Gear Change

[aseb]

My xbyke blew over in the wind a few months ago and part of the (plastic) brake control snapped off. It's one of those combined with the 6 speed changer EZ Fire changer things and after a bit of chasing round apparently you can't get them anymore. I've tried dealers, Shimano, ebay etc (I found some from a Czech dealer but I found communicating with Shimano easier, but just as unhelpful in the end). I think I'd rather change to a separate gear change and brake lever but again getting a definitive 'this will work' suggestion for the changer is proving difficult. I've been pointed to 7 speed ones, and told they should work ok- but without any convincing ability to follow up the statement. Anyway a 6 speed one would mean no messing around. I've also been pointed to the twist shift type- but prefer the twist throttle (spondylosis means a thumb throttle is ruled out)- but the bar shape means I couldn't really put it inboard of the throttle/brake lever.
Are there any alternatives for a Shimano 6 speed EZ Fire Plus shifting that anyone can suggest (not combined changer/lever)? Single speed perhaps ;-(

 

[Straylight]

A lot of ebikes seem to use this type, as they don't get blocked by the bulk of the throttle:

Shimano Thumbshifter Shifter Gears 6 Speed MTB Bike on eBay (end time 21-Mar-11 10:57:04 GMT)

it also means you can hold the throttle on whilst changing up with your thumb.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

That one is very easy to fit. Just thread the cable through and fix it at the derailleur end. You can then use any standard brake lever, but ideally you should be using a standard ebike one with a brake switch in it. (find them on ebay or wherever)

 

[aseb]

That one is very easy to fit. Just thread the cable through and fix it at the derailleur end. You can then use any standard brake lever, but ideally you should be using a standard ebike one with a brake switch in it. (find them on ebay or wherever)

The original doesn't have a brake switch on, nor does the rear brake. There wasn't any wiring option from the controller for fitment of cutout switches either.
I'd like to keep the ability to change gear- it's hilly here so if I fixed a gear it would have to be low.

Straylight- that looks ideal, thanks!

 

[Andrew harvey]

The 6 and 7 speed freewheels have the sprocket spacing distance, you can therefore use a 7 speed pod and just ignore one gear, or fit a 7 speed freewheel, an extra £15 over the price of the pod alone.