Replacing shifter from integrated Shimano ST-MC18 but keeping lever?

pileyk

The shifter is mounted to the brake lever with a topdown hex bolt, like most Shimano combined brake/shifters from ~20 years ago.
Problem is it is only an 8 speed, I want to swap it for 9 speed but I tried a normal band-on rapidfire shifter and it will not fit alongside because of the ST-MC18 having the bulge for the shifter mount!!

Can you get the shifters that "lever mount" instead of the normal band on clamp?

I saw some "I-Spec" shifters but I read they were only introduced in 2011... so they can't be the same can they? I'm not sure what mount style I need to be looking for!

Any ideas ppl? I don't want to be buying separate levers and shifters, when my brake levers match atm and I just want to replace the right side shifter...

Thanks!

pileyk

Ok I don't think I explained this very well, so here's some pics!
This is how the shifters are attached to the brake lever.

This shifter model below (SL-MC40) has a removable handlebar clamp, so I assume it could attach under the brake levers too:Problem is....it's only 7 speed! Are there any 9 speed shifters like this?! Or will I have to replace the whole lever too, or actually both levers if I want them to match lol

reaperactual

Honestly never even seen that type of intergrated lever until now.

I can only assume Shimano introduced this sti type lever design to go along with 9 speed drivetrains:-



Had something similar to the above on an entry level mtb years ago, nothing fancy but functional, comfortable, etc. Didn't have them for long as I had cable operated disc brakes so quickly swapped them out for hydraulic brakes and separate band mounted 9x3 shifter pods.

I guess a direct replacement in a 9 speed doesn't exist or just maybe impossible to source.

My humble advice would be to replace both for the sti version or better still upgrade to hydro's and pods (if you have disc brakes on your bike). 🪙🪙