Normal shifter with a rapid-rise derailleur?

dakidcp

I'm looking to get Shimano XT M740 8 Speed Trigger Shifter Set to replace my awful Shimano C201 grip shifters on my hybrid. I'm wondering though whether the rear derailleur, which is a C201 rapid-rise mechanism, will be compatible with a normal trigger shifter? To my mind, it should be designed for 8 sprockets on the rear cassette, regardless of which way round it shifts, but am I being a bit naive?

One other quick, daft question ... even though the C201 grip-shifters and brake levers are integrated, I believe I'm correct in thinking that separate Deore brake levers and the shifters above could be quite happily used instead? There's nothing special about combined levers/shifters otherwise is there?

Many thanks [:)]

<hr noshade size="1">"Get a bicycle. You will not regret it, if you live."
<i>Mark Twain</i>

jpembrokecp

All sounds fine to me. Rapid rise mechs work fine with normal thumb shifters - there are no specific rapid rise shifters. Also, yes, a set of deore brake levers combined with the new thumb shifters will be just the job.

What do you think of rapid rise, BTW? My MTB needs new front and rear mechs after years of abuse. Have used standard rear mechs up til now but would like to give rapid rise a go.

---

well, yes <i>and</i> no......but mainly no.

dakidcp

Thanks for answering the questions [:)]

I'm afraid I'm hardly the person to offer an opinion on the rapid rise though. Although I bought the bike a few years ago, I barely rode it at the time and only got properly into cycling last year. I then only rode for a few months before buying my new Specialised Tricross. I can't say I had any particular problems with it, for what it's worth, but in terms of comparing it against a "normal" rear derailleur, I unfortunately have very little experience against which to judge it.

<hr noshade size="1">"Get a bicycle. You will not regret it, if you live."
<i>Mark Twain</i>

solocp

Once fitted a rapid rise that was mistakenly sold to me. It was a nightmare as I could never remember which way to change gear. My advice, stick with a normal set up.

jpembrokecp

Thanks mate, have decided to do just that.

---

well, yes <i>and</i> no......but mainly no.

jpembrokecp

Oops! Despite stating that i'd stick with 'normal' shifting, I totally forgot to state my preference and got sold a rapid rise derailleur by LBS. I realised my mistake as soon as I bolted it to the MTB as the neutral position of the arm was under the largest sprocket, not under the smallest as I'm used to. Looks like I'm in for some fun. Hope I get used to it.

---

well, yes <i>and</i> no......but mainly no.

dakidcp

Good luck!! [:)]

<hr noshade size="1">"Get a bicycle. You will not regret it, if you live."
<i>Mark Twain</i>