Q : Is GripShift better than Shimano's RapidFire?

A: Several years back, all shifting systems were more or less interchangeable. You could use brand X shifters with brand Y derailleurs, with no problem. But in an attempt (we'd have to say hugely successful) to improve shifting performance, the various manufacturers needed to design parts that specifically matched and enhanced each other. Thus the bloom in shifting systems, both road and off road.

Along with these specific designs came a tremendous competition for improved performance. While several systems were dropped on the wayside, the strong survived. Bottom line is that both GripShift and Shimano's RapidFire system offer great, although different, performance. GripShift uses a twisting motion which many riders find more intuitive than Shimano's buttons. GripShift uses large muscle groups to shift (you can simply hang on with your hand and shift by moving your elbow up and down). Gripshift does not require any finger dexterity, especially nice if your hands are tired or freezing (or you were smart enough to keep your hands warm by wearing mittens). And many mechanics applaud GripShift's simplicity and ease of service.

Meanwhile, RapidFire has its own benefits. With Shimano, you get brake and shift levers integrated into a single unit, designed specifically to go together. Probably the biggest difference to the technical rider is that RapidFire allows easier simultaneous braking and shifting.