The black rubber plastic grip on the lever is cracking and flaking off. I want to cut it off because its driving me nuts. But I don't know if the handle is metal under the plastic crap. Has anyone taken the black grip off of the shifter.

 

Phillyxj570, I almost referred to you as Sillyxj570 but didn't want to disrespect you. What do you mean "you don't know if the handle is metal under the plastic"? What else do you think it could be, bone china??? Go ahead and strip the crap off the lever and replace it with a handlebar grip from an old mountain bike or chrome pistol-grip or something - be creative! With all due respect, of course...

 

Well no I wasn't sure if the metal lever went all the way threw the plastic part or not. I should have made it more clear. I didn't want to go and strip it and only have half a handle there.