Alfine 8 - any *rapid-fire* alternatives to Shimano's shifter?

[drissa]

I'm attempting a self-build featuring an Alfine 8. So far, in my design plans, I've been quite proud of my pragmatic resistance to hipster minimalism... but those Shimano Alfine shifters really are great ugly things and the plastic housing feels very flimsy. I'm aware of the Jtek indexed shifter, but I'd really prefer a rapid-fire action.

Are there any alternatives? Can something else be adapted to work with the Alfine? Thanks

 

[drissa]

Ok, just found this, but doesn't seem to be available in the UK...

http://www.zerodeusa.com/product/zerode-x9alfine-sram-shifter/

 

[GrumpyGregry]

find yourself an old 9 speed SRAM X9 shifter and disassemble it and fit this

http://www.mrc-trading.de/Adapter-fuer-SRAM-X9-Shifter-Shimano-Alfine-Nabe.html

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Some folk on various mtb forums claim Nexus eight speed twistgrip (pos imo) works fine with alfine 8

 

[GrumpyGregry]

and if your dreams of hipster minimalism extend to drop bars, versa VRS-8 drop bar levers/shifter does the job.


that's my research for other people done back to speccing my own build kit.

 

[drissa]

Thanks. Yes, that looks like the DIY route for the one I linked to above. Think I'll give it a go...