MTB gear shifters

The principle of the trigger shifter

The trigger shifter, or trigger, is fixed under the handlebars, on the right side for the rear derailleur. The main lever, operated with the thumb, pulls the cable to move the chain up to the larger cogs and easier gears; a second paddle releases the cable to drop back down to the smaller cogs. On the Sram GX and NX, the main lever can shift through several gears with a single push, which is handy when approaching a steep climb. Each notch corresponds to a gear: this is indexing, which requires precise cable tension so that the chain lands exactly on the intended cog.

The drivetrain

The mountain bike drivetrain also includes:

• Derailleurs.
• Groups.
• Cassettes and Chains.
• Chainrings.
• Cranksets.
• Cables and Housing.

The entire drivetrain is gathered on the drivetrain page.

GX or NX Trigger: what sets them apart

In the Sram hierarchy, the GX is positioned above the NX: its trigger provides a sharper feel, an adjustable trigger position, and a compatible MatchMaker X clamp, which allows it to be mounted directly on the brake lever clamp, freeing up space on the handlebars. The NX, simpler and a bit heavier, follows the same operating principle and cable pull, intended for touring or leisure use. Both come with their internal cable, and the choice mainly depends on the desired precision and the quality of the rest of the drivetrain.

X-Actuation pull: compatibility and adjustment

The eleven-speed single-chainring shifters from Sram use the X-Actuation pull, which is one-to-one: the derailleur moves as much as the cable is pulled. Therefore, a GX or NX lever will only work with an eleven-speed Sram rear derailleur of the same pull ratio, and not with a Shimano model or a Sram ten-speed derailleur. The adjustment is made at the barrel: it is unscrewed a quarter turn if the chain struggles to climb, and tightened if it struggles to drop back down. A new cable and a housing without a tight bend remain the best guarantee for lasting indexing.

Bargain deals

Good deals can also be found in the bargain deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year festivities, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and back-to-school season.

Frequently asked questions

Does an eleven-speed Sram shifter work with a Shimano drivetrain?

No, both brands do not use the same cable pull at the back. For a mountain bike equipped with a Shimano drivetrain with eight or nine speeds, a Shimano shifter of the same number of speeds as the cassette is needed.

Is a specific shifter required for an electric mountain bike?

On an electric mountain bike with a mechanical drivetrain, a standard shifter works, provided the number of speeds and the cable pull of the derailleur are respected. One should ease the pressure slightly during the shift, as the motor increases the strain on the chain.

How do you replace the cable of a trigger shifter?

Switch to the smallest cog to release tension on the cable, open the access cap of the shifter and push the old cable out of the mechanism. The new cable follows the same route, then it is fixed to the derailleur before adjusting the tension.

Where should you place the derailleur shifter on the handlebars?

It should be placed within thumb's reach without moving the hand, just inside the brake lever. It should be tilted so that the lever naturally falls under the thumb in a riding position, with hands on the grips.

Why does my chain skip between cogs?

Most often, the cable tension is incorrectly adjusted or the housing is dirty. If the adjustment is not sufficient, one should check the derailleur hanger, which is often bent after a fall, as well as the wear on the chain and cassette.