Bicycle Mechanics - Switching Shifters

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View Full Version : Switching Shifters


B10Cycle
05-07-05, 10:35 AM
I'm going to change my Sora shifters to a used pair of Ultegra shifters. I've read the Park Tool explanation and I'm all go with that. My question is, do I need to change the wires or can I just reuse the cables (brake and derailleur) that I'm running now? Thanks.

Edit: Just wanted to clarify, I don't have any new wires, so if I did need to change them, I'd have to go fetch new ones.


martin_j001
05-07-05, 02:21 PM
I am not familiar with Sora, but I do know that one of the lower end Shimano groups used thumb shifters on the inside of the hoods. If Sora is the group that did this, you may have to get new cables--not positive on this though. If the Sora that you have work the exact same way as the Ultegra levers, then you don't need new cables.

Retro Grouch
05-07-05, 03:00 PM
I'm going to change my Sora shifters to a used pair of Ultegra shifters. I've read the Park Tool explanation and I'm all go with that. My question is, do I need to change the wires or can I just reuse the cables (brake and derailleur) that I'm running now? Thanks.

Edit: Just wanted to clarify, I don't have any new wires, so if I did need to change them, I'd have to go fetch new ones.

You might be able to make the ones that you have work, but I doubt it. To remove the old cables you'll have to pull them all of the way through the cable housing. That's the easy part. The hard part is threading them through your new shifters and through the cable housing. If the ends are the tiniest bit frayed, it ain't gonna work. Shift cables are cheap. I wouldn't even consider replacing shifters without also installing new cables.


capwater
05-07-05, 03:18 PM
Cables are cheap, go ahead and get new ones. Whether the Sora ones will fit ain't a big deal considering they are used. Might reuse the casing if you really want to save a few bucks.

B10Cycle
05-07-05, 05:08 PM
OK, I'll just get the new wires. I'm very lacking in any sort of funding and I'm just trying to pinch pennies where I can. Thanks for the input.

Yeah the Soras do have those thumbshifters. They're tiny and hard/impossible to reach from the drops unless you have monkey thumbs.

DieselDan
05-07-05, 09:49 PM
Are those Ultgera shifters 8 speed? A 9 speed won't shift the 8 speed cassette that you currently have.

one_less_car
05-08-05, 02:04 PM
I'm with the cheap crowd. If the rear cable is in good condition, you can usually use the (longer) rear cable on the front derailer. Cut the frayed end off before rethreading.

B10Cycle
05-08-05, 02:19 PM
Are those Ultgera shifters 8 speed? A 9 speed won't shift the 8 speed cassette that you currently have.

I have the 9 speed cassette and tools to put it on.

Thanks for all the responses.

sydney
05-08-05, 05:45 PM
I have the 9 speed cassette and tools to put it on.

Thanks for all the responses.9 speed chain too?