Bicycle Mechanics - Road crank/casette on MTB shifters

I'm sure this has been asked in the past but I can't think of what to put in the 'search' criteria box.:D

Here is the situ.

I have a hardtail MTB with crappy components (Really low end Shimano) that I use to commute on. I do like the frame though, ergo not buying a whole new bike.

I'm looking to upgrade the components but feel the MTB stuff is a litle low geared for what I use it for, so I would like to put a road compo group on it. (most likely Sora)

I do however like the trigger shifters (my brakes are Avid BBDB front, techtro on the rear (rim) )

Is it possible to match these components?

I could find other makers (and believe me, would prefer to do so) but living in Japan makes buying Shimano the economical choice.

Any input warmly received.

Si

If your main objective is to increase your gear-inches, why not simply install a larger chainring if your current crank and frame/derailleur allows it? Or just install a road crankset. I'm certain you already have a 11 or 12 small cog, no?

Hamakko George! (born and raised)

Because the rest of the stuff on it is 'nasty' I wanted some nice components, c'mon make help me justify it :D

It will work as long as you have a triple chainring up front. As long as you use Shimano shifters + derailleurs (no campy), it should be ok. I've heard that Shimano doesn't mix with Campy, but that may have changed ...

Ok, as far as compatability goes, yes, your current Mtb shifters should work with Shimano road components. Most hybrids out on the market are set up as such.

George

OK, I just forund a related post and comments. I am basically looking for a component upgrade, thats the main point here. I spend all the time on the largest chainring on aroud 4th or 5th. I thought the road stuff would have a closer gear ratio (which would help me on my commute as I feel like I am either side of the gear that I really want). So from what I can see on the 'net I could get a road setup and hopefully maintain the shifters. Cost isnt really the main concern (although I dont want to spend silly money when I could just go and buy a new machine) but I want my bike to be smoother and have finer gearing.

Groovy guys, I think I can see a project coming on. I will probably get a Bianchi road bike soon anyway, but I hate having junk so I can justify this upgrade. :)

Shimano do make flat-bar shifters for their road groups. They are designed for the new breed of flat-bar fitness bike, rather than MTB-geared hybrids.
There is some incompatability in the cable shift between Shimano road and MTB front mechs.

I have a road crank .......tripple with mountain rear derailluer and road cassette. I shift with sram rocket shifters. works awesome.

http://groups.msn.com/BicyclingForumPicPost/trainingsetuppics.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=1763

SRAM shifters are different. They work with anything ... since they're not indexing in the front.

Thanks guys, I just had a look at these 'Shimano SL-R660 9sp Flatbar shifters' Looks promising. Anyone have experience with the SRAM attack shifters?

Cheers

Si

Originally posted by Simon Ed
Thanks guys, I just had a look at these 'Shimano SL-R660 9sp Flatbar shifters' Looks promising. Anyone have experience with the SRAM attack shifters?

Cheers

Si

I used to run SRAM Rocket/Attack Gripshifters on my MTB and found them extremely reliable with excellent shifting. I now run the SRAM Attack Trigger shifters which have an equally, possibly slightly more positive action. I could never get on with rapidfire and really like having both levers operated by one thumb. Either are recommended.