Reach adjustment on Sram X9 shifters?

[Nuffy]

I have Sram X9 shifters. I’m finding that the gap between the up and down shift levers is quite large, meaning that I have to move my wrist or thumb more than I would like when making shifts. Is there any way of adjusting the reach on these models to move them closer together? I’m tempted to undo the allen bolts on the bottom to see what’s going on and if I might be able to rotate the lever to a slightly different position, but I’ve heard horror stories about some shifters spewing springs and bearings all over the place when opened up.

[Reden]

Don't do it. Cannot be adjusted and spewing springs is a reality if strippeing too far.

There are pic on the internet of stripping these things to add a 11spd ratchet to 10spd shifter.

Rather play with the up down pivot adjustment or get a X0 shifter where the upshift lever can be rotated.

[PeterF]

No, only SRAM XO and up have adjustments on the shift levers.

[Nuffy]

OK, thanks for the advice. Disappointing, but I suspected that was probably the case.

[Kalahari Vegmot]

Just, don't. You'll end up like me with two bags of disassembled shifters-one for curiosity, and the other for trying to put the first on back together...

[PeterF]

I have taken an X9 shifter apart and reassembled again. It is just the lever tension spring that is a major pia, but it is doable.

 

The old X9 shifters used to get sticky after a while and I found that sanding the plastic bush a bit solved the problem.

[Kalahari Vegmot]

I have taken an X9 shifter apart and reassembled again. It is just the lever tension spring that is a major pia, but it is doable.

The old X9 shifters used to get sticky after a while and I found that sanding the plastic bush a bit solved the problem.

Any pics?

[Martin PJ]

My son and I use X7 rear levers. Our LBS mechanic serviced the levers, one was toast and he could not get it functioning properly, the other is working hundreds. If the lever is old, don't service it. The insides of both were very dirty. I had to buy a new X5 rear lever.

 

I find the gaps on the levers fine, maybe post a pic of yours.

[PeterF]

Any pics?

Unfortunately not.

[Mongoose!]

Just, don't. You'll end up like me with two bags of disassembled shifters-one for curiosity, and the other for trying to put the first on back together...

Haha. Opened mine just the past weekend.X9 10 speed to fit an 11speed Rapide gear. So easy. Super impressed with Sram for the well designed concept.

[Kalahari Vegmot]

Haha. Opened mine just the past weekend.X9 10 speed to fit an 11speed Rapide gear. So easy. Super impressed with Sram for the well designed concept.IMG-20170808-WA0003.jpgIMG-20170808-WA0002.jpgIMG-20170808-WA0001.jpgIMG-20170808-WA0000.jpg

Yea, I dismantled a 10year old 9speed. Yours looks much simpler. Or you've just got more patience.

[Nuffy]

Haha. Opened mine just the past weekend.X9 10 speed to fit an 11speed Rapide gear. So easy. Super impressed with Sram for the well designed concept.IMG-20170808-WA0003.jpgIMG-20170808-WA0002.jpgIMG-20170808-WA0001.jpgIMG-20170808-WA0000.jpg

 

Ah, nice. Mine’s a 9 speed. Looks like you’ve come in from the top here, yes? I’ve opened the top to swap cables, but nothing more. Did you open the bottom too, or remove the lower lever?

[Nuffy]

My son and I use X7 rear levers. Our LBS mechanic serviced the levers, one was toast and he could not get it functioning properly, the other is working hundreds. If the lever is old, don't service it. The insides of both were very dirty. I had to buy a new X5 rear lever.

 

I find the gaps on the levers fine, maybe post a pic of yours.

 

The gap between the levers is not terrible. I just find that if I’m standing tall on the bike I have to rotate my wrist downwards to reach the release lever, and if I’m seated I need to rotate my wrist forwards or move my thumb a lot to reach the push lever. I like the shifters a lot otherwise, and they seem to be in great condition. But I’ve been noticing more and more that a small position adjustment would make them a bit more comfortable for how I ride. It’s a 2 × 9 setup, so I have one on the front too, and their ergonomics are the same, so I’m sure this is how they’re designed.

 

Perhaps I’ll try rotating them on the bar slightly to favour the release shift a bit more.