I have a trek fx2 gen 4 mine came with a 1×10 instead of the advertised 1×9 but has no display to show what gear you’re in. I know its not super necessary to know exactly what gear you’re in especially on bikes with only 9 or 10 speeds.. but I kind of like the idea of taking any guess work out of riding and just being able to glance down and see for certain what gear I’m in. Is there an easy way to add a gear display somehow? Or would I have to buy a brand new shifter with a gear display? Is it something easy enough to do watching a YouTube tutorial?
by ImplementLegal6011
5 Comments
Once you get past the really entry level stuff, they don’t display the gear you’re in. You could replace it if you really wanted to, but it will probably be a step down and not give you any benefit.
Ride it some, and you’ll quickly learn where you’re at without looking.
Shimano makes shifters with a gear display. Pretty easy to switch out if you’re somewhat mechanically inclined.
Shimano Deore SL-T6000 Trigger Shifter w/Optical Gear Display (Black) (Right) (Clamp Mount) (10 Speed)
Also electronic group sets transmit that info and you’d either need a higher end bike computer or your phone app to see it. Bigger investment as you’d need to upgrade most of your drivetrain to go electronic.
Your legs should be telling you what gear you’re in not your shifter.
Thanks for the feedback I’ll probably just leave it the way it is for now and see if it’s something I still want after putting some mileage on and getting used to shifting by feel. It’s good to know that it’s possible to switch it if I really wanted to down the road.
As others have answered, it’s a bit like a car where you shouldn’t really be having to look down at your shifter to know if you’re going up or down, it’s feel.