Bicycle Mechanics - Triple Shift with Double Front Derailleur

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midgetmaestro
07-30-09, 07:36 AM
Howdy Folks!

I'm restoring an early 90's 12 speed Schwinn Caliente just for kicks and giggles - I was wondering, how difficult would it be to throw a pair of Shimano Ultegra triple shifters on? And if it's not extremely difficult, how would one even begin to think about doing this conversion? The column shifters leave something to be desired...as do the old double in one brake levers.

I searched the forum, but didn't really find anything like this....I could have missed something though-

Thanks from the newbie! :thumb:

Matthew

Al1943
07-30-09, 08:22 AM
It will cost more than it's worth.
Ex Pres
07-30-09, 08:25 AM
Just the Ultegra STI shifters are worth 5 times what a Caliente is worth by itself.

Retro Grouch
07-30-09, 08:56 AM
Just the Ultegra STI shifters are worth 5 times what a Caliente is worth by itself.

Not only is it a pricy upgrade, but it probably isn't going to work. The rear spacing is quit a bit different between your 6-speed freewheel and a modern 8/9/10 speed cassette so the shifting detents aren't going to pull the right amount of cable.

A possible alternative is bar end shifters. They are nearly as convenient to use as 'brifters', they cost a lot less, and they have a friction mode so you can use them with virtually any rear cassette. If you're interested in making some kind of trade, I have a pair of Shimano 7-speed barends that I'm willing to let go of.
BobLoblaw
07-30-09, 09:05 AM
A possible alternative is bar end shifters. They are nearly as convenient to use as 'brifters', they cost a lot less, and they have a friction mode so you can use them with virtually any rear cassette.

Good idea.

Also, double front D will never work with a triple crank. It MIGHT work if you have a big inside ring, but that defeats the purpose, and it's a very big maybe.

BL
midgetmaestro
07-30-09, 12:34 PM
A possible alternative is bar end shifters. They are nearly as convenient to use as 'brifters', they cost a lot less, and they have a friction mode so you can use them with virtually any rear cassette. If you're interested in making some kind of trade, I have a pair of Shimano 7-speed barends that I'm willing to let go of.

I sent a you PM concerning the shifters :)
SaddleBags
07-30-09, 12:48 PM
I used my triple shifter and a double FD/crank on my cross bike for several years. It was just an extra useless click on the shifter.
But I think the bar-end shifters are a great idea from a cost perspective.