FurryOnTheInside
In Memoriam
Yes, Shimano 10 speed shifters are trigger shifters. The cassette fits the same freehub; but the spacing between sprockets is closer and the thickness of the sprockets is thinner, requiring the narrower X10e chain, and (presumably) making them easier to bend; but also the tooth counts are (normally) closer.Hmm... I wonder if I can just go to 10 speed on the cheap and boom problem solved! I'll need to convert it all from 8spd, so I need an appropriate cassette, a shadow + derailleur, a 10spd shifter and e-bike chain. Do 10 spd shifters come in the trigger style?
You'll have to make two more shifts to get from 1st to top gear (obviously), and with each shift ratio being closer you might just be letting off the throttle to shift too frequently to be practical.
10 speed cassettes and shifters are also considerably more expensive than the old 8 speed stuff.. especially since you already have the 8 speed cassette.
In my opinion the ideal combination is 8 speed cassette and ESP gripshifter, 9 speed X9e chain and 10 speed XT Shadow Plus derailleur.
9 speed chain used on an 8 speed cassette should have less chance of catching on the adjacent sprocket and "ghost shifting" which should help protect the cassette sprockets and chain against damage.
Of course you're welcome to prove my opinions wrong!