Bicycle Mechanics - triple shifters for double cranks

I currently have a triple ultegra group, would it be possible to use the STI levers for a double cranks?
Btw, I'm replacing the FD.

I know it works OK for Campy, but I'm not sure about Shimano - I seem to remember reading somewhere that it won't work…

- Wil

Depends. The 9-speed Shimano shifters are listed as double/triple compatable. Many of the others aren't.

Most newer stuff works both. How old is your Ultegra group?

Most newer stuff works both. How old is your Ultegra group?

i have the ultegra 6603 10-speed, so i guess it's the latest one?

Yeah you'll be fine.

i have the ultegra 6603 10-speed, so i guess it's the latest one?

Unfortunately for you, 10-speed stuff has different part numbers for triple and double shifters. ST-6603 is listed as a triple shifter, the part number for the 10-speed double is ST-6600.

HIJACK!

I'm switching over from triple to double. I currently run 105 triple stuff. I want to use the new 105 Hollowtech cranks (mmm), but I just want to make sure that there is no difference between cranks for a 10 speed group and cranks for a 9 speed group? I'm almost certain there's no difference, but if someone could confirm this I'd be glad.

I know I also need to change derailleurs. Right?

Unfortunately for you, 10-speed stuff has different part numbers for triple and double shifters. ST-6603 is listed as a triple shifter, the part number for the 10-speed double is ST-6600.

ok i shouldn't have said the 10-speed. But the model numbers are correct. So does this mean I can't use my ST-6603 shifters for a ST-6600 crank?

HIJACK!

I'm switching over from triple to double. I currently run 105 triple stuff. I want to use the new 105 Hollowtech cranks (mmm), but I just want to make sure that there is no difference between cranks for a 10 speed group and cranks for a 9 speed group? I'm almost certain there's no difference, but if someone could confirm this I'd be glad.

I know I also need to change derailleurs. Right?

Never mind, I searched and found my answer.

ok i shouldn't have said the 10-speed. But the model numbers are correct. So does this mean I can't use my ST-6603 shifters for a ST-6600 crank?

Honestly, I don't know. I haven't had the opportunity to fool around with any 10 speed stuff yet. There is this, however: I consider these to be high end components. When I'm building up a bike using high end parts, I expect it to work perfectly. If I was willing to settle for not exactly, I'd use cheaper components. While it might be possible to get the triple shifter to work, if it was my bike, I'd want to use all matching components.

Honestly, I don't know. I haven't had the opportunity to fool around with any 10 speed stuff yet. There is this, however: I consider these to be high end components. When I'm building up a bike using high end parts, I expect it to work perfectly. If I was willing to settle for not exactly, I'd use cheaper components. While it might be possible to get the triple shifter to work, if it was my bike, I'd want to use all matching components.

Well said RG. Why not just stick with what you have, and then when the time comes to replace for whatever reason, take that opportunity to change the other components you want to.

There will be no problem with what you're doing, but I personally wouldn't want my shifter saying triple and my crank being double. Doesn't make for a professional-looking bike IMHO.

Yes. The big difference between the ST-6600 and ST-6603 is the trim clicks. If you use your current triple shifter and set the limit stops to allow you to shift only two rings your trim click postitions won't be as good as if you had the actual double shifter. Not perfect, but you should be able to make it work OK withough spending for a new shifter.