Road Cycling - Shimano 600 Downtube Shifters to STI Conversion

Hey Gang,

I'm considering purchasing a nice older bike which has just been built up with NOS 600 components (8 speed double) and downtube shifters. Am I correct in assuming that this setup would be compatible with Ultegra 8 speed STI if I want to change out the downtube shifters in the future? Also, if the downtube shifters are removed, can that location be used as a cable guide? Basically, what does it take to do the conversion?

Thanks

Shimano started putting that STI stuff on bikes that were meant for down tube shifting, so you'll have no problem. They made a cable guide/adjuster that fits over the brake lever bosses on the frame.

I converted Ultegra 600 down tube to STI three years ago. It was not a difficult upgrade. I recommend changing out the front derailleur while you are at it. I also went from 7 to 9 speed cassette and went to a narrow chain. The old derailleur worked but I had problems shifting the front chain ring. You will probably also have to upgrade the front inside ring.

I converted Ultegra 600 down tube to STI three years ago. It was not a difficult upgrade. I recommend changing out the front derailleur while you are at it. I also went from 7 to 9 speed cassette and went to a narrow chain. The old derailleur worked but I had problems shifting the front chain ring. You will probably also have to upgrade the front inside ring.

In going from the 7 to 9, did you have to spread the bike? Does this weaken a bike at all, and is it a job best left to the pros?

In going from the 7 to 9, did you have to spread the bike? Does this weaken a bike at all, and is it a job best left to the pros?

i'm guessing that he just put narrower cassette cogs on the rear hub. although i've only heard about going from 7 to 8 by using 9 speed cogs and leaving one out...so maybe he did swap out the rear hub...

i had my road frame respaced from 125mm, to whatever 9-speed spacing is...130mm, 128mm? and it's working out fine. it can be done at home, but it's better to just have a shop that KNOWS HOW TO DO IT do it. and you probably shouldn't watch, because it can get grizzly (if you've ever watched someone straighten out a wrecked steel fork, you know). the difference in widths isn't really enough to have an effect strength-wise on a steel frame (if you're not doing it to the same frame on a regular basis). i couldn't even tell it had been done when i went to build my bike up. after all, it's only 2.5mm for each side at the most.

you can't really re-space an aluminum or carbon frame safely though. i imagine that if you were constantly re-setting your frame from 125 to 130 all the time it would eventually weaken it, but respacing is the sort of thing that only happens once in a frame's lifetime.

No, I didn't have to stretch the frame and did not have to leave out any cogs on the cassette. I'm not a wonderful mechanic either -- so there may have been some things I should have done that I didn't. I did have to adjust the cones on my Spinergy wheels, but had no problems after that. My upgrade was aided financially by a friend who gave me Spinergy wheels with the nine speed cassette.

I converted Ultegra 600 down tube to STI three years ago. It was not a difficult upgrade. I recommend changing out the front derailleur while you are at it. I also went from 7 to 9 speed cassette and went to a narrow chain. The old derailleur worked but I had problems shifting the front chain ring. You will probably also have to upgrade the front inside ring.
I cant fit my shimano sora 8 speed on my shimano 105 6 speed, nor can I fit my shimano sora 8 speed on my shimano 105 9 speed, too tight. ( I guess if I modified the axle and hub by removing parts i could make them fit, but i dont think they were intended to take spacers out)
When i asked my LBS they did inform me that the rear frame would have to be widened and i was told i would be able to move up one (maybe, two gears) . Granted if you have the right shifters for the rear cassette and rear derailer, you wont have problems shifting, its just the fact that the frame may not accomidate the size of cassette that you want to replace