[AngryMetalsmith]

I'm running a couple of XTR rear drls. and shifters that are 10 years old and still work fine.

Sanjuro is right about keeping the cables and housings in good working order. If there is too much drag on the cables that will stress the shifters and cause them to wear prematurely.

 

[Wumpus]

I would the shop remove the endcaps from the housing and check if the outer plastic housing has pulled back from the inner metal housing. If the inner metal housing is exposed, then you will have poor shifting. You just clip the end off to fix this.

Amazingly, it still shifted half way decent.

 

[Wumpus]

I like to ride hard and I really am feeling the limitations. Been looking at getting a Kona Dawg or Stinky, but hodamn, they cost more than my car and I only have $114 or so...

I have a 2004 Banshee Chaparral frame for cheap...

not quite that shiny anymore