Shimano Alfine SL-500 Shift Levers

Precise shifting

There aren't many choices for shifting an Alfine hub, but this is my favorite. The action is the reverse of what you're used to but once you adjust it's a non-issue. Nice big lever for upshifting, quick trigger action for downshifts. Changing the cable is super easy. I have this on two different bikes, so no complaints really.

Pros: Never misses a shift.

Cons: Kinda bulky.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: April 04, 2013
Reviewed by: Nick L., Minnesota

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Best shifter for flat bars

As long as you keep your alignment marks on your Alfine hub adjusted, the shifting will be flawless.

Pros: Works with Alfine hub.

Cons: None

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: September 16, 2012
Reviewed by: Warren C., California

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Does the job well, but has some limitations.

Pros: Shifts accurately.

Cons: A bit bulbous, not a sleek design. As others have noted, has a cheap, plastic-y feel. Does not fit well with some older CNC'd brake levers.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: August 28, 2012
Reviewed by: Alan, Portland, Oregon

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Works flawlessly, Looks Cheap

This shifter is about the easiest to string a cable through and get adjusted properly (with an Alfine 8 hub). This shifter will fit any MTB handlebars (On-One Mary for my bike) and works really well. My only complaint (and a minor one at that) is that the button and trigger both seem to be oversized and could be aluminum instead of plastic. As this isn't a MTB, I don't think that it will be an issue with long term durability, just aesthetics...

Pros: Easy of setup/adjustment

Cons: Too much plastic

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: August 12, 2012
Reviewed by: Roger C., Michigan

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The setup is extremely easy. My first time took less than fifteen minutes. The shifting is smooth, precise and consistent. My only compliant is that the shifters are big and clunky and it can be difficult to find a good bar placement.

Pros: Easy set up, presice shifting

Cons: big, clunky and they feel a little bit cheap and plasticy.

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: May 21, 2011
Reviewed by: Jeremy H., Illinois

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Very smooth shifting and has worked flawlessly. It takes a while to get used to the "backwards" shifting(thumb upshifts, index finger downshifts). It would be nice if Shimano came out with a drop bar version.

Pros: Smooth shifting

Cons: It takes a bit of retraining the shifter fingers....

Would Buy Again: Yes
Would Recommend: Yes

Reviewed on: January 23, 2011
Reviewed by: Tom R., California

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