Bicycle derailleur shifters

The mechanical lever-shifter Shimano Sora

On a road bike, the derailleur shifter is integrated into the brake lever: you change gears without letting go of the handlebars. The Shimano Sora is the mechanical version, with a double chainring and nine speeds: you push the brake lever inwards to shift to a larger sprocket, and a small paddle placed behind it brings the chain back down. The cable, pulled or released by a ratched mechanism, transmits each movement to the derailleur. Simple and repairable everywhere, this system just needs a cable tension readjusted now and then at the barrel when the shifts become hesitant.

The transmission

The road transmission is also available in:

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

The entire transmission is combined on the transmission page.

Sram eTap AXS: wireless gear shifting

With the Sram eTap AXS, each lever has a unique paddle and communicates wirelessly with the derailleurs. Right paddle to shift to a smaller sprocket, left paddle for a larger sprocket, both together to change chainrings: the logic is learned in one ride. Each lever operates with a long-lasting coin battery, while the derailleurs have their own rechargeable battery. The AXS app allows you to reverse the controls or program multiple shifts by holding down the paddle. Red, Force, and Rival share this protocol, and the clamping kit Red or the Rival mechanism replaces a damaged part after a fall.

Blip controls for time trials

On a time trial or triathlon bike, the cyclist spends the majority of their time with hands on the extensions, away from the brake levers. The Blip Grip from Sram, small control buttons, slide to the end of the extensions and operate the derailleur without changing grip. Integrated into the AXS system, they add to the main levers rather than replace them, and can be programmed just like them in the app. On a classic road bike, Blips placed under the handlebar tape, at the top of the handlebars, also allow for gear changes with hands up, a common position on long climbs.

Good deals

Good deals can also be found among the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h 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 holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back to school.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know which shifter is compatible with my road derailleur?

The shifter must match the number of speeds and the brand of the derailleur, as cable pulls vary from system to system. The Sram eTap AXS levers only work with AXS derailleurs.

Can I switch to wireless Sram AXS by just changing the shifters?

No, AXS levers only control AXS electronic derailleurs, which have their own battery. Switching to wireless therefore involves replacing at a minimum both levers and derailleurs, and often the cassette and chain.

Mechanical or electronic shifter: which one to choose for road?

The mechanical, like the Shimano Sora, is economical, easy to maintain, and repairable anywhere. The electronic offers identical shifts every time, without cable adjustment, but requires monitoring of battery charge.

How to replace a derailleur cable on a road lever?

Put the chain on the smallest sprocket, pull out the old cable from the lever, then thread the new one into a clean housing. Finish by tightening the cable at the barrel until you get smooth shifts in both directions.

Does a hydraulic brake shifter require special maintenance?

Yes, the brake circuit needs to be bled periodically to remove air and renew the fluid. The Sram Rival hydraulic levers use DOT fluid, which should never be replaced with mineral oil.