xtr 970 shifter hydro brake lever opinions

[shankldu]

what do u guys think of these ? speaking of the integrated type where the hydro lever and shifter are part of the same body ,from pics I only see one shifter lever so not even sure how they work.

[kramnnim]

Brake lever moves like road sti levers...only they move in both directions. Not easy to brake and shift at the same time and it’s kind of annoying for the brake lever to have so much movement.

[shankldu]

that's not the series I'm referring to these are a solid piece with hydro brakes and a single shift lever at least looks like one on each side .

[kramnnim]

These, right? https://www.ciclowerks.com/product-p...ers-hydraulic#!

[linger]

The type you are speaking of are called shimano dual control. Many many people say it was a big screw up on Shimanos part. They say they lost a lot of riders to Sram. I actually loved and still do like them a great deal. They currently reside on an IF Tungsten Electrode, and I have a NOS set in a box as well.

[linger]

The type you are speaking of are called shimano dual control. Many many people say it was a big screw up on Shimanos part. They say they lost a lot of riders to Sram. I actually loved and still do like them a great deal. They currently reside on an IF Tungsten Electrode, and I have a NOS set in a box as well.

[IFRider]

Came on a IF Deluxe that I bought used (likely similiar journey as that IF Tungsten Electrode). I debated swapping them out (even have a full XT 10 speed build in boxes). Ultimately decided to keep.

• Plus - Less thumb soreness.
• Plus - Works with Gloves in cold weather
• Plus - I really like being able to upshift flicking my fingers up
• Minus - Shifting and braking is so so.
• Minus - have hit a shifter in narrow trails on tree branches and shifted - not likely a big deal for most

Using on a triple (likely one of the last on the planet who prefers a triple) ...

Warren

[linger]

Triple for me as well Warren. Xtr 965 series everything. Love it.

[dan_hudson]

Ha - I too got them on an IF!

Count me as another fan *if* you're okay with sticking with a front derailleur. When combined with a rapid-rise RD I liked it quite a bit. To be honest, I think if Shimano refined more and introduced as the 970 version, there wouldn't have been as many negative reactions.

That said! These only work with 9-speed and best with a triple. Modern 11/12 speed groups ditching an FD really are so much better all around for MTB, doesn't seem like a good choice except for a vintage Sunday cruiser.