Bicycle Tutor

i have a mountain bike with a deore xt derailer (8 in rear, 3 in front). the rapid shifters (which are integrated with breaks) are shot. These are "X7" parts that are CIRCA 1994.

What shifters can I use to replace them?

I am not looking for anything fancy since I only cruise around on roads.

As far as I know: anything by Shimano or SRAM for MTBs that has the same number of speeds. Mid-range units should be ok. You might want to get brake levers and shifters that are not integrated, though. Also get the correct brake levers for your type of brakes, Cantilever and V-brakes are not compatible.

Yeah, any shimano 8 speed shifter should work. Problem is that these are fairly rare now. If you can't find something, you might be able to use a 9 speed shifter. You would also need a 9 speed cassette/chain and would have to remove one of the cogs from the cassette. But as long as you use the spacers from the 9 sp cassette, it will work with a 9 sp shifter.

Next option is to get a new shifter, cassette, chain and freehub and go to 9 or 10 speed. Maye new derailleur also. But not sure about that.

Shimano's Alivio is still 8 speed. I also believe that last year there were other groups that were still 8 speed.

I believe the 8 speed freehubs are 9 speed compatible http://www.sheldonbrown.com/k7.html
The derailleur should work, just don't expect any wonders.
Upgrading might be worth considering, though. The feasibility depends on the general state of your bike (and the budget).

I should be able to find some older 8 speed shifters at a local bike swat. Thank you.

Yeah, used / older parts are a good way to go!

Joe_W Wrote:anything by Shimano or SRAM for MTBs that has the same number of speeds

Never ever mix Shimano and SRAM rear mechs and shifters on MTBs. They pull at different ratios of cable length and you will trash the rear mech. Either go fully SRAM (x5 is still available in 8spd I believe) or fully Shimano. You can mix it on the front but not the rear.

My mate made the above mistake last year, his rear mech exploded everywhere as he started shifting into hill-climbing gears.

Thanks for getting that cleared up! Are the cassettes compatible?

Yes.

I run a Shimano casette and a SRAM chain and rear mech. Best combination out there for MTB in terms of durability and life. The different ratios of cable apply only to the mechs and shifters. The jockey wheels still end up moving the same distance, it's just the mechanics within the mech are different. SRAM are 1:1, so the amount of cable pull is equal to the distance moved. Can't remember what Shimano is but it's more than that.