Reddit reviews SHIMANO Acera SL-M310 Rapid Fire Shifter, Right (Black, 7-Speed)
We found 3 Reddit comments about SHIMANO Acera SL-M310 Rapid Fire Shifter, Right (Black, 7-Speed). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Right-side Acera SL-M310 Rapid Fire Shifter with cables and housingCompatible with most mountain/hybrid bikes with flat handle barsRapid-fire dedicated up and down-shift levers; indexed speed indicatorRear shifter for 7-speed (rear) cassette setupErgonomic design; two-year warranty
Just ride it til it breaks, then if you like it and maybe have gotten in better shape a little you can buy a nicer bike. In the end you will need something like a trail or all-mountain bike.
If this is your bike
http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2001&Brand=Raleigh&Model=M40&Type=bike
or close, and its the right shifter thats busted you could probably try this
http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Acera-SL-M310-Shifter-7-Speed/dp/B003ZM9RX6
Your local bike shop could probably help you too. I am not talking about some big chain shop, I'm referring to a good mom and pop or small local chain.
Good Luck
Any 7-speed shifter will do the job. Just make sure it matches the brand of your rear derailleur. Here is a Shimano offering that should do the trick:
http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Acera-SL-M310-Shifter-7-Speed/dp/B003ZM9RX6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333478205&sr=8-1
7 speed trigger shifters won't set you back a whole lot of dosh. I'd suggest the type without the built in brake lever so you don't have to worry about brake compatibility (as has already been mentioned). "Acera Rapid Fire" front, rear. I've been running the rear since January; feels cheap, works fine.
New brake pads are a good idea but working on that type of brake is a pain. Kool Stop Salmon is the most recommended if you're riding in the rain.
Speaking of rain, full length fenders are great if you're commuting. So are slick/road tires.
Belt drive? That's a whole lotta money. 'couple hundred more bucks if you want gears. You'll have to cut the frame and install a coupler to get the belt on.