Bicycle Mechanics - Downtube shifter compatibility

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danr
08-19-03, 09:54 PM
I apologize in advance if I offended anyone by posting on a topic that may have been posted already.

I am going to build a new bike and I have a bunch of spare parts. One of the parts I have is a set of downtube shifters that came off a bike with a 7 speed cassette. Will these shifters be compatible with a 9 speed cassette?

They do not click, so I don't have to worry about that aspect. I just don't know if the 7 speed downtube shifters would pull the cable far enough to traverse all the cogs of a 9 speed cassette.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

chewa
08-20-03, 01:30 AM
Should work fine. All that will change is the arc of travel of the lever.

I use my campag ones on 5. 6 and 8 speed with no problems. It just means you have to be a bit more precise with more cogs.
mike
08-20-03, 03:40 AM
It might work, but the shifters might not be able to accomodate the full range of motion required by the derailure.

If you have all the parts, it is a cheap and easy test to try it - put the parts on and see what happens.