How to Adjust a Gripshift

Gripshift-style bicycle shifters are made by SRAM, an American bike component maker. Gripshift-style shifters are exactly what they sound like they would be -- a shift lever that is a grip that turns like a motorcycle throttle. The Gripshift levers house the derailleur cables that tighten when the Gripshift is turned, actuating the derailleur to shift the gears. The shifters will need to be tuned and adjusted after the cable stretches. Adjustments can be performed quickly with basic bicycle tools.

Things You'll Need

  • 4mm Allen wrench
  • Vise grips
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Instructions

    • 1

      Push down the small plastic cover on the inside of the Gripshift to expose the tightening screw. Go to the other shifter on the opposite side of the handlebar and repeat.

    • 2

      Remove the hex screws on the underside of the Gripshift. Look under the handlebar to access the screws. Insert the 4mm Allen wrench into the hex screws and unscrew the hex screws to loosen the shifter. Remove the screws and set them aside.

    • 3

      Grip each of the wire ends on the inside of the screw holes (one on each of the Gripshifts) that are revealed once the screws have been removed. Pull them out with the vise grips.

    • 4

      Crimp down the end of the wire to shorten and tighten the wire. Insert it back into the Gripshift, using the vise grips if needed. The Gripshift wire should be tight, but not so tight the shifter will not turn. Test by gripping the shifter and turning forward and backward. There should be no more than 1/4 inch of slack on the shifter.

    • 5

      Put the screws back into the Gripshifts and close the plastic housing.