Bicycle Mechanics - Friction and Indexed to Integrated Shifting

I know this general subject has been discussed before at great lengths here, however I can’t come up with a definitive answer for my particular question. Please forgive me if this has been specifically answered somewhere and point me to it.

I have an older double / 8 speed Shimano 105 bike with downtube shifters. The FD is friction and the RD is indexed. I want to switch to an integrated setup. I’m relatively confused about all the different things I’ve read over the past hour on here, but I think the general consensus is that since my RD is indexed, any Shimano 8 speed brifter will work – whether it’s a DA, Ultegra, or Sora. The million dollar question is, will a brifter be compatible with my friction FD? My guess is that in some gear combinations, the chain will rub. I don’t mind spending the money for DA or Ultegra if they are going to outlast the Sora stuff. Opinions on durability between DA / Ultegra / Sora / Others?

Also, if the chain rub is severe, has anyone here run a mixed setup? Since I rarely shift out of the big chainring, I’m thinking of using an integrated shifter on the right and my current 105 brake lever and downtube tab on the left. That way, I can trim the FD as usual but not sacrifice control and safety by taking my hand off the bar every time I want to shift in back. Are there any pictures out there of what a downtube shifter next to a cable stop looks like?

The derailleurs do not care if the shifters are indexed or friction, they only move as far as the shifters tell them.

Some DA 8 speed equipment had a different set of ratio's than what is considered the normal 8 speed, be careful of what you are getting.

It appears that you are staying with 8 speed so a word of note. Sora 8 speed brifters come as double or triple specific. The 3300 Sora double has a trim function (basically a half shift) that goes a long way toward eleminating most chain rubs. The 3303 triple has no trim and the latest model 8 speed unit (Sora has gone 9 speed for 2008) the 3304 has trim on a triple setup. I believe that you will find trim on 105 and ultegra 8 speed brifters and the ST-500 high grade 8 speed brifters.

Much of this equipment is still available from some shops or on Ebay.

I believe that you will find trim on 105 and ultegra 8 speed brifters and the ST-500 high grade 8 speed brifters.
Front 8-speed 105 triple brifters have no trim position. There is one click from the big to middle chainring and a second from the middle to the granny. Same two clicks going the other way.

I don't know about 8-speed 105 double, Ultegra (there was no 8-speed Ultegra triple) or the newer ST-500 components.


Are there any pictures out there of what a downtube shifter next to a cable stop looks like?
A few years ago some of the pros (Lance Armstrong for one) used the mixed shifter arrangement you are asking about, i.e. a brifter for rear shifting and a downtube lever for the front, on mountain stages. The idea was to obtain a minor weight saving. You may be able to find photos of this set-up on some of the TdF sites.

Don't let my Sora triple brifter know that it doesn't have a trim function! It might quit working! :)