X4 8-Speed Trigger Shifter Rear Only

Today I received the SRAM X4 8-Speed Trigger Shifter Rear Only and it installed a bit difficult, but that was just orienting the first cable HOUSING position. - I had it going the wrong way, and figured it out after 2-3 times. I tried oiling the new cable, even though I'm sure it was already oiled from the box. I'm very thankful that it was identical to the broken shifter on a bike that has lots of riding left in it. Quality components can make the difference in a ride, performance, and longevity! It came w/ a personal note from a representative w/ their info, if a customer has a question or problem, something I appreciate! My only wish was that they designed the shifter so just a damaged/short/rusted cable could be replaced, without also replacing the shifter. < that is an impossible feat, due to the tiny parts in a shifter. It would've also been nice to have new cable housing - but mine was in good enough shape to use.

Product is as described. Works perfectly, just what I needed.

I was extremely happy with this product. Was surprised at how easy it was to put on and that it even cam with the tools to do it with. Highly recommended

It wouldnt shift with the smaller shifter, unless I pull really hard on the cable. This led me to think something was wrong with the derailleur. After messing with is I decided to take it apart. The cable stop inside was kinked, the plastic was scrapped up from trying to shift it. I was able to bend the cable back straight inside and put it back together and it shifts great now. I love the design. You shift with just your thumb. It’s really nice!!!

I crashed my mountain bike and broke my X4 shifter... Rats! Well, I purchased this replacement, and soon I was bombing around the foothills of Boise again! The shifter comes with the cable already attached. How to change your shifter: 1) Take pictures of your current shift cable so you know how to re-string. 2) Disconnect the cable at the rear derailleur and pull the cable out of the cable housing. 3) Remove your right handle-bar grip and remove the broken X4 shifter (with entire cable). 4) Consider cleaning out the various cable housings (plastic tubes that guide the shift cable). 5) Push the new shift cable backward through the cable housings and re-string the shift cable all the way to the rear derailleur. 6) Replace the shifter mechanism onto the right bike handle and replace the grip. 7) Adjust the shifter to your smallest rear gear and gently pull the slack out of the shift cable at the rear derailleur. 8) Tighten the cable to the rear derailleur. 9) Ride your bike, some minor tension adjustment may be necessary to perfect your shifting.

Solid product no issues thus far and I have put 400 miles and going strong.

I installed it and it couldn’t shift to the 1 on the dial and would skip gears when shifting up and down. I am disappointed because it look nice and a good deal and now I know why. Would never recommend this and I am stuck with a terrible shifter because of it

These are good value but less durable than higher end SRAM shifters or non-grip shift Shimano of similar price point. That is because the small up shift pawl is not so much a pawl as a simple tab made from a piece of non-hardened steel that wears metal to metal against the die cut indexing wheel by virtue of a little spring. (See photo of dissected shifter below. The tab is visible next to ungloved thumb). Higher end shifters use actual pawls that ride on a shaft and rotate/rock into position onto a machined indexing wheel resulting in a more precisely aligned and larger friction area (compare photo of circa 1994 Shimano STX shifter below) rather than the simple off-angle zip tie analogous mechanism used here in Srams X4 that wears out the tab. The bottom line is that the X4 is not as durable as higher end models, but offers good value because it is very inexpensive, especially for people who only ride occasionally. On average I see these last three to five years on bikes I service. When they start to wear out they usually still shift a bit but the lever doesn't index properly so you may not be stranded if one does fail. One tip for prolonging the life of an X4 is to replace deraileur cable regularly to minimize resistance within the shifter mechanism. Or consider a grip shift model which is priced similarly but is more durable. Personally, I choose used Shimano gear. If those ever display indexing issues it is usually just due to buildup of old grease that can be removed and the shifter relubricated. But do note, generally your brand of shifter must match your brand of derailleur. Shimano with Shimano and SRAM with SRAM when it comes to pairing shifters to derailleurs. And please, support your local bike shop!