This is a great write up. I just shortned my shifter and What I did was used a pipe cutter to remove the top 1.75 so that I didnt cut into the yellow plastic piece then used the dremel to split the shaft that I cut off so that it would release the yellow plastic stick then I finnished my cuts. also by me making my cuts. I cut the shifter so that it is at an angle when grab it. Looks and feels great. no more wrapping my fingers around to the front of the shifter. the button it right there.