Upgrading Shifters

jason.fitness

Hi All,

I've been directed towards this forum from a mate of mine for some advise. My knowledge of this sort of thing is very limited at the moment so if I ask a silly question I apologise in advance.

I bought Trek 3500 Disc last year (2013 Model) and have recently been suffering with what I can only describe as brake fade. Its been serviced, had new front and rear discs, and had the pads filled to roughen them up. Nothing has made the slightest bit of difference.

Standard brakes are Tektro alloy linear-pull brakes w/Shimano Altus levers. The shifters are Shimano Altus EF51, 7 speed.

I have just purchased some Shimano SLX M675 Hydraulic brakes. My standard brake levers and gear shifters mentioned above are integrated... see below pic:



Can anyone recommend some descent shifters that don't cost a fortune that I could mount with the new hydraulic brakes?

I think I've included all the necessary information , but If you need any more details please let me know.


Thanks in advance!

supersonic

Any seven speed shimano rapid fire shifters - Altus and Alivio ones come up for about £25:

http://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-alt ... 44508.html

supersonic

However - do you have disc compatible frame, fork and wheels?

Chunkers1980

From what he says, yes!

jason.fitness

Thanks supersonic. Yea Its the '3500 Disc' and came with Disc brakes when I bought it.

Do you know if the Altus are I-spec certified? The details on Merlin's don't say either way. If they are then the shifting levers can mount directly to the brake lever clip. Not sure how much difference it would make if they didn't?

Chunkers1980

Not a lot and nope. 10spd only are one of the I-specs

supersonic

Ah, the linear brakes confused matters, linear pull brakes are rim brakes.

jason.fitness

Thanks for the advise! Massive help.

benpinnick

Dint worry about iSpec. You can get 9spd iSpec but tbh its not worth if for this grade of equipment. Alivio shifters are worth the upgrade over Acera/Altus... although not sure about 7 spd. Depending on where the brakes are from might be worth considering a full Deore overhaul and send the SLX back.