Replacing Shifters

[DemiCat]

Good Day fellow bikers

 

So I am new to cycling,I have been doing spinning but not much in the actual moving around department.

 

I was thought as a kid how to ride a bike,but there was never a need for changing gears,as my joy rides was never further than down the street.

 

I have a bicycle now which was my sister-in-law's(too small for her). It fits me,but the shifters are old thumb shifters only indicating high or low and are so stiff I think I'd need a towbar connected to a train to change gears each time.

 

So my question : Would it be possible and worth it to replace the shifters ? I was thinking twist shifters.

 

Thanks in advance.

[V12man]

Try lubricating the shifters and cables first with a spray lubricant like q20

[BMXER]

Replace cable inners and outers.

Also service the shifters and derailleurs.

[David Marshall]

Generally not worth replacing components on an old bike.  They fall into two areas - collectables  and low low value.   In both cases leave the original components on.   

 

It sounds like yours has friction shifters.  A good clean out, derailleur lube, new cables and cable housing will make the world of difference.