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I've just discovered the latest most irritating 'innovation' in the bike business. My XTR M980 shifter is about to become incompatible with all the latest brakes. I want to replace my brakes and it's quite hard to find a new set with the old iSpec standard.
1) Is it possible to modify the shifter from iSpec A to iSpec B? It looks as though the silver bracket should just unscrew but I doubt it's that straightforward.
2) Can I modify a new brake lever to accept an iSpec A shifter - E.g. with the flappy bit of the clamp from an older (broken) version of the same brake (M785 XT)?
3) If all else fails and I can't get iSpec to work, can I just buy a bar mount for my shifter?
4) Does anyone know of a deal on XT M785 brakes? Ideally with iSpec A levers!
I was in a similar situation. Via Google I found a thread on here that explained what was compatible. If you can't find it I might have it bookmarked.
I found that, yeah. My shifter is not compatible with the newer iSpec B brakes which is the problem, but I was wondering what ways there are around this problem without me swapping a perfectly good XTR shifter for no good reason!
no this will not work without modifications, but i was in the same situation and decided to bodge, I filled the extra tab off and drilled the hole out a bit (to the make it the same as an i spec b) and then used an I spec b mounting bolt (available online) - if your prepared to wait I'll do you a quick guide on here - if not I'm pretty sure any competent bodger could figure it out
Oooh, that sounds like the answer I need! A guide would be great if you have the time / inclination.
sure - I'll do it as soon as I can get the bike out - email me if you haven't heard anything on here in a few days