Replacing Shimano ST-EF60

nozzac

I'm trying to work out which normal shifters I can replace my current Shimano ST-EF60 Altus EZ Fire Plus Shift and Brake combined jobs.

I don't really know how the pairing of shifters and other bits works.

I believe the other parts are: Suntour XCT 302 22 x 32 x 42 aluminium chainset. Shimano Altus front derailleur. Shimano Acera rear derailleur. SRAM 5.0/ 11 x 32/ 8 speed cassette.

What would be compatible and how do I tell in general?

Thanks

Chunkers1980

You need an 8 spd shim shifter and a new v brake compatable brake lever.

benpinnick

What bike is it on? Replacing 8spd is a bit of a road to nowhere....

cooldad

Why?

benpinnick

because you'll end up getting stuck with cheaper and cheaper parts as 8spd is phased out for all but the lowest spec bikes. Assuming its a replacement because of function rather than necessity, spending money on 8spd would be better spent on a wider upgrade to 9 or even 10 (IMHO)

cooldad

I don't agree, nothing wrong with 8 speed, cheap, tough and easier to adjust. Loads of older XT and XTR on Retrobike, decent kit for next to nothing.
I meant why does he want to change the shifters.

supersonic

As above, loads of good quality 8 speed kit about.

nozzac

OK thanks for the input guys.

So essentially I just need any 8 speed shimano shifter for the back and any shimano 3 speed shifter for the front?

Any recommendations for cheap but OK units?

Chunkers1980

Don't forget you'll need new v brake levers too.

These?:

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop ... M410PA.htm

benpinnick

You could go S/H or I think Alivio still comes in 8 speed.

Chunkers1980

It does as the link above!

benpinnick

Lol, yes. Those ones.

nozzac

I've got an old 90's GT Karakoram which has 8 speed shifters on it actually. The rest of the kit is old XT RC. I was thinking of selling it but I don't suppose it's worth much at all. Maybe would be better to nick the parts of it.

cooldad

You'd be suprised. Either whole or in bits - www.retrobike.co.uk.

Old XT or STX RC in decent condition is saleable.

cooldad

I'd rather have RC shifters than new Alivio.

benpinnick

I just give all my old parts to my local recycling firm, called Cooldad Inc.