Bicycle Mechanics - From friction to index shifting, issues?

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iowegianor
05-17-09, 10:52 PM
I plan on purchasing a complete Surly Cross Check and I want to swap out the bar end shifters for an indexed STI Shimano shifter set.

Could I literally take off the bar end shifters, plug the cables into the STI shifters, and ride about my merry way eating my curds and whey? Anything special I need to take into account for the bar end friction becoming an indexed shifting setup?

FD is a Shimano Tiagra FD-4500, so I don't see any compatibility issues there.... at least I think.

Gonzo Bob
05-18-09, 12:33 PM
There are brake compatibility issues if you are running linear-pull (aka direct-pull aka V) brakes. There are adapters like this... http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BR409Z01-Problem+Solvers+Travel+Agent.aspx
meb
05-18-09, 10:42 PM
I plan on purchasing a complete Surly Cross Check and I want to swap out the bar end shifters for an indexed STI Shimano shifter set.

Could I literally take off the bar end shifters, plug the cables into the STI shifters, and ride about my merry way eating my curds and whey? Anything special I need to take into account for the bar end friction becoming an indexed shifting setup?

FD is a Shimano Tiagra FD-4500, so I don't see any compatibility issues there.... at least I think.

Make sure your cable housings are indexed type. The older traditional housings had a phantom shifting issue when you turned left or right as the housings flexed with the turn-the newer indexed shifting housing don't compress when you turn.

Moose
05-19-09, 11:53 AM
If you're planning to purchase a current model complete Cross Check from a LBS, there is no issues whatsoever with upgrading to STI. The bar ends that come on the bike are, in fact, indexed (at least the rear shifter is). It will be a drop-in replacement. The cables don't exactly "plug-in" though, it is a bit more involved than that.

If you are purchasing complete bike built-up by a consumer...all bets are off.