SRAM Centera 8 x 3 Speed Twist Shifter Set

Exactly what I needed except I expected that I would receive the sheaths and had to order separately;

I took the time to write this all out because I couldn't find a recent review to tell me what I needed to know. Spring 2022 (I am a total amateur and this was a first!)

BASIC : These SRAM Centera grip shifters replaced my SRAM MRX Pro shifters that had started to disintegrate. (3x8 - 24 speed) They came with end grips that are 3.5 inches or 90mm long. They do not come with end pieces to crimp on the final cable cuts.

DETAILS : I gave these a 4 rating because the end grip measurements were not clear in the product information. I guess I had no choice because I needed the shifters anyway. I did have to go back and hunt down 60mm end grips because the enclosed ones were too long. And that SRAM product description had inches that did NOT match the 60mm title. Fortunately they were 60mm so fit perfectly. I know other people have added rigid end pieces to their handle bars to make use of the 90mms but I'd rather not. My husband offered to cut the 90mm down on his band saw for temporary use but I waited on the 60mms. And there were no end pieces to crimp the cut cable ends when finished.

Except for changing tires this is the FIRST time I've ever tried to change shifters on a bike. My Cannondale is 18 years old and with the knowledge that there is a UTube video for EVERYTHING these days I decided to see if I could do it myself. And besides I could always take it to the local bike shop if it didn't work out. But understand my husband has all kinds of tools for me to use. I needed the #2 and #5 allen wrenches in the metric set for the shifter nuts and the derailer nuts. There are multi-tools that have these. I also had wire cutters and needle nose pliers (to hold the wires as I tightened them). My bike is a 3x8 (24 speed) as you can see from the pictures.

A pair of surgical gloves is really handy incase you have to move/adjust the chain for any reason.

I needed to remove the 60mm end grips to get to the shifters. Because they were pretty gnarly I cut them off with an utility knife.

Step 1 : Watch a few videos on how to do this.
Step 2 : Per the videos put the (3) side on 1 and the (8) side on 8. These are the smallest sprockets on the bike.

(Repeat the next steps for the second shifter)

Step 3: Use the #2 allen wrench and loosen the nut on the underside of the shifter (you'll repeat this for the other side - I did one side at a time.)
Step 4: Follow the cable down to the derailer and loosen the nut holding the cable with the #5 allen wrench.
Step 5: Cut off the end of the cable with its little metal crimp because otherwise you can't pull it through the channels and get the old shifter off.
Step 6: Gently pull the old shifter and cable off the bike.
Step 7: Slide the new shifter on and gently tighten it.
Step 8: Feed the new cable through all the channels that held the old cable and fasten it with the nut that held the old cable. On my bike it was a clean shot through some tubing and channels and the cable fed through easily with no need for any lubricant. I mention this because in some videos lubrication is needed depending on the bike model.

This is where it gets tricky if like me you're not 100% sure of what you're doing. Once I tightened the cable I tried using the shifter to see if it worked right. I did the (3) side first and did some adjusting to make sure the derailer moved as expected. When I did the back one (8) it went much easier. I went back and tightened the shifters on both handlebars a little more once I had them at the angle I preferred.

And yes I got on my bike and took it for a spin in the street. They seem fine. Success!!!! Woopee!!!! Though I will probably be doing some fine tuning in the coming weeks.

When I went to slip the new 60mm SRAM grips on the handlebar ends I remembered a tip from another reviewer. I boiled some water dunked the two grips for about 2 minutes then slid them onto the handlebar ends. Dry they were impossible but the hot water made it a piece of cake. There was a warning about not using lubricants because it would start breaking down the rubber of the grips.

It was pretty cool figuring out how to do this with the help of the bike pros on UTube. Thank you for your videos. I saved time and money doing this myself and it wasn't the big deal I thought it would be.... next I'll be trying brain surgery...;

Exact part replacement and very easy to install.;

Work great and easy to install;

Works as I hoped it would.;