A freak accident with a bandsaw does more than cut your thumb off, that's a normal accident.

As for options, my SRAM front shifter is extremely easy to use without the thumb, I've got the tension on mine set so I can rest it between my index and middle finger and I can shift it up and down just fine using my knuckles.

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Wow. Sorry about your accident. I don't know what, if any, insurance claims or issues might be involved, but perhaps you could incorporate the cost of Di2 into your claim?

What about the old-school SRAM Grip shift. Is that around anymore? That was some great stuff. From a mechanic's point of view, that was the best to service. Only 3 moving parts. from an aero point of view, can't be all bad, other than a large-ish frontal area, nothing else sticking out in the wind.

Vision Metrons don't need a thumb to shift.
Middle and/or ring finger pulls lever to pull chain up gears, index finger slides top housing back to drop chain back down.

Bummer about your thumb.
I just watched The Machinist. The dude who lost his thumb and had his big toe grafted on in place of it. he mentions, "... the chicks dig it..."

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Proud member of FISHTWITCH: doing a bit more than fish exercise now.

Vision Metron shifters?

If its the left thumb, just keep 'er in the big chainring.

Good luck

What if you turn an R2C shifter turn sideways and use your fingers?

Use the other hand to shift both front chain rings and rear cassette. My buddy had his left arm amputated at the elbow and still rides like a stud. It wasn't a freak accident, but getting blown up in Iraq.
Get a bandaid for yourself and keep riding. This does not really seem like that big of an issue.

Good luck.

di2?

I loved my 8sp Grip Shift. I recall hearing there was a 9sp insert to replace the 8sp notched wheel inside, but never got one as I upgraded to 10sp instead and never heard of a 10sp insert.

I still have the 8sp and am putting it on a museum tri bike I'm slowly working on.

With no thumb (or only part of one) then a Di2 Ultegra may be needed?

Alternatively, just angle the aero bars so the left shifter is closer enough to the right shifter to use the right hand? I had a bone graft and arterial transplant in my left wrist about 3 years ago, and while my left hand was in a cast, I'd do exactly as I described. Now I'm weak in the left wrist, I still generally shift the left shifter with my right hand, even though it's a bit of a reach.

About the only power tool that I know of that is more dangerous than a band saw, is an angle grinder. I worked with the company safety officer on a project I was a services co-ordinator, and thanks to so many poor operators and near misses, we ended up banning the damned things from our site!

Not sure how much of a thumb the original poster has left, but I had a boss at a gas station I worked at years ago. He lost his left thumb in a fan belt and after it healed, he didn't really have any problems. He did have a small stub to work with tho. He worked on cars no real worries. The OP might find it's not actually a problem, after the healings done of course, adn get along just fine with the shifters he's got.

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TriDork

"Happiness is a myth. All you can hope for is to get laid once in a while, drunk once in a while and to eat chocolate every day"

Look at the bright side, you just shaved a few grams off your total weight. That saved you a couple grand for something carbon.

Sorry about your thumb.

That's what I was going to say but you beat me to it :)

jaretj

i'm sure that made him feel better :/

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-Jason
______________________________________________
Is that all you've got? Are you sure?

I love it that the op is exploring his shifter options 24hrs after cutting off his thumb!! Slowtwitch Hall of Fame right there!

"Why did you kick the shit out of the hitchiker?"

"I thought he was making fun of me."

Seriously though...sorry about your accident but it could have been a lot worse...I wouldn't be surprised if once everything heals up you won't have any troubles shifting with your current config. Good luck with a speedy recovery.

I think you should change your ST name to Stubbie. Sorry no real imput but I think the guys gave you lots of good choices.

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Official Polar Ambassador
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I'm also one who uses standard SRAM 900 TT shifters and shifts with the knuckles between my index and middle fingers. You've gotta have your extensions at just the right length ... so you're gripping the shifter bodies right at the base of your fingers.

Good luck with it. I'm also loving it that you just cut your thumb off and one of your key concerns is how you're going to continue on with passion. I'm sure you're gonna be fine and will be clear of this soon.

seriously!

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-Jason
______________________________________________
Is that all you've got? Are you sure?

Hey mate,

Sorry to hear about your accident. Last March I was in a freak accident and my thumb was torn off below the knuckle. I've had surgery and no longer have a working thumb in the traditional sense, but through rehab I have been able to learn how to do everything I once was able to do prior to the accident. I wouldn't recommend going out and purchasing electronic shifters and such yet. Give it time and go through therapy. I was surprised how much I am able to do since the accident, especially considering how important your thumb can be.

Good luck with your recovery. And if you happen to be from Michigan let me know. I highly recommend both the hand surgeon and the hand rehabilitation center I went to.

Zach.

Seriously, I can't believe you are the first person to mention this. How HTFU is that? Awesome.

Maybe you could get these guys to do something for you:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/...i2-equipped-hardtail

Hey did anyone hear about the triathlete on ST who cut off his thumb with a band saw?

...and not only that, but the very next day! True triathlete right there.

Edit: Oh wait, you already pointed that out. Doh!!!

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Jim Manton / ERO Sports

Pic or it didn't happen...

I didnt want to be the one to say it, but... I wanna see some gnarly pics!

That would totally wreck Captain Canada's training plan.

Joe it was only a thumb not like a arm or leg, I mean really ......;0)
Now this is HTFU'ing
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...rch_string=;#3773197
OP i can feel your pain though. Bet the throbbing sucks when trying to fall asleep or relaxing. If not sorry I brought it up because you will probably get that now.

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ofcourse the first things through my mind were how to shift. I race mountain bikes too and have been researching grip shift to take place of my thumb shifters there (which take a good bit of force).

I took two pics on my phone...i'll get them up in a sec

Cool bandages off please ;0)

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Hold on here.......................Original poster said left thumb!


Who needs a left thumb? I mean small ring? Not here!

The top piece of intact skin was the only thing holding it together. After i cut it, it was dangling so i taped it on and got to the ER. The blood clotted in a way that kinda stuck it in place. The second pic is after they messed with it at kinda sat it back on.

Hopefully these work.

Awesome. Thanks for sharing!

So, they ended up taking it completely off?

Stubby that is awesome !! I just showed some fellow firefighters and they were like ewe......? Good luck on recovery and hope everything heals up as much as it can and gets back to normal. Keep us apprised.

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You should be alright with your shifting. Maybe not for a few months, but as long as you didn't damage the interior of your hand, you'll be fine. I lost mine below the knuckle down to almost the palm and I have no problems shifting or anything.

Good luck with your recovery.

really no probs shifting? That's reassuring. Time will tell, though I may milk it with the wife to upgrade the bike :-)

Yes, they took it off. Said the vessels were so tiny there'd be no way to repair enough to ensure enough blood flow for life.

How about a little graphic warning!

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Fortitudine Vincimus

This is the greatest post I have ever read on ST. I think I may have to quit... don't see how it can get better.

No shit. And such a nonchalant thread title...

"Yeah, so anyway, I was just trimming up my aerobar extensions with this here bandsaw, and the darn thing slips and there goes my thumb. Now I gotta see if the ER can rig a watertight dressing so I can make masters practice tomorrow morning."

If Apple could just figure out how to rig an iBeer auto-pay system, I'd buy you a cold one right now!

Ya. It was torn off completely below the knuckle. They couldn't find the knuckle, but were able to find the tip. They replanted the tip so it's a bit short, but there's something. Not able to bend it and am limited to weather changes as well as having it hurt immensely from hitting it, but I have not had to alter anything regarding my shifting. What I have done though, is modified my gloves situation. Even in 90 degree weather it turns blue and is ice cold when I ride, so I always wear a winter riding glove to keep the circulation high.

It's definitely an injury worth the rehab. I'm a classical musician as well so I was desperately in need of anything and everything they could do. I heard stories from people who rushed the recovery and now they can barely use their hand for griping things. After 9 month of therapy I am back to music and triathlons and besides a huge decrease in my music performance, I don't notice anything anymore. I've just figured out how to do things slightly different. I do shift my left bar end shifter with my index finger, not my thumb, but i don't leave the big ring much anyways so no frets!

Does this mean things are going to be half as cool as you indicate?

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customerjon @gmail.com is where information happens.

And the OP will have to shorten the aero bar too, to get the thumb stub to be able to reach!

(don't ya love the caring, concerned people here on ST? It IS all about the bike! LOL)


FWIW, after I had my bone graft and arterial transplant in my wrist, I asked for a waterproof cast so I could still cycle commute to work, THEN get to swim squad. Apparently the look on the surgeons face meant no swimming or riding for a while. Pussy! :-)

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TriDork

"Happiness is a myth. All you can hope for is to get laid once in a while, drunk once in a while and to eat chocolate every day"

Hahaha... classic!

And ref. the original post, yep, that was my first thought as well, there's focus and priority for you, a post the day after the accident!

Good to hear you don't limit yourself to just road riding. Heal up, recover well, and peruse the latest offering from sram for your mountain bike gear changing if that's what you were after...

http://www.bikerumor.com/...speed-gets-official/

Best to you.

Hacking off a thumb on a Band saw.. Ouch those things are suppose to be one of the safest power tools in the shop.

What happened?

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Just Triing
Triathlete since 9:56:39 AM EST Aug 20, 2006.
Be kind English is my 2nd language. My primary language is Dave it's a unique evolution of English.

Must be that time of year... I cut off the tip of my index finger on a table saw about 6 weeks ago. I'm shocked at how well it is mending. I don't want to trivialize your injury, but you might be surprised how well you will be able to shift with your modified thumb. Give it time before you start swapping out your shifters.

-

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-Mark Rebuck, http://www.markrebuck.com/

Classic HTFU.

Are you back training yet?

I took a quick glance at your pictures and got lightheaded. I gotta say, you are one bad ass dude! Good luck with whatever it takes to adjust - I can't imagine being without any of my digits.

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Travis Rassat
Vector Cycle Works
Noblesville, IN
BikeFit Instructor | FMS | F.I.S.T. | IBFI
Toughman Triathlon Series Ambassador

Not training yet, but I got the bike set up on the trainer. Pain was worse last night than ever even though they gave me percocet, so sleep never happened. Probably be a while before I risk it.

Dude post pics of the stub ;0) and take down the warning sign. We need to. Harden (like you) more peeps up on this site :0)

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i cut off the end of my right thumb on a table saw about 15 years ago. clean cut, right through. re-attachment failed, they amputed down to the first (from the tip) knuckle.

i have never had any issues operating any shifters on any of my bikes, including the campy bar ends on my tri bike(s).

i actually have more or less no issues with it at all except:

1. it does get cold much more easily than any other digits.
2. top shirt buttons are still a killer to set up, and the button down buttons are impossible.
   

You could start wearing women's clothing - the buttons go the opposite direction. Just trying to help. :) Not that I speak from personal experience... I, uhhh, have this friend... Oh, never mind. lol!

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Travis Rassat
Vector Cycle Works
Noblesville, IN
BikeFit Instructor | FMS | F.I.S.T. | IBFI
Toughman Triathlon Series Ambassador

I'm surprised they didn't save that.
I'm no plastic hand surgeon, but it seems like I've seen them re-attach worse/

I cut off my index finger a few years back and they weren't going to do much about it until they found out I was going to be a Chiropractor - then then specialist was called in and my finger is perfect now. Kind of shame really that the ER doc only made that call after seeing my alma mater on my shirt, but lucky I was wearing that shirt after not knowing that I would could have pressed the issue of re-attaching that digit.

Am I the only person who generally holds the shifter paddles between their index and middle fingers? My thumbs almost never touch the paddles unless I'm out of aero. Ignore this reply if you really just want new fun gear...

I definitely do that a lot of the time... but if I really think about it, I probably still use the thumb to help exert pressure via the index finger too.

oh god you didn't just type that hahaha

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I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it--

AWESOME.

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�Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.� - Plato

How's the thumb doing?

so far so good. I was given percocet for the pain, which didn't touch it the first 48 hours, but now I'm skipping doses if I feel I can do without.I've left it wrapped since the surgery....I go back march 8th and am going to try to hold out until then. I've ordered sram xo shifters for my mtb, but may try shifting my tri bike with my fingers as suggested. Thanks for ssking.

Just to cheer you up, some stupid thoughts came into my mind...

You have now improved your ability to do almost anything because you can never say, "I tried that and was all thumbs."

You can be a jaded movie critic because you won't give any movie... well, need I even say it?

Hope it heals well and doesn't impede on your recreation, or life in general.

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Proud member of FISHTWITCH: doing a bit more than fish exercise now.

You could almost use the new sram grip shifter as a bar end shifter, Yes I think you could! But not sure how ergonomic it would be??

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http://stuartwalpole.blogspot.com/

Go 1x10 or 1x11

Cool pics!


Brad

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3SIXTY5cycling.com

At least you a typing :)

X10 on being impressed with the first concern you had (on here at least). Maybe you were crying like a little girl when it happened but you kept that to yourself. nice HTFU reminder.

Hope you have a speedy recovery. Seems like a easy excuse to the SO to get a di2 upgrade

Sram XO has grip shift

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___________________________________________
http://en.wikipedia.org/...eoesophageal_fistula
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_palsy
2020 National Masters Champion - M40-44 - 400m IM
Canadian Record Holder 35-39M & 40-44M - 200 m Butterfly (LCM)

i would say bite the bullet and just get di2....

He didn't ask how you're doing...he asked how your thumb is doing.

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“Read the transcript.”

Just an FYI, new gripshift are due out April 2012

http://www.sram.com/ Watch the video :)

I loved my old grip shifts, hate my XO triggers (don't like push push). The only issue I ever had was shifting when I jumped which was not often and only on big bunnies!

This

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I'm 100% shocked that the doctors didn't try to reattach the thumb. Did you tell them not to?

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''Sweeney - you can both crush your AG *and* cruise in dead last!! 😂 '' Murphy's Law

Tell you what...I have a pair of DA shifters that I was going to replace my SRAM TT R2C's with. Try both of them out if you have the chance. If either of those work for you, let me know and they're yours for the cost of shipping. I use power equipment each and every day and a little karma would be good for me.



JM

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"Hold on, you run a marathon AFTER you ride your bike?!?....oh, you people are just insane"......(my Mom)

Rockin' the W in 2013!! Wattie Ink Elite Team

FisH20-i just had my LBS order the left xo gripshift. Those xx are pretty sweet, but who knows if you can just get the single left shfter and even then they will be uber expensive i'm sure (but pretty sweet!)

Sweeney-We went to two hospitals. First the local in Tuscaloosa, AL and that wasn't helpful so we went to the regional in Birmingham, AL. They had a hand speialist and plastic surgeon in my surgery, which lasted over two hours, but said it was unsuccessful. I haven't even seen it yet cause i've left it how they wrapped it. I go back March 8th.

JM-I sent you a PM

Really sorry to hear about it. Good luck with your recovery.

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''Sweeney - you can both crush your AG *and* cruise in dead last!! 😂 '' Murphy's Law

Saw a guy finish IM France in 2009 with one arm missing from the shoulder. I saw him collecting his bike afterwards and he had standard bar end shifter set up. Some of that bike course is challenging/technical/scary enough with 2 hands.

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TriRaceBook.com
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Hawaii Qualification Analysis

Not to be morbid, but I'm curious how the accident occurred. Since I have three bandsaws (that are used a lot), it's an accident I don't want to happen...

.

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Remember Luddites are people too...

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Essentially I was cutting a curve in a block of wood, the blade started to bind a little so I added some pressure to get it through. I either misguessed how much pressure I gave, how dense the wood was, or something cause it shot through whatever was holding it back and about 1 1/2 more inches of wood and then my thumb behind it.

I told my wife i've probably had more safety talks on power tools than most as my dad and granddad were always using them quite often and then I had loads of shop hours in college getting a degree in industrial design........goes to show mistakes happen!

If I cut my big toe off will give me the set he does not keep :0)


A severed big toe yields a mismatched pair of SIDI T2's...



JM

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"Hold on, you run a marathon AFTER you ride your bike?!?....oh, you people are just insane"......(my Mom)

Rockin' the W in 2013!! Wattie Ink Elite Team

Cut off at the knuckle...still hurts bad, mainly for two spots, one on the top and one on the side of the thumb i'd be using if I were to pinch something, shoots a pain through my body like hitting your funny bone just to touch it.

The Dr. DID give me the go ahead to ride and run, so I will be on the tri bike on the trainer tomorrow :-)


He also said as he walked out, "oh and get rid of the damn power saw" hahaha

Well, as a youngster I managed to shove my thmb into a grinder hard enough to remove the fingerprint and a chunk of skin and meat.


This past weekend I managed to ski (downhill) over my glove, slicing through the glove and part ways through my finger, deeper than I would have though, oozed for a couple of days. N

My Grandfather was a blacksmith. I don't know how many fingers and pieces of fingers he was missing. I think part of a thumb was gone and parts of 5 fingers on different hands.

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BC Don
Pain is temporary, not giving it your all lasts all Winter.

I almost thought you meant "New" thumb, like it grew back or something.
Heal fast my friend.

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"Sometimes it's just easier to do it the hard way."

I expect we'll see loads of posts from you in the Lavender Room forums seeing how so many of the characters posting there lack opposable thumbs. :-)

Well, at least giving the "shocker" won't be such a big deal now.