! I use only rapid fire shifters. you get precision shifts every time.
WINNER: Rapidfire
shimano rocks, no need to say more.
WINNER: Rapidfire
We, M/S TOP ONE INTERNATIONAL (Pvt ) Ltd are Manufacturer / Exporters of best quality All Sort of Leather Motorbikes Product etc . since last many years, who manufacturer / Exporter best quality products with their most economical prices around the world. we hopeful we will quote you very good quality at very reasonable price. Visit us at www.toponeintl.com
With best regards,
M. Riaz
Top One International (PVT) Ltd.
P.O.Box # 235
Sialkot - Pakistan
Tel: +92 432 542217 / 8
Fax: +92 432 542306
E_mail: topone@cyber.net.pk
Web Sites : www.toponeintl.com
WINNER: Rapidfire
Never been a fan of gripshifters. Just doesn't appeal to me. It would seem easy to accidentally switch gears to shift too many at a time. I've found rapidfire to be easy and comfortable.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Being a former motorcycle racer I can honestly say that twisting your grip while manuevering through treacherous terrain will affect your joints in later years. Rapidfire is the only shifter for me.
WINNER: Rapidfire
RapidFire is the best and easiest way to shift, control, and brake at the same time. After several wrist injuries I can't easily flex/roll my wrist with gripshift but I can easily shift with Rapidfire.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Went from grip to rapidfire. Now I get the gear I want. No more musical gears on jumps or rough sections. I'll never use grips again.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Went from gripshift to shimano back to gripshift. Thumb shifters are a pain in the ass
WINNER: Gripshift
Gripshift is the best. thumb shifters suck.
WINNER: Gripshift
X.O! That's what I run and there's no way rapidfire is faster, no way!
WINNER: Gripshift
These are old models, why not compare the new ones? I currently own both Grip Shift XO and XT Rapidfile. I like GS better except it is hard to brake and shift at the same time. Overall, I like the gripshift.
The XO derailleur is great.
WINNER: Gripshift
I've been a Rapidfire fan from day one, but after breaking my third XT rapidfire shifter in 10 years (two during races!), I'm switching. I've had a Sachs twister on my front (see ability to trim below), and the damn thing is bulletproof. And Sachs is crappy compared to SRAM. Can't wait to get my XO system installed.
WINNER: Tie
gripshift blows goat chunks
WINNER: Rapidfire
It is a clear cut infavour of RapidFire grip shift are what you get on kiddies bikes and cheep f/s things for people who ride along the road. They are no good for offroading and are harder to rebuild.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Gripshift? Are we still in the 90's? God, what an abomination.
I want the bike to shift when I'm ready to shift, not because I was doing a front wheel lift.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Don't any of you remember top-mount thumbies? good god! lighter, easier, more durable and ergo. I won't mess with any of this new crap. thumbshifters all the way.
WINNER:
I remember buying my first bike with gripshifters about 7 years ago. Or rather, the only time I ever have and ever will buy those cursed things. Blisters, accidental gear changes, and too easy to wear down.
WINNER: Rapidfire
grippies piss me off, i endo'd cause i shifted way up, and hand slipped
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapidfire, although very precise and accurate, I have always hated the way the shifters are blocking half the grip. I feel like I can only grip the outer part of the handlebars. Gripshift totally gives me a better grip on the handle bars since there are no finger and thumb shifters sticking out. Both work great. The bottom line is that everyone is different, everyone has preferences, and that is why there isn't just one type of shifter on the market. How boring would that be?
WINNER: Tie
My bike has gripshift. Bloody things are uncomfortable and i get blisters when i don't wear gloves. My buddy's rapidfires are accurate and comfortable. NO WAY can gripshift compare to rapidfires. And SRAM has made trigger shifters... Curious to know the reason
WINNER: Rapidfire
I found that whenever i used gripshifts and was pumping my bike really hard up hill or before a jump, i would always accidentally twist it a little and change my gears. Rapidfire are just a better design.
WINNER: Rapidfire
RapidFire are way better. THey let you shift on the fly or in the middle of a catwalk. THey require much less energy, and are right at your finger tips for easy shifting. Gripshift are oldschool anyways and are not as comfortable as Rapidfire are on your hands.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapidfire is too complicated. I used several sets for the past 10 years - they clogged with dirt and stop working, and they are easy to smash. 27 moving parts is it??
Gripshift has got to be tougher, simpler, the better choice
WINNER: Gripshift
I've used both types and must say Gripshift is by far the lighter more responsive way to ride. Assuming you are setting them up correctly.
WINNER: Gripshift
Rapidfire All the way no stupid blisters
WINNER: Rapidfire
Like they say "Grip it and rip it". Gripshift is the way to go!!!
WINNER: Rapidfire
gripshift dont shift fast enough and couses to much of loosening grip on the bars
WINNER: Rapidfire
rapidfire, much quicker and acurate. also it's sweeter looking
WINNER: Rapidfire
grip shift X.O by all means is the best shifters made. 1to1 ratio. Faster, smoother. and you loose no momentum on those uphill shifts. I junked the rapid fire after only 2mths of use.
WINNER: Gripshift
Gripshifts are the quickest way of finding any gear you want, hands down. They are practically INSTANT!!! After coming from a rapidfire to a gripshift, the increase in control over my pedals (i.e. time spent changing gears versus time spent pedaling) is amazing. I have been using gripshifts front and back on my bike now for 3 years and have found that the occaisional times that you accidentally change gears can be easilly overlooked when considering the speed of changes that this system offers. And also, I have NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER had a problem with the accuracy of my changes. The gripshift clicks into place and the gears change accordingly. No questions asked.
WINNER: Gripshift
Grip shift wins hands down. I have been a bike mechanic for a long time andf you just don't have problems with grip shift very often. But the main reason is the front derailleur trim for the morons who don't understand you can't ride in every gear with no rub, grip shift gets rid of the rub, and it shifts faster. For those of you who think you will shift on accident, if you ride that limp wristed you need to work on your skills.
WINNER: Gripshift
Shifters??
I vote for my single speed. Boy is it great not having to think about shifting...
or chain suck... or hearing that annoying sound of a bouncing chain...
or having my precious bar space occupied by extra plastic... lol...
As for my geared bike; I am currently running XT Rapidfires and on my last bike, I ran Gripshift 9.0SL. They both work great. Gripshift gives you instant, handfulls of gear changes while Rapidfire is very light action and smooth.
I am voting for a tie between the two. My outright winner is single speeding!
WINNER: Tie
i hate them both and rohloffs are too heavy. i wish someone made something not so heavy and not so tempermental.
WINNER: Tie
Rapidfire sucks in cold weather! When it's 0F and I'm wearing my ski mittens, it's NOT AT ALL easy to shift with your thumb. With Gripshift it's always easy :)
WINNER: Gripshift
I started out with rapidfire, loved it. Totaled the bike when hit by a car and by then it was all gripshift. Liked that too. But my new bike is rapidfire and I like it better. Still use the gripshift bike for street riding, which confirms my preference for rapidfire.
WINNER: Rapidfire
I've tried both, and to compare these two shifter would be like comparing a Huffy to a Litespeed; there is no comparison. One sucks, the other is awesome. When you are out on the trail, you start to slide, so you readjust your hands on the bar. With "gripshit" you could be shifting accidentally; no mistakes like that with Rapidfire.
I'm with Rapidfire all the way.
WINNER: Rapidfire
What is all this about 'ghost shifting?' I do dropoffs, jumps, etc. and don't have this problem. Love Gripshift, like rapidfire.
WINNER: Gripshift
I have both. Grip shifters need more tuning and are less accurate. Rapid fires can get you to the exact gear you need and when you are racing, the exact gear makes a difference between first and third.
WINNER: Rapidfire
A toast! To Selma Hayak!
WINNER:
Thumbshifter! Whoohoooo!
WINNER:
I love grip shifters, there so ---in cool. It give's what could be a good bike that unmistakable shitty Wally-World feel. Now the Wall Mart hench men are com'in for me.
WINNER: Rapidfire
I really think they are both great. With gripshift you can shift to any gear in one twist but with rapidfire you can get more 'precise' shifting in a way.
WINNER: Tie
We need a new category here: Shimano Dual Control 03 XTR shifting rocks! Blows rapidfire away, and has converted a gripshifter.
WINNER:
I have sram XO gripshifters on my bike and they work flawless I think there lighter than rapid fire and who need to switch gears going downhill unless im going to slow
just my thoughts
WINNER: Gripshift
grip shift belongs on kmart bikes , grip shift sux, nothing like accidentilly shifting on up or downhill because the damn shifter is where a handle bar grip should be. rapid fire hands down
WINNER: Rapidfire
have been using gripshift for 9 years now,and they work flawlessly yesterday I got a pair of XT to replace my worn out SRAMS, big mistake, they are just slow.
WINNER: Gripshift
maybe, if you're not 6'3, your hands don't need to be where gripshifts are, but... i am, and it flips me out to have half my grips gone when i'm weaving in and out of cars in traffic- not cool to suddenly be in another gear.
WINNER: Rapidfire
i love weekend warrior racing
WINNER: Tie
cmon are you reall serious i feel like a little kid with grip shift theyre not accurate at all and the shifting is alot smoother on rapid fire, plus grip goes on the end of your bars leaving them prone to breakage and if your gonna use grip u might as well go bac to the old school thumb shifters
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapidfire? What's that?
My bike is a homebuilt hardtail from a Mongoose cromo frame, alloy rims, Shimano hubs w/ 6 speed cassete, Wild Gripper Rock tires, Rock Shox fork, Shimano derailers... And a gripshift for the rear, and an oldskool, unindexed Shimano thumbshifter for the front.
I do a lot of suburban commute/utility riding, as well as burning up hardpack trail on that bike, and I've never had any problems shifting with that setup.
WINNER: Gripshift
when ur goin of a drop and u land and u shift on accident cuz those godammed shifters are on the handlebars ull c y i like rapidfire
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapidfire is the best since time in memorial :)
Gripshift tends to have ghostshifting since the control is on the grip, a sudden bounce might result to shifting to another gear.
Thumbshifting is the most accurate actually. But rapidfire much looks great!
WINNER: Rapidfire
Just a matter of taste:
I tried eating the gripshifts and they were just too chewy. Rapidfires have a nice crunch to them.
I wonder why SRAM is getting into trigger shifters? Maybe they got smart.
WINNER: Rapidfire
"ok lets think hmmmmm.....o yea grip shift bites and rapid fire is the only way to go....this is a stupid one on one question...if you using grip shift you deserve to crash"
Ditto. Deoro XT Rapidfire all the way for me! ....
WINNER: Rapidfire
Gripshift ESP shifts great but rear derailleurs are easy to break. Gripshift Shimano compatible doesn't index as good as ESP. But Rapidfire (actually its Rapidfire Plus the Rapidfire was the under/under lever arrangement I believe) has been my choice since 1992, the first M-900 XTR series. SRAM (Gripshift) now has trigger shifters for ESP or Shimano, very curious.
WINNER: Rapidfire
RAPID FIRE sure u could drive a car wit ur feet, that dont make it a good idea!!!
WINNER: Gripshift
Always have prefered Gripshift.
WINNER: Gripshift
I have a grip shift on the left and a rapidfire on the right. I like the rapidfire better and sometimes I wish I had 2 rapidfires. Maybe my next bike will.
WINNER: Rapidfire
WTF !! ARE SOME OF YOU ON CRACK?!? when youre on a downhill course and you're having to twist your wrists, then you're gonna end up over your bars or something like it.
Rapidfire all the way
WINNER: Rapidfire
ok lets think hmmmmm.....o yea grip shift bites and rapid fire is the only way to go....this is a stupid one on one question...if you using grip shift you deserve to crash
WINNER: Rapidfire
Are you kiddin'??? Get real gripshift realy realy realy (realy) sucks.
Rapidfir all the way
WINNER: Rapidfire
I always had gripshift and know I am with rapid fire, I hate them, I am just waiting the moment to change back to gripshift on my 2 bikes
WINNER: Gripshift
shiz man, i can afford either one, i got toys-r-us bike
WINNER: Tie
I'm not sure yet. I used Grip Shifters for years and just got a new bike that has rapid fire. So far they seem ok but I was alot more accurate and confident with the grip shifts. I'll give them a few more weeks to see if I like them or want to switch. Both work great it's just which motion the rider prefers.
WINNER: Tie
Faster, lighter, there is no contest.
WINNER: Gripshift
Rapidfire all the way... no accidental shifting and rapidfire looks way better too!
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rode Gripshifts on my F500 for many years and thought they were the best. But after a while on long rides (XC) with lots of shifting, I am glad I have switched back to Rapidfire. They are just way better feeling for longer rides.
WINNER: Rapidfire
I've never broken a gripshift in 8 years of riding. A couple of broken rapid fires though. I like the feel of twisting much better anyways.
WINNER: Gripshift
RAPID FIRE XTR 9SP
WINNER: Rapidfire
SRAM Gripshift is by far the best (for me anyway!). I've tried rapidfires on my friends bikes, and can never ever really get the speed and accurate shifting. Maybe it's because i'm used to my gripshifers but I will never ever change them. So a vote for them!!
WINNER: Gripshift
Well I'm not allowed to choose thumbshifters so gripshift will have to be the one. Less parts. Easier shifts. Discreet. Reliable. Have never broken any. The opposite counts for rapidfires.
WINNER:
quick shift is so much easier. i just bought a new specialized that was equipped with the rapidfires and it took a good 2 times out on the trails to make me switch immediatley back to quickshift. they are just so much faster to shift like while climbing. ill never go back to rapid fire
WINNER: Gripshift
With gripshift you have to make a concious effort to move your hands to the outsides of the grips to prevent accidental shifting when bunnyhoping, jumping, and just throwing your bike around in the air. I have noticed that alot of downhillers like grip-shift though, you may want to ask one why.
WINNER: Rapidfire
I use 2003 XTR shift/lever also the X.O. for Gripshift. XTR need more skill, slower but you can break while shift. X.O. is much faster and able to shift several at once. If you are XC racer, use Gripshift will be faster/percise.
I used to the XTR! If you want to shift faster, modify your cassettes to "pointed" end. Be careful not to destroy it.
WINNER: Gripshift
Whom???? couple moving parts or bunch of moving parts....whom???? You do the math....
WINNER: Gripshift
Gripshift - looks great, works great.
RF - looks ugly, works great. Especially good for folks with small hands or weak wrists.
WINNER: Gripshift
Grip shift wins hands down. For one hit a tee head on (trust me) and your rapids are a wrap. They break way too easy. Yeah Gripshift is not percise, but I ride by feel anyways. I had rapids and I never found myself checking the gear like "six, oh whoops I meant seventh". I just hit the gear I need and ride, and thats just quicker with grip shift. The main drawback is that you can't always make that wrist twist so you have to time your shifts, which sucks but becomes second nature. Grip shift for me though is a must for those times when your shifting and braking at the same time because it lets you keep more fingers on the bars. A downfall of grip shifters, at least the ones I've tried is that the left one can easily shift you straight from granny to 42, when you wanted 34. This can be very annoying/speed killing.
O.K. Here's my big secret(maybe it's not a secret but it's what I now use) Run rapid on yor left and a grip shift on your right. The grip shift lets you fly up and down the back gears, while the rapid pulls you depedably on the front rings
WINNER: Gripshift
SRAM shifters, at least the X.O are just unbelievably precise, and the X.O rear der is just a work of art, not to mention the fact that it works amazingly. Also, with gripshift you can upshift or downshift all the gears with one twist, rather than with rapidfire you have to go one by one or max 3 gears at once. Once again SRAM kicks the competitions butt.
WINNER: Gripshift
Wellpeople that say you can not change more than one at a time with rapid fire you are wrong. I can shift up tp 3 gears at a time with mine. I have used both rapid fire and gripshift and I ran into a lot of problems with the gripshift.The rapid fire are percise as where my grip shifts was mostly guess work. i had to adjust them after each ride or they would be completly screwed up.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapid fire is the best one !
WINNER: Rapidfire
Got 2 bikes, one with rapids, one with gripshit (still hoping silently someone will steal it)...
gripshit is ok, nice that you can shift more gears in one movement, but ever hit a bump right at that moment that your wrist is in that awkward shifting position??? I did, broke my wrist doing it....
got rapids on me other bike, theyre just perfect... never miss a gear, no awkward wrist positions, and with a few pushes of the button you can almost shift as fast as with gripshits...
for me, rapids all the way...
WINNER: Rapidfire
gripsfifters are great, been using them forever, but the rapidfires are great too, I liek the gripshift because in my mind theres lees to go wrong. With a gripshift, you can shift at any angle, but with a rapidfire you have to push the button so yuo have to be at the right angle.
WINNER: Tie
My Huffy Darwin Wonder Bike came with the fast and sure sift power of the Two Speed Kick Back, can't be beat on the fly and helps increase the speed two fold.
WINNER:
grip shifts are fun, fast and easy, rapid fire is more fun a little slower and a lot easier, shifting on rapid fire is second nature whil you are sprinting up to the line and you don't have top move your hand after every gear change, grip shift is simpler to build and fix, but then so are rigid bikes (i mean rigid rigid, not hartail)
WINNER: Rapidfire
shift five speeds at once with a gripshift, and you're converted. as for people without gloves who slip or have extreme wrist pain from gripshifting (...), try the half pipe grip shift. as for people who shift accidentaly, try ice skating.
WINNER: Gripshift
What is up with all these idiots saying gripshit????
RAPIDFIRE you can't beat it... ever...
WINNER: Rapidfire
you can make several shifts at a time
WINNER: Gripshift
It is just WAY quicker and clearner on the bar.
WINNER: Gripshift
way better....hate the wrist movement on gripshifts
WINNER: Rapidfire
Gripshift for sure. As long as the grip shift is short and you have a long fixed grip. Onced learned, you can postion your hands just right so you can shift when you want and not accidently shift when you don't want.
WINNER: Gripshift
Gripshift. 1:1 cable makes the most sense. More importantly you can trim the front derr AND if it breaks out in the hills you can fix it. Dont forget the ability to shift a wider range w/grip shift.
WINNER: Gripshift
less write movement with rspid fire
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapid fire , no dout about it ;)
WINNER: Rapidfire
tried both, rapids are the way to go.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Gripshift lets you shift faster and adjust for front deraileur rub. Plus, it looks cleaner on the handlebar. Kind of like how Campy compares to Shimano on road (though I prefer Shimano on the road over Campy). Anyway, bottom line: Gripshift IS the sh!t!!!
WINNER: Gripshift
I've owned the Gripshift for 5 years and recently switched to RF. I am sticking with RF now that I am also using the M960 XTR "Rapid Rise" RD. Its a slick and VERY precise set up!
WINNER: Rapidfire
rapid fire is the best!! i have had grip shift and every set i had have been destroyed.they dont last long for me
WINNER: Rapidfire
Doooods!
SCREW GRIP SHIFT AND RAPID FIRE! TOP THUMB SHIFTERS RULE!!!!! DOOSH DOOSH DOOSH DOOSH!!!!
SHIMANO'S XT SHIFTERS FROM 1991 WILL NEVER BE EQUALED AS FAR AS PERFORMANCE, DURABILITY AND PURE GOOD LOOKS!!!!
EVEN TOUGH GUYS LIKE SCOTTO AND FERNANDO WITH THE NADS CAN APPRECIATE THEIR FLAWLESS SIMPLICITY AND PHALLUS LIKE SHAPE. PERFECTION IN DESIGN!
GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WINNER: Tie
I had gripshift, and I would shift accidentally all the time. It eventually slid right off the handlebars, but fortunately that was the day I decided to convert it to single-speed. Gripshift is annoying.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Central PA, rock gardens will eat you alive. East Coast Mud will muck up everything. Grip Shifts are the only way to go: can compensate when shifting is not perfect, quick and easy shifts (without taking your fingers off the grip), Shift multiple gears faster. They are the only way to go.
By the way... only XC should worry about this. All DHers are just coasting downhill anyways. Just buy a motorcycle without an engine, since that's basically what your riding anyways.
WINNER: Gripshift
rapid fires are awesome
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapidfire rules! My wife used to run gripshift, and would ghost-shift when she would manual over potholes on the way to the ride. I like my hand to have room to move without worrying about enough torque in my hand to shift. Plus, who needs to reset their grip every time they shift?
WINNER: Rapidfire
Sorry But Rapidfire is the ONLY option
WINNER: Rapidfire
Neither. Go with thumbshifters. When you're 6 feet under, you're thummies will still function as new.
WINNER: Tie
Thumb-Shifters rule, find some old XT's they have an extra detent and will shift 8 speeds (9 speed is stupid anyway)
WINNER:
I perfer the gripshift. Gripshift is awsome for extreme changes, such as cog 5 to cog 1. With gripshift its fast and easy right to it, but with the Rapidfire shifters you would have to go cog 5,4,3,2,1. For this reason and for that they are right one the handle bar and you dont have to move a finger to shift there awsome. So with such a good result and quality, im going out replace my SRAM 5s and get the SRAM X.0 9spd
WINNER: Gripshift
rapid fire your hands stay in the same place and you can't skip chainrings...much better on your bike and wrists.
WINNER: Rapidfire
NEITHER. The new 2003 XTRs use one lever for brake and shift. I works great! Much like a car with turn signals and brights (lights) one one lever. For brakes pull as traditional; for shifting, push lever perpendicular to braking plane to shift up or down. Logically, it seems as though you might inadvertently shift when braking, or inadvertently brake when shifting - however, when you actually ride the new levers they work with precision. In my opinion, due to the efficacy of this concept, within a a year or two, all brake/shift systems will be integrated this way (as they did for road bikes years ago - how many Tour De France riders do you think have separate shift and brake levers - likely zero!). Be sure to convert to the new 2003 XTRs. As for me, I will not go back to the old inefficiencies that you are on this page debating.
WINNER:
shift faster
WINNER: Gripshift
rapid fire. period.
WINNER: Rapidfire
I am a confirmed Grip Shift rider. I replace and discard every other shifter.
WINNER: Gripshift
gripshift
WINNER: Gripshift
It's just a mather of training.
WINNER: Rapidfire
I've ridden crappy, broken rapidfire shifters and perfectly new and well-adjusted XT's. Even when my old 105's were muddy and caked solid so they weren't working, they were still better than gripshifts. The times I've ridden gripshift I've dealt with accidental shifting when just moving my hand position on the bar. I don't want that happening when I'm flying downhill or struggling through technical.
WINNER: Rapidfire
SRAM Rockets work beautifully and so do Rapidfires. Don't get missed shifts, slipping, etc. on either. However, the simplicity of gripshifts is a major, major plus in shi**y European weather. That and I don't like levers sticking out everywhere. Same reason I prefer Campag Ergo over Shimano STI.
WINNER: Gripshift
rapidfire the simplest and best to use
WINNER: Rapidfire
I have used both systems and I prefer the rapidfire. The problem that I had with gripshift was that when it was time to shift, you had to move your hand inwards to grip and shift and you still take your hands off the bars. No one has mentioned in you like to brake with two fingers there is a grip shift blob of rubber making it fell uncomfortable. I am using Shimano dual control system which I believe will beat both systems when people finally actually start trying it.
WINNER:
Tried both. The Grip Shift will let you down when it gets wet. I switched to XTR 2 years ago and there is no comparison-XTR is the best!
WINNER: Rapidfire
Gripshifts are the most unreliable and finicky poorly designed peices of crap i have ever used. rapidfire all the way.
WINNER: Rapidfire
My first mountain bike, a Mongoose, had the gripshifts. At the time gripshifts were just fine.
My present bike is a Gary Fisher Joshua which has the rapid fires. Didn't have any difficulty getting used to the difference. Now sometimes I'll shift unconsciously and then realize that "I've already shifted"
WINNER: Rapidfire
At first I was reluctant to switch to Gripshift, but after nearly a year of use I prefer it. It's a more ergonomic way of shifting when you dont need to push your thumb forward. Also, this loosens your grip of the bar. Gripshift enables you to keep a better grip on your bar while providing fast precise shifting. In addition, Gripshift allows you to compensate for inaccurate derailurers. Rather then only three positions for the front derailurers, you are allowed around eight positions for the most accurate shifting. Gripshift all the way.
WINNER: Gripshift
Rapid fire!!! I absolutly HATE grip shift!
WINNER: Rapidfire
Look around in most races, rapidfire are more prevelant for a reason, they work...........
WINNER: Rapidfire
I would have to say grip. when you are going fast it is noce to just be able to twist your wrist.
WINNER: Gripshift
Im a XC rider turned freeride junky from New England and i would have to say the grip shifts are by far my favorite! But i would recomend the shorty shifters to reduce the amount of miss shifts that are common with this style. You can keep most of your grip on the grips for far better control of your bike and also have better control of your shifts by giving a half a shift here and there to compensate for stretched cables or sloppy derailure. Rapid fires have always felt (in the way) for my style. GRIP SHIFTS WIN HANDS DOWN!
WINNER: Gripshift
Im a XC rider turned freeride junky from New England and i would have to say the grip shifts are by far my favorite! But i would recomend the shorty shifters to reduce the amount of miss shifts that are common with this style. You can keep most of your grip on the grips for far better control of your bike and also have better control of your shifts by giving a half a shift here and there to compensate for stretched cables or sloppy derailure. Rapid fires have always felt (in the way) for my style. GRIP SHIFTS WIN HANDS DOWN!
WINNER: Gripshift
rapidfire all the way man!! thier so much faster, and you have more control w/ them
WINNER: Rapidfire
I hate grip shifts. The main reason is when you have to lean back on the bike, and, your ands shift the gears, wich causses unnessasary shifting. Rapidfire is so much better
WINNER: Rapidfire
I have ridden both and like both. I have broken my heavier Rapidfire several times. My 800 Xrays came on my newer bike and are bomb proof, I'm going to upgrade to 9.0 to cut weight. I don't know how anyone can mis-shift with them. I also don't know how anyone can't love the speed you can go from the bottom to the top of the cassette in. The other thing I like about them is you can tune them while riding if need be. Many people can't tune either flavor while standing still. Plus, I like removing Shimano wherever I can. Except my new 959 pedals-GO GET A PAIR!
WINNER: Gripshift
I have tried both systems...prefer rapidfire b/c the gripshift get in my way. I have found the gripshift system to be way too loose and not precise-feeling enough for me. XTR rapidfire is easy to use, fast, and reliable.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Gripshift! the newer versions of the ESP system are smoother and more consistant than the XTR. The reason is the lower cable tension required on the ESP, when your cable stretches or gets gunky, the XTR doesn't shift as smooth and needs more adjustment. There is also the dreaded rubbing on the bigger cogs when in the granny gear with the XTR, and some minor rubbing on the front derail. in certain gear combos. Overall, an ESP drivetrain smokes the XTR.
WINNER: Gripshift
Grishift is good for XC but they suck when doin downhill so as im a downhilla o'll have to go for....
WINNER: Rapidfire
grip shift get in my way, triggers are faster.
WINNER: Rapidfire
rapid fire. faster shifting, better for accelerating, easier, u dont have to turn ur wrist... did i say it was faster.
WINNER: Rapidfire
SRAM X.O is the only way to go w/Gripshifts. SRAM's other offerings don't stack up. Have ridden XTR rapid fire's which were great, but I think the X.O's top them.
WINNER: Gripshift
rpid fire is rabid
WINNER: Rapidfire
Ridden both. I kept on accidently shifting when I rode Gripshift on my first mountain bike. Rapidfire came on my next bike, fell in love right away. Installed Rapidfire on the bike I built up this summer.
WINNER: Rapidfire
The two styles are very differant. Rapid fire seems more direct and snappy vs. grip shift but if your have a derailer problem i found grip shift u can adjust easier by noy useing full clicks. I was 100% agaist grip shift until i bought my new bike and i like it. In fact i like them both.
WINNER: Tie
Simple, one of each. Grip shift on the front so you can adjust to compensate for cage drag. Rapidfire on the back for snappy shifting. I would run the grip shift with regular grips so I wouldn't accidentally shift while going through a technical section.
WINNER: Tie
With grip shift, you can accidently change gears in really technical sections. I like to have a firm grip on the bars and not have to re-cock my hands when shifting from the highest to lowest gear.
WINNER: Rapidfire
This one's easy - Gripshift all the way. I'm running 9.0SL shorties, and they're the smoothest and most precise shifters I've ever had, mtb or road. There are no control or ghost-shift problems with the shorties. They're great for throwing quick multi-gear shifts on sharp terrain changes, there's no annoying chain noise from a trimmed front derailler, plus they're way easier to shift when my hands start going numb on longer rides. I haven't had to do any real maintenance in 1000's of muddy & dusty off-road miles, beyond keeping the chain clean and lubed, and they shift as well now as when new. I'd buy these again any time.
WINNER: Gripshift
There is a reason why some grips are bound to the bar with wire - because when your grip slips you lose control!!! When you huck off a root most of what keeps your bike level is your hands rotating on the grips. When you jump it's very important that you have a firm and exact grip on the bars to be able to hold the bike. There's also nothing quite like barreling down a bunch of roots and rocks and then your feet slip when you start to pedal again because your gears wandered. If you're a roady or a very very very light XC rider then you probably would not know what I'm talking about. If you like to ride through the rough stuff or like to go big rapidfire is the only way to fly!
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapidfire does a great job, but the latest SRAM gear is just better. I've always found Gripshift to shift more quickly than Shimano equivalents - essential on severe singletrack. Yes, you can mis-shift on technical stuff if you're careless about your hand position, but on the other hand Rapidfire can be really hit-and-miss in extreme weather conditions. Gripshift lost popularity because it needed more maintenance to stay tuned - but that's no longer true and you're just a tourist if you don't keep your machine at 100%.
WINNER: Gripshift
Just ride what you like. People have very personal preferences on these things, but I think it's just stupid to call someone a "rapidfire shimano whore" or a pussy because they use a different shifting system. I mean really, I'd think thee guys would have something better to do with their time.
WINNER:
I think the rapidfire gear shifters r better u get to the gear you want quicker and less of a problem in my opinion. When i first crashed when i had gripshifts my gripshifters broke which was a pain in the ass to fix to yeah go with rapidfires.
WINNER: Rapidfire
I prefer the Rapidfire because shifting gears via a Gripeshift in shaky terrain could mean less control on the handlebars. Even though the Gripshits are mechanically more simple and less likely to be damaged in a crash, the convenience and control of Rapidfire makes Rapidfire a winner.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapid shifters are on all the top end bikes grip shifts are wal mart
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapid fire all the way baby! My shimano eazy rapid fires work with no flaws! They are much easier on the wrists and don't tear up your gloves! Grips are a waste of time and money. They get dirt and muck in them very easy and are a pain to lube! GO WITH RAPID FIRE SHIFTERS!
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapidfire
WINNER: Rapidfire
RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE RAPIDFIRE baby!!!
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapidfire is better. I don't auto-shift when I land off a drop or get out of the saddle, or pedal hard, or pull up on the handlebars to name a few of the situations that thats occured when I've ridden with Gripshi*t shifters. Now if the people at SRAM would only make a rapidfire comatible version of their XO derailer then I would be in ATB heaven.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapidfire is the only choice for me. I've used Gripshift in the past and although I wouldn't say it's terrible it just doesn't feel natural. Push and Pull just makes more sense since you don't exactly twist the knob on your car's shifter to make it shift. It's all personal preference of course so there's no better shifter, only what feels right to you. I switched from Gripshift (which I've ridden for 3 years) about a year ago and I definitely like the Rapidfire shifting much better. I still don't understand why people think Rapidfire doesn't allow you to trim your shifting. That's what the barrels are for guys. And, about not being able to downshift multiple gears with Rapidfire is incorrect. Just push the shifter quickly and it will downshift up to 3 gears at a time. They've always done that as far as I've known. Although I like their mechs I'll always use Rapidfire.
WINNER: Rapidfire
phillip.........
ya gotz ta stop hoppin on ur bunny.........
ur gonna hurt dat ting...............
da bobo
WINNER: Gripshift
I`m really afraid that I`ll switch my gears while bunny-hopping whit grippy.
WINNER: Rapidfire
HUH?????????????
IS THIS EVEN A QUESTION????????????
GRIPSHIFTS ALLOW U TO TRIM OUT DA NOIZE/FRICTION...........
GRIPSHIFTS ALLOW A HANDFUL OF GEARS............................
GRIPSHIFTS USE JOHNNY-SNOT...................................
DA BOBO.............
WINNER: Gripshift
Dan Czesnikowski sniffs poo
WINNER: Gripshift
I have used RapidFire for years but went with Gripshift 9s on my new bike, mostly because of the significant weight savings with Gripshift and because I was curious.
Gripshift allows more hand room because there are no shift levers sticking out over the grips.
Gripshift has a heavier action. Takes more force to shift than with my old XTs.
Gripshift shifts more quickly than my XTs (once you actually trigger the shift mechanism). When you hear the click, you're in the gear in perhaps half the time taken by the XTs. On the other hand, my XTs' hesitation wasn't really a big deal to me.
Gripshift shifts multiple gears which is very nice at times, but mostly I go only gear by gear. But if you come around a corner to face a steep section, it's very easy to shift down several gears instantly.
Gripshift front shifter allows for 3 indents for each of the rings. This means you have to click perhaps 3 times to change to the next chain ring. My XTs were one push and you're there. The problem with the XTs was the chain rubbing the front derailleur. I personally found this irritating and a pain to make go away. With 3 indents per ring, the Gripshift allows much more micro-adjustment of the front derailleur. However, if you want to get in the granny fast, you have to go through 3 clicks.
So far, Gripshift is the winner even though it might be by much. However, I've got small hands. The Gripshift grips are too big in diameter for my hands and so can cause some pain on rides over 3 or 4 hours. What's worse is that the brake levers are attached much closer to the stem and much farther away from your hands than with Rapidfire. My shorter than average fingers can only reach the levers if my hand is partially riding on the knurled shift ring. This ring is much bigger in diameter than the already too big grip so I find it rather uncomfortable. I'm using Avid SD5 levers which are 80 mm long (hinge to tip). All levers made today are 80 mm long, with the exception of Paul's love levers which come in a Gripshift specific 90 mm length. I don't have the dough for those yet, and the Avids work great. While I've gotten a lot more used to the Gripshift over the 2 months I've ridden them, I still find that they are too big in diameter and they force the brake levers too far away from my fingers.
So my vote is Rapidfire if you've got small hands (I wear "medium" gloves), even though the Gripshifts perform better. Also, it is very important that you ride both types of shifters for a couple months before your opinion is worth spit. If you shift (no pun intended) from one style to the other, you are guaranteed NOT to like the new one until you get used to it. Seeing as how the new style will affect both shifting and braking, you won't like it until you're used to it and this takes a long time. When you hit 30 mph over baby heads, you want to be very comfortable with your brakes.
WINNER: Tie
I've tried them both, but there's only one choice for those of us who loathe bicycle maintenance and can't seem to keep our derailleurs tuned... THUMB SHIFTERS! Yes, the old-fashioned DX shifters are the only way to go.
WINNER: Tie
There's only one choice. Rapidfire! Screw Gripsh*t.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapidfire is the way to go if you do any kind of jumping or downhilling where you're hands are all over the grips. GS misshift all the time and have a shorter grip length which blows for the kind of riding I do. RF is easier to set up and you don't accidently wrench the shifter and change 4 gears like with a GS. I'm sure GS is great for XC applications but it sucks for anything other than that. RF is the only way to for DH/DS/FR/Trials. SRAM made a RF style shifter in the past. Maybe they knew a good thing when they saw it?
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapidfire is the way to go if you do any kind of jumping or downhilling where you're hands are all over the grips. GS misshift all the time and have a shorter grip length which blows for the kind of riding I do. RF is easier to set up and you don't accidently wrench the shifter and change 4 gears like with a GS. I'm sure GS is great for XC applications but it sucks for anything other than that. RF is the only way to for DH/DS/FR/Trials. SRAM made a RF style shifter in the past. Maybe they knew a good thing when they saw it?
WINNER: Rapidfire
Another application specific question. Well, if you ever had gripshit and jumped your bike or do dropoffs, I'm pretty sure you've misshifted into another gear you didn't want to be in. That's been my experience with them but I'm more of a freeride/urban kind of rider. I'm sure gripshift would be great for XC use and XC use only since shifting seems to be a little bit quicker. I'm partial to Rapidfire style shifters also since they are easier to set up and you don't have to have a set of specialized grips to use them, giving you more room for your hands to grip. There's got to be a reason SRAM made Rapidfire style shifters maybe because they knew a good thing when they saw it?
WINNER: Rapidfire
Gripshifts, you must be kidding. I thought they only came as standard on kids (and girls) bikes.
WINNER: Rapidfire
XTR is all the go!!!! Until you try Sram's new range of shifters. Precious shifts all the time and has made my front LX derailier on my training bike shift better than the XTR shifter on my race bike..Don't be scared go out and try the new 9.0SL I hearing even better results with the new X.O gear
WINNER: Gripshift
rapidfire sucks... its for sissies who take their sisters to kindergarden...
WINNER: Gripshift
rapidfire sucks... its for sissies who take their sisters to kindergarden...
WINNER: Gripshift
rapidfire sucks... its for sissies who take their sisters to kindergarden...
WINNER: Gripshift
What the hell is a gripshift?
That never work well as a rapidfire system.
I have no idea about why people ask which is better than other.
WINNER: Rapidfire
rapid cuz it dont get in the way cuz when u have gripshift when u land hard u can grip that insteadon handlebar and then smash ur face
WINNER: Rapidfire
GRIP SHIET
WINNER: Rapidfire
GRIP-SHIT NOT GRIP SHIFT YOU DUMBASSES
WINNER: Rapidfire
Gripshift:
Pro: good looks, work well enough
Con: delicate (how many shattered units have I seen...), accidental shifts for white knuckle riders
Rapidfire
Pro: I prefer to move my fingers rather than my entire wrist to shift, works well enough
Con: Pods look clunky and although not as vulnerable as Gripshifters, they are not nearly as durable as...
Thumbshifters!
Pro: Simple and bombproof, friction shifting rarely needs adjustment (just precision and experience), retro-hip-as-S#!+
Con: Hard to find 'em, for good reason
In the case of MTB shifters, technology has not brought progress
But if you must "click" shift, then it is a matter of personal preference between RF and GS...and that's all.
WINNER: Tie
Hi. I'm a corporate tool. Of course the largest of the two corporations is going to win in my book. It's like duh! Like like gripe shit and stuff! I can't think of any stupid things like that to say about Rapidfire, so $himano must win, right? I see I have alot of fellow tools on this list.
WINNER: Gripshift
i want to like grip shift since sram is an american company amd the shifters are lighter, but the fact is i do prefer shimaNO.
WINNER: Rapidfire
they both suck. hehe... I just finished getting rid of all the shimano on my bike. Fixed gear on one side of a track hub and single speed freewheel is the only way to go. Especially for training. my legs after 4 rides have gained so much strength. After ever ride I need icyhot because i forget to stretch? when was the last time you had to stretch to ride the bike 2 miles?
haha...
WINNER: Tie
I'm sure that if Walmart tried to make a rapid fire it would be crap, but please, if youre saying gripshift, just try a real bike.
WINNER: Rapidfire
I like gripe shift because i think it alot esear to chandge the gear
WINNER: Rapidfire
Duh freaking moron question
WINNER: Rapidfire
rapidfire is the obvious choice because u cant(its extremely difficult) to change change to a lower gear while braking because if u were goin fast and suddenly have to stop its much easier to use rapidfire and lower the gear so that when u start pedaling again its much easier and u can start faster...i currently ride on shimano xt shifters
WINNER: Rapidfire
i like to use the xtr rapidfire than yhe grip shift because gripshift sucks especialy when your hand is wet orslippery
WINNER: Rapidfire
gripshifts suck b cuz i always tend to accidentally shift when i go over a big bump. rapid fyre all the way
WINNER: Rapidfire
Gripshift with the full ESP9.0 setup works well enough, and there's three or four shifter types to choose from (long to short). Rapidfire is Shitmano... nuff said.
WINNER: Gripshift
Rapidfire because if your setting up for a huge ledge and you shift the gripshift by accident and mess up your pedal its not going to be pretty. When you ride with your hands farther out on the bars to prevent that it is hard to grab the brake lever. Currently on XTR's, great products.
WINNER: Rapidfire
i hate gripshift every time u want to ship down one gear u end up shipting like 3 rapidfire all the way
WINNER: Rapidfire
Gripshift are shite, they are crap, absolutely hate them! Rapidfire are the way to go, easy to change gear with decent shifters, wont accidently change gear when picking up speed.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Used Gripshift for 'bout 4 years and before that, on my old bike, I used RapidFire for 2 years. I've been riding XT RapidFire for the last 3 years and I am happy to be back. Here's why:
- Shimano shifting is more precise then SRAM's: My GS's often required me to fine-shift the grips even after it clicks. I suspect some of you GS users can attest to this -- the front derailleur rubs against on the chain that didn't shift fully. Shimano's shifting is just crisp and precise -- even my old STX RF beats the X-Ray I had.
- Fast gear shifts: Most of you GS users touted GS can shift more gears at once. It's true that GS can dump/load more gears per-rider-input, but as mentioned above, the shifts lack the preciseness of RapidFire and require micro-shifts to make it correct. This doesn't happen all the time, though but it seems to always happen when you don't need it the most. I'd opt for predictability and precision of my shifters than able to dump/load a bunch of gears with something that may not always gives me the gear I want.
- Twisting wrist movement gives less control: Some GS users complained RF requires you to let go of the thumb to shift. For one, depending on how the RF is setup, your thumb actually squeezes into the bars as you downshift. Yeah, I know it's not the same as holding on to the bars but the point is the thumb never leaves the grips. Also, the thumb topic is a non-issue compare to the fact GS shifts require your wrists and arms to be in funny angles and positions. On top of that, you must loosen your palm and all of your fingers in order to turn your wrist to accomplish the shift. All RF riders know that RF systems only require you to move your thumb and index, your palm and the rest of your fingers stay put. I'd say that's more control especially if I am going through loose technical stuff. (This is actually why SRAM made the half-pipe. Now they think you can hold on to the grips/shifters with your dear life. Problem is you'd ghost shift like a madman. Why? Grips arent supposed to be movable!)
RAPIDFIRE RULES
Damn it, Gripshift sucks.
WINNER: Rapidfire
I like to pee on my shifters before a ride. Gripshift is sexier but rapidfire is more usefull.
WINNER: Rapidfire
I really wish I could find something good to say about the gripshift. I wish I could throw a bone to SRAM for fighting the good fight. I would love to say that Shimano -the microsoft of biking- had an inferior product. But I can't. Gripshift blows. Rapidfire is where its at.
WINNER: Rapidfire
I've done cross country, now i do downhill and freeride. In all types of riding i find it uncomfortable to have half of the grip bigger and have accidentel shifts and overshifts. I am also a mechanic at a bike shop, which brings up my main reason for not liking grip shift, there a pain in the &$$ to work on. As for the argument that gripshift shifts faster, shifting much faster than rapid fire can cause chain suck, bent links, and accelerated chain wear.
WINNER: Rapidfire
i have gripship and my dads bike has rapidfire i dont ride my dads bike much but his shifters are awsome
WINNER: Rapidfire
i sure both grip and rapid fire. i like grip shift for the front cause you dont have to worry about ajustments so much and for the the back its a lot easyer to shirt with rapid fire
WINNER: Tie
easy, Rapidfire. No changing gears off drops or by accident!!
WINNER: Rapidfire
you already know that grip shifts blow sack and the only thing that there good for is going to the store to pick up some toilet paper.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapid Fire is where it's at man. Those stupid grip shifters were just a fad. Just because the man, John Tomac, rode them a couple years ago dosen't mean that they are that much better. I've would never buy a bike whith the goofy looking, hard to use, accidentally shifting, gripshifters. Shimano had the right idea in the begginning. The rapid fires are the way to go if you don't want to pretend that you're twisting a motercycle throttle.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Why would I want a smaller grip area and a potential for accidental shifts?
WINNER: Rapidfire
I`m afraid that I`ll switch the gear while doing a bunny hop with shitshift.
WINNER: Rapidfire
It doesn't really fricken matter, it's just a question of preference.
I personally prefer to use gripshift.
WINNER: Tie
how can you pull the front end up and ride technical w/o accidentally grip shifting, I started out on grips and thet suck, Rapid fire all the way
WINNER: Rapidfire
you know you can put gripshift on any new bike you buy. it might not sit on the floor with them, but you can change anything you want to on a new bike. if you can't you should go to a different shop to purchase your bike.
WINNER: Tie
you know you can put gripshift on any new bike you buy. it might not sit on the floor with them, but you can change anything you want to on a new bike. if you can't you should go to a different shop to purchase your bike.
WINNER: Tie
rapid fire shifters, to me, are far better than the gripshift shifters. i like to think that my bike works entirely with levers(brakes) and triggers instead of a combonation of gripshifts and levers. it just seems to make the most sense. they also feel a lot better on your fingers.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapidfire all the way. OK, both do have their advantages and disadvantages, but from using both for quite some time, I onyl run Shimano XT and XTR on my bike. The new SRAM X.0 stuff though is really realyl cool, but damn, I just cant get used to that whole opposite thing with the shifting. I dont look at my shifters to see what gear I'm in, I dont care, I'm in the gear that feel good. I hate it when you shift weight, like taking a tight singletrack downhill, shifting your body and arms on a corner, and shifintg gears, WHAT THE HELL!? Kudo's to SRAM in their efforts, but no one will beat out Shimano.
WINNER: Rapidfire
I've used Gripshift on my main ride for 4+ years and thousands of miles with almost no problems. This year I upgraded to 9.0SL which is unbelievably smooth. For better handling, esp in the tight stouff, get the shorty, not the half-pipe.
WINNER: Gripshift
you can go through your gears way faster with a twist shifter than with a trigger shifter . Plus twisters don't hang out just waiting to be snapped off on every tree. I've used them for 6 years now and never had one fail. GRIPSHIFT!
WINNER: Gripshift
Definitely Rapidfire. I can't stand, and utterly HATE twist-shifters. I had a set on my old bike, and ditched them within a month because they always broke. (Sram 8.0's). Rapidfire's are easier to use, faster, look TRICK, and are of higher quality. I have XT Rapidfire's on my current bike (FSR Enduro Comp), and love the feel, the crisp shifts, and the speed at which they shift. Sram is high quality, but it's the "oddball" of the group. If I want to twist something, I'll go ride my friend's dirtbike.
WINNER: Rapidfire
rapid fire is beter to see
WINNER: Rapidfire
if your a serious DH rider or Dirt jumper youll now that gripshifts are useless they get in the you have to get little grips and your hand is uncomfortable
WINNER: Rapidfire
I'll race any of you rapidfire Shimano whores TODAY with my gripshift and WIN!
WINNER: Gripshift
Rapidfires are for tricycles...kid stuff. Gripshifts are the choice of most winning racers, for good reason!
WINNER: Gripshift
I used ripidfire for three years and gripshift for one year. You guys who complain about shifting on jumps don't know how to ride. You probably would have trouble repalcing a chain much less a headset. Bunch of crybabies who bought bikes with Shimano everything. Don't know anything else. Ignorance is bliss.
Gripshift:
Shifts *FASTER* than rapidfire.
Better control since you never have to remove your thumb from grip.
More intuitive.
Can shift through a complete cassette.
Can fine tune the front derailer.
Ever ride down a steep hill, then there's an uphill? No more clicky-clicky-click, pressing that stupid thumb button ten times just to get to the right gear. No wonder you guys have so much trouble.
Learn to ride and get GripShift.
WINNER: Gripshift
It is wet and cold in Bellingham so I use Rapid Fire for the front. The long lever easily overcomes the stiff springs in my XT front derailleur, so when I'm tired, cold, and my hands are stiff it's a nice thing to have. Grip Shift for the front is useless.
I use Gripshift for my rear, however, simply because I can find the right gear much quicker than with Rapid Fire. Dumping gears after a quick rise followed by a sharp down hill is quicker with Gripshift, you just cannot drop 6 or 8 cogs with one stroke using Rapidfire.
I've used both, even SRAM's new Rapidfire copy and find this (Rapidfire front/Gripshift rear) to work best for me. I even ran across a Canadian manufacturer a few years ago that ran this combo. So, since I've got both on my handlebar - it's a tie.
WINNER: Tie
Obviously rapidfire. If you are actually serious about biking you will realize that gripshifts are better for road. Rapidfire allows you to shift faster, with no accidental shifts.
WINNER: Rapidfire
I understand why the weekend warriors use grip shift, but if you're racing you'll want rapid fire because you can shift faster especially on climbs when you need to.
WINNER: Rapidfire
No soar or numb fingers on these hands! grip shifters rock. And for anyone that is thinking that you can't get use to them, that they feel wierd or just don't do a great job you're wrong! In a matter of minutes your hands will know what to do and your OFF to a great ride!
WINNER: Gripshift
I prefer the rapidfire shifters.
WINNER: Rapidfire
I've used both and:
Rapid fire is good if you do alot of road riding and you can take
your hand of the grip/brake
But
Gripshift is good for the trail because you just need to twist your wrist and you hand doesn't go off the girp which means more and better control
But I still go for gripshift because you just have mor control over you bike while shifting
WINNER: Gripshift
i like the rapidfire that is all i run , for one.. gripshift tends to ghost shift when u are moving ur hands on the bars.. and they really arent customisable.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapidfire all the way, gripshift is not cool.
WINNER: Rapidfire
its hard to find a stock set up with gripshift because 'corporate america' knows that nobody wants those shitty things....
DUH
WINNER: Rapidfire
I used to be a bike mechanic and all the mechanics I knew in the bike shop referred to Gripshift as Gripsh*t.
When your hands get wet changing gear can become a real issue with gripshift and what is it with making some of the stuff non shimano compatible!? Rapidfire is easy to adjust, impossible to break and lasts miles longer than the brittle x-ray crap!
WINNER: Rapidfire
This is my third time comparing these 2 over the years. In the past I was Gripshift all the way. I recently bought a new bike with Rapidfire. Reason - it's so damn hard to find a bike stock setup with Gripshift.
For ease of set up, rebuilding, maintenance, installation, etc.... Gripshift rules the world. For actual shifting while riding I think I prefer the radipfire. Don't get me wrong a high end Gripshift or the top of the line X-Ray 900 stuff kicks ass, shifts easily, and multiple gear shifts. But the Rapidfires are fun to use jsut click and go. No twisting and shit.
Overall I give the edge to to Gripshift. But it's a tie. Both are a quality product and either is good, Deore or above rapidfire, or 600+ Gripshift. It's all cool stuff, keep the derailleurs and drivetrain adjusted and you'll have a cool click-click-click shifting that's a dream to ride Gripshift or Rapidfire.
Stop all the Gripshift sucks stuff. I'll take Gripshift XRAYS adjusted perfectly over a non adjusted rubbing chain rapidfire any day. I'll also take Rapidfire over broken Gripshifts any day. It's all about bike maintenance. Both are good. If I was buying as frame and building a bike from scratch I'd go Gripsihft, buying a manufactured Trek, GT, Giant, etc... you have no choice but rapidfire. Definitely a TIE with a slight gripshift edge or personal preference.
WINNER: Tie
All in all rapid fire towers over grip-shift. Grip shift forces you to twist your wrist every time, and it can get really, really, really annoying. With rapid fire, you can put your thumb on the trigger, and index finger on the brake. and when you wanna switch down, take your index finger off the brake and hit the other lever. It doesnt effect your riding in any way shape or form, and ya it has more parts, but its a lot better on the trails. Anyway, grip shifts break easily.
Bike setup: Trek Fuel 80
WINNER: Rapidfire
Grips get in the way and screw with the handlebar.
WINNER: Rapidfire
rapidfire last longer and i have gone through at least 4 pairs of gripshift and gripshift cost more. and rapidfire sound cooler
WINNER: Rapidfire
The lastest generation (ie. Rockets) are much improved with spring-loaded action that make upshifts very easy. You can also shift a few cogs without the drivetrain in motion. Way improved and now surpass RF.
WINNER: Gripshift
I like rapidfire just becaues that is what I've used the most. Some down hillers say that gripshift is better for them though. I tried some gripshift, and you get used to them pretty easy, but i still get scared that i'm gonna change gears when i try to jump stuff.
i'd go RapidFire
WINNER: Rapidfire
Grip shifters turn the wrong way. If you roll your right hand back, like on a motorcycle throttle, you would think that you should get a higher gear and hence, go faster? Thing is, if you roll back on the grip, you're shifting down to a lower gear. It works correctly on the left side (roll back = bigger ring) so, both hands have to do the exact opposite of each other. Rapid fires operate the same way though. Thumb on left hand shifts UP but the thumb on the right hand shifts DOWN. I think they're both f'd up and for that, I give em a tie. I don't want to THINK when I ride, I want to DO and when I shift, it should be instinctual and consistent regardless of which product I use. It just strikes me as poor design when you've got both hands having to operate the controls completely opposite. As a comparison, it'd be like having one brake lever push and the other pull to stop. I find it positively strange that nobody else has EVER noticed this before??? Maybe the solution would be to have a grip shift on the left and a rapid fire on the right......
WINNER: Tie
Turning most gripshifters is like breaking your wrist, there real sloppy- rapidfires give more precise shifting and just as fast
WINNER: Rapidfire
I've used both Gripshift and Rapidfires for a few years now. Overall, I would recommend the Gripshift. Gripshift is more intuitive, less moving parts, less maintenance, SHIFTS FASTER than Rapidfire.
WINNER: Gripshift
I have used both and both have worked great. The gripshift have less moving parts and seem more reliable, less mantainance. The rapidfires are more precise when dialed in. The story about rapidfires not shifting more than one gear at a time is crap. Just pull the trigger or push the thumb lever rapidly and they will shift all nine just fine. Hence the name RAPIDFIRE. I currently ride gripshift for durability and less hassel
WINNER: Tie
I think and know that grip shift is a peice of crap. Rapid fire is way more reliable and requires less maintenance. You always have to replace the grips on your gripshift as well. If you have a choice get rapid fire.
WINNER: Rapidfire
Rapidfires require you to take your thumb off of the grip. This results in a loss of control. Gripshift more intuitive to most folks (I hardly ever see rapidfires, you guys must all be racers or something). You can shift though the entire cassette with Gripshift.
Rapidfire SUCKS, avoid them. Try Gripshift if you never tried them.
WINNER: Gripshift
gripshift has the edge; very few moving parts, easy to use and setp-up, lighter, never missed a shift, can use your index finger for braking and your palm for shifting at the same time.
WINNER: Gripshift
I currently use rapid fire for the rear, because i like the crispiness and the preciseness( if that's a word) of the shimanos.
but i use the gripshifters for my front, because i run a bashgurd instead of the outer ring and i like to fine tune my chain line. but if it came down to a final choice between gripshifters and rapidfires, i'd shoose the rapidfires, because of the quality of the shifting.and weight is not an issue for me because my bike weighs 45 lbs. anyway, and those extra 40 gramms off won't help much.
WINNER: Rapidfire
I currently use rapid fire for the rear, because i like the crispiness and the preciseness( if that's a word) of the shimanos.
but i use the gripshifters for my front, because i run a bashgurd instead of the outer ring and i like to fine tune my chain line. but if it came down to a final choice between gripshifters and rapidfires, i'd shoose the rapidfires, because of the quality of the shifting.and weight is not an issue for me because my bike weighs 45 lbs. anyway, and those extra 40 gramms off won't help much.
WINNER: Rapidfire
First of all, this Topic shouldnt even be an issue. Secondly, I ride xc, dh, freeride, and i am a weekend warrior. Any person with common sense should understand that anytime you have to adjust your grip on the handle bar, it equals less control.....and after all, isnt that what we spend money on components for? to increase our riding ability? RapidFires provide shifiting without releasing your grip, breaking the angle of your wrist, or changing the position of your grip in any way. However, if you think these features could benefit your ride style, then by all means, feel free. To me, the only advantage gripshifters has got going for them is weight, and Im not a weight freak, so i dont know how much xtr's weigh. But that is not nearly enough to overcome its downfalls. Gripshifters are a poor example as an alternative to Rapidfires, and as of now, there really is no alternative. When it all comes down to it,
GRIP SHIFTS = A BAG OF SHIT
and for the people that think otherwise, they are choosing involuntarily to restrict their maximum potential on the trail. And to the issue of accurate shifting, that is not a manufacturers problem...thats an issue of maintaining cleanliness of your components, ultimately the whole bike (dummies). Jesus, the people who defend gripshifters are so, for lack of better terms, brainless. Especially :
Date: November 22, 2001
Woody a racer from Nu Yawk
Dude, do you choose to not make sense on purpose? where are you from? i wanna know where dumbasses come from. I think someone should have told you in grade school that you bang erasers against each other, not against your head. You have not adressed the issue at hand (or any real issue for that matter), and yet you say its a tie. The only thing that needs to be tied is a noose around your neck. And I'll agree with the others too~ those three and four letter replies used to describe gripshifters such as "ass" and "shit" are used cuz theres no better way to describe them!!! you idiot! which happen to be the same words I would choose to describe your i.q. YOU ARE AS SMART AS A BUCKET OF HAIR. So dont condemn these other writers for stating the obvious. I think the only thing youve managed to explain is the fact that people have a right to be stupid, but you, you are just abusing the privilege.
I also cant believe 'breaking' shifters is an issue. If your gonna crash bad enough to break a shifter, any kind of shifter, then so be it, whatever it is will break. And those other guys that claim rapid fires to be to confusing - wow....one guy said its to confusing with 'brake levers', Jesus ! and i would never, never sacrifice performance for looks.
yours truely,
TREK7000(MPH)
WINNER:
I us'em both a lot so I knows. I have SRAM 9.0 on my Ti hardtail and Shimano LX on my FSR. Been ridin' since the beginnin' w/thumbies and the pusp-push too. Actually I have the inverse Sachs Extreme front derailleur and shifter still, after 6 years (bought a bunch of these shifters cheap), and I've got a red half pipe on the right. This set up is way cool and fun to ride with because to go for a lower gear on a steep roller you just twist back as you climb on both shifters, and it just feels right, and goes into your selected low perfectly, its beats the Rapidfire in that situation. But that's about the only place SRAM is better. SRAM is hard to work on, god help you if you need to change your cable on a ride. SRAM is much more finicky with dirty cables than Rapidfire. SRAM ghost shifts sometimes. SRAM shifters have a loud click when