Review on microSHIFT MTB Triple 3x9 Speed Shift Levers TS70-9: Superior Shimano-Compatible Shifters for Mountain Bikes by Eliot Wahl

After 5000 miles my Shimano Alivio 9 speed front derailleur was worn out. The first symptoms of the problem were the Shimano derailleur skipping a few gears when upshifting - normally the system would index one gear at a time when upshifting, but suddenly started shifting 4-6 gears at a time. Disassembly confirmed the problem - the pawl and gears were literally worn out. Now another problem - due to a lack of spare parts, a replacement Shimano derailleur was nowhere to be found. I drive almost every day, so finding something that keeps me on the road was on my priority list. After searching everywhere I found this microSHIFT MTB unit that claims to be compatible with Shimano's 3x9 group (hence Alivio). I believe this will work with Shimano 1 X 9 groupsets too and you'll just never use the derailleur. It was with some skepticism that I ordered this unit - in short, I'm glad I did because now my only concern is whether I like this unit more than the Shimano unit it replaced. First a few comparisons - with Shimano (only rear derailleur). ):1) This device seems a bit bulkier and heavier than Shimano. I do not care. 2) The upshift/downshift levers are located on the rear of the unit. Shimano has an upshift in the front and a downshift in the rear. I think I prefer both on the back of the device. 3) This unit must be installed further into the handlebar due to the location of the overdrive lever. To upshift, use your thumb to pull the lever outward. This requires a small amount of play in the pulling direction. I suspect this will require the unit to be mounted about 1/3" inboard where the Shimano arm will be mounted. Does it really make a noticeable tactile difference? No, at least not for me. 4) By downshifting on this unit allows you to shift through the entire range (all 9 gears) in 2 full strokes. Shimano shifts up 3 gears (so 3 full revolutions). Mountain bikers will love this more than urban riders like me. I prefer to shift down fewer gears. But With that in mind, let me say that this device allows you to downshift as many or fewer gears in one downshift as you wish.Each gear during a downshift is felt with a distinct "click"." So if you just want to shift into gear, press the lever lightly and stop after clicking it once. You can also shift into 2 gears with 2 clicks. In my previous driving it has been 100% predictable and manageable. 5) The gear indicator on this unit basically shows 1st and 9th gears with nothing in between. The Ano block shows each transmission. Do I really care? Not quite - within the first 10 miles I could tell where I was in the gear range without even marking for each gear. 6) Some have pointed out that this device feels harder than Shimano. I do not agree. Note, however, that this block allows you to shift more gears when downshifting than Shimano. So it would make sense if you used full travel when downshifting, it might take a little more push. But downshifting to 1st or 2nd gear makes no difference in my opinion. Shifting up — absolutely no difference in my opinion. So far I've made 2 rides totaling about 36 miles using this unit along with the cable that came with it (I've reused my existing cases as they've only done about 500 miles). Absolutely 100% of all shifts were voluntary. I am very impressed. At the moment my only question is if I prefer this Shimano device. If this unit continues to perform reliably and has the same lifespan as Shimano, I'd be more inclined to say YES. Time will tell - I drive about 2500 miles a year and if this unit doesn't work I'll be back to check my reviews. Yes, if at some point this module stops working, I will definitely come back and adjust my rating - I will not forget it.