Whether you routinely bike off-road trails or just enjoy riding around town, your bike's gear shifters probably get plenty of use. There are many different varieties of gear shifters, but twist bike shifters are common, particularly on mountain bikes. Over time, they can wear out or become damaged and need to be replaced. With the right tools and a little know-how, you can remove and repair or replace your bike's twist bike shifters.
Take every precaution to preserve the quality of any part you will be reusing. Try not to scratch the end caps or mar the grips.
Side cutters
Wrench
Screwdriver
Allen key set
Step 1
Shift the front and rear derailleurs into the smallest gears. Position the bike upright, on its kickstand.
Step 2
Cut the shifter cables just above the cable caps using side cutters.
Step 3
Loosen the pinch bolts on the derailleurs using a wrench. Remove the shifter cables from the derailluers.
Step 4
Pry off the handlebar end caps using a screwdriver. If your end caps fasten, use an Allen key set to loosen the hex bolts.
Step 5
Slide the grips off the handlebars. If your grips fasten, use an Allen key set to loosen the hex bolts.
Step 6
Loosen the shifter clamps using an Allen key set. Slide the twist shifters off the handlebars.
Step 7
Pull the shifter cables out of the housings that convey them to their respective derailleurs.
Tips
Things You'll Need
References
Tips
- Take every precaution to preserve the quality of any part you will be reusing. Try not to scratch the end caps or mar the grips.
Writer Bio
Alberto J. Medina is a small-business owner, personal trainer and professional writer. He holds a bachelor's degree in exercise and health promotion from Virginia Tech, and is an ACE-certified advanced health and fitness specialist as well as a health coach and group fitness instructor.