The average cyclist won’t ever face this issue- but if you own/are looking to own a proper road bike, you would have wondered by now about the cost of road bike shifters.
So- why are road bike shifters so expensive?
Road bike shifters are generally expensive because most models are mechanically complex to make. Secondly, there are only a few companies that make shifters, and limited supply coupled with a niche demand keeps prices high. However, there are few cheap options which are detailed further in this post.
If you’re looking into getting a new pair of road bike shifters for yourself, then you might currently feel prohibited by the cost. However, there are multiple types of shifters, some relatively cheap, others expensive-which might suit you.
Read on:
Types of Road Bike Shifters
Here’s a quick summary of the types of road bike shifters and their cost, followed by a detailed breakdown:
| Type of Shifter | Average Cost | Maintenance Level | Durability |
| Trigger Shifter | 33 $ or 30 £ | Medium | Medium |
| Twist Grip Shifter | 12 $ or 10 £ | Low | High |
| Downtube Shifter | – | Antiquated model | – |
| Bar End Shifter | 90 $ or 80 £ | Medium | Medium |
| Integrated Shifter (Most common on road bikes) | 110 $ or 100 £ | High | Medium |
| Electronic Shifter | 280-570 $ or 250-500 £ | Low | High |
#1 Trigger Shifters
Trigger Shifters basically come in two variants – SRAM and Shimano. These shifters are mounted on the handlebar and can be operated without taking your hands off the bar- however, there is a key difference.
SRAM shifters can be operated just by the use of your thumbs- you can shift into harder or easier gears both. However, with Shimano shifters, the thumb is used to shift into the harder gear, while the index finger is used to shift into an easier gear.
Now, I always recommend riding with your index finger placed lightly on the brake, and the Shimano shifter requires you to take your index finger off the brake. This may not be a big deal for everyone, but it is why I prefer SRAM shifters because they are a bit ‘safer’ in my opinion.
This video pretty much explains the same thing I just mentioned and shows you the two types of trigger shifters as well.
#2 Twist Grip Shifters
These are generally the cheapest types of shifters to buy. Twist grip shifters are placed on the bike handlebar and you just twist the bar, like how you would accelerate a bike in order to change gears.
I ride Santander/Boris bikes quite frequently in London, and they are all 3-speed bikes that have the twist grip shifter.
Now, the twist grip shifter is quite handy because it is much easier, more intuitive to operate. It also is much more durable in the event of a fall or crash, compared to the other shifters.
Sometimes, however, I’ve noticed that I inadvertently might apply a bit too much pressure on the handlebar and the gear changes. That can be a bit jarring. Just something to watch out for- I don’t believe that should be an issue with all of the models.
#3 Downtube Shifters
These shifters are now quite redundant. In the older bike models, you would get the downtube shifters that were placed on the bike frame. To operate these, you would have to take one of your hands off the handlebar, which was a bit of a nuisance, of course.
These are antiquated, so I won’t talk much more about downtube shifters here.
#4 Bar-End Shifters
Easy to use- bar-end shifters are levers that literally reside at the end of the curved handlebars of road bikes.
These are quite simple in function, can be easily repaired/installed by a layman, and are generally used by bike riders that like to tour long distances.
The following video shows you how they look, their operation and installation.
#5 Integrated Shifters
You will see most road bikes having integrated shifters or ‘brifters’ because they combine the brake and shifter into a single unit. Understandably, these need more maintenance, are costly and not very easy to repair by yourself.
One of the most popular models is the Shimano Total Integration Shifter or STI Shifter. There are other brands as well but the basic idea is that you press the brake lever normally as you would do to brake. In order to shift gears, you will press the same brake lever in/out using your thumb.
The left lever usually allows you to change the chainrings and the right lever usually allows you to control the derailleur and change the rear gears.
Based on which brand’s integrated shifter you are using, there may be tiny variations of this- so definitely take a look at their user manual too.
#6 Electronic Shifters
These shifters remove a lot of the mechanical components required for shifters usually and are low on maintenance. However, they cost around 3-5 times higher as well- so there is a tradeoff. These are battery operated and so, you also need to be cognizant of the battery life on these. Usually, these should last you at least 600-700 miles or around 1100 Kms before you’ll need to recharge the battery.
Oh, and also- all the pro bikers use electronic shifters these days. They are extremely reliable- self calibrating and adjusting. Very easy to operate. Just one thing to remember- in CASE you run out of battery on a ride- you will not be able to change gears until you reach home and recharge the battery.
Just letting you know- on the off chance this does happen to you.
People Also Ask
How Often Do Road Bike Shifters Wear Out?
A lot of the types of shifters, such as bar-end shifters, twist grip shifters will last you virtually till the end of the life of your bike.
Others- like the integrated shifters generally last around 3-4 years (depending on your level of usage) before they need replacement.
Are Integrated Road Bike Shifters THAT Important?
Integrated road bike shifters are a great tool to have because they are drop-bar compatible, allowing the rider to change gears/brake without taking their hands off the bar.
Now, for the first 2 years, when I started out cycling- I rode a 21 speed bike without these type of shifters, and I was perfectly fine. So, if you are just getting started, I wouldn’t recommend getting them. However, if you are a bit more experienced and want to level up- integrated road bike shifters do form a big part of that experience. In fact, if you are buying a new road bike, 99% chances are that it will have integrated shifters.
Are Road Bike Shifters More Expensive Than MTB Shifters?
Most road bike shifters integrate the brake and shifter into one unit, and are priced higher than MTB shifters, which keep the brake lever separate. Also, MTBs have flat handlebars and their shifters can be fitted on any other type of flat handlebar bike (which are more popular than drop-bar handlebars found on road bikes). This ensures suppliers can manufacture large quantities of shifters at relatively cheap prices.