Broke my Shifter - Upgrade?

I fell this weekend and broke the plastic casing on my rear shifter. It was deore and my rear derailleur is XT, front deore. Would I notice a big perfrmance jump if I replaced it with an XT shifter, or is weight the biggest difference? I don't plan to race, so i think a small weight difference is not worth the extra cost. If I upgrade, should I replace both my shifters or is there any reason to have an XT shifter with a deore front derailleur (that might get upgraded someday, but only if it breaks)? Are shifters pretty easy to install, or will I have to take it to the LBS? I dont have much experience working on bikes, but can figure out most stuff if i have the right tools i think.

Thanks

Get some old XT or Suntour XC Pro thumbies and never have to worry about shifter issues again ever.

SRAM. X9/Xo . SRAM.

I think it may run a little smoother, but prolly not noticable enough. I upgraded to XT shifters in 2002 from LX, but I was racing so I cared more about the weight. Still have them and they are running smooth.

just broke the plastic casing?

just replace that?

LX is fine too

Quote:

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Originally Posted by trainnvain

SRAM. X9/Xo . SRAM.

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^ What he said. Of course, then you'll want to replace both shifters. If you want to replace just one, go XT.

do you have to use a sram der with the sram shifter????

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mntlion

do you have to use a sram der with the sram shifter????

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Older gen sram shifters had a differnt pull ratio than the shimano however I think the newer ones are the same so you *might* be able to use the shifters and derailleurs interchangably.

Elesq, First check into what Mntlion said, if the plastic casing is only broken then keep riding it into the ground.

LX vs. XT: You will notice a change in performance upgrading from Deore. Performance wise the difference between an LX and XT is not that great, the LX is a bit heavier and not quite as crisp. Honestly though, the difference between and LX and Deore is quite noticeable. I would just buy an LX if you want to stick with shimano. Before I do that though, I would definitely check into the new SRAM trigger shifters and their compat with shimano derailleurs. I have heard nothing but fantastic reviews since their re-introduction last year.

SRAM X.9 Triggers
Compatibility:: SRAM 1:1 rear derailleurs, SRAM or Shimano® front derailleurs

SRAM Rocket Triggers
Compatibility:: Shimano® rear derailleurs, SRAM or Shimano® front derailleurs

SRAM Attack Triggers
Compatibility:: Shimano® rear derailleurs, SRAM or Shimano® front derailleurs

I went from XTR on my old bike to X.9 on my 5-Spot. I haven't looked back since. The only time I've had shifting problems was when I bent the rear hanger, and even then it wasn't bad. My old XTR setup was a nightmare.

Bike shop told me they didnt think the SRAM was compatible, so I ordered an XT online for $35. hopefully it gets here before the weekend so i can go to Moab. Otherwise its good old duct tape. thanks for the help guys.