Bicycle Mechanics - Compatible shifters/derailers/casettes

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smkeddy
05-28-08, 04:17 PM
Hello all! This is my first post, and I am just getting into bike repair and such, any info would be great! Here is my issue:

I bought a really nice Motobecane, but I dont think the derailer is compatible with the cassette. Also, the previous owner changed to a mountain bike handlebar and brake configuration (I have no idea what he was thinking...) Anywho, the derailer is a Shimano Tiagra, which according to their site, is a 9-speed derailer. I have a 6-sprocket cassette. If I wanted to get some shifters of the Flite Deck style (brake and shifter in 1) would I have to also get Tiagras to match the derailer? And then also get a 9-speed cassette?

Again, any info would be awesome, thanks!

Bill Kapaun
05-28-08, 04:53 PM
The RDER shouldn't be a problem with any semi-modern "road" cassette.

Indexed shifters have to match the number of cogs (ie 9 speed = 9 speed) and be somewhat compatible with the cassette, brand wise..
Shimano & SRAM OK. Shimano & Campy NOT.
smkeddy
05-28-08, 05:56 PM
OK, that makes sense. What i'm a little confused about is the fact that I have a Shimano Tiagra RDER with an old lever friction shift mechanism. Did the previous owner goof, or is this possible?

dabac
05-29-08, 03:58 AM
.. What i'm a little confused about is the fact that I have a Shimano Tiagra RDER with an old lever friction shift mechanism. Did the previous owner goof, or is this possible?

RDERS are stupid, they only do what the shifter tells them to. With the possible exception of some SRAM RDERS with very different cable pull requirements, any RDER should work with any friction shifter.

However, a friction shifter requires a bit more of rider skill for the bike to ride quietly. W/o the indexing to help you out it's up to you to tweak the shifter just long enough to get the RDER positioned correctly.
It takes a bit of practise, but it used to be the industry standard not that long ago. You should manage.
Some actually still prefer it that way, particularly for FDERs. Set-up is easier and less finicky, more tolerant of wear issues, chain rub is easily avoided and compatibility between various brands is greater.
cs1
05-29-08, 04:34 AM
Give us a little more info on your setup. A photo is worth a million words. Show us the shifters. If you're looking to make a flat bar road bike it can be done. The front der/shifter, not the rear is the problem. Shimano doesn't make integrated brake/shifters for road derailleurs. All current Shimano brake/shifters are for V-brakes not cantis or side pull brakes.

Tim