Bicycle Mechanics - Shimano Compatibility

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gh-ap
11-19-09, 10:05 PM
I originally posted this in Classic & Vintage, but it might be better off here.

I recently acquired a 1989 Trek 660 with a mish-mash of Shimano components. I'll list the setup first and then ask the questions:

Front Wheel: Hub: Dura-Ace, Rim: MA-40

Rear Wheel: Hub: Shimano 600 FH-6400, Rim: Mavic Open Pro

Front Derailleur: Shimano 105 FD-5503

Rear Derailleur: Shimano XTR RD-M910

Cranks: Shimano Ultegra FC-6503 (triple)

Cassette: Shimano XTR CS-M900 (12-32, 8sp)

...So, I've been having problems getting it to shift properly. This is my first bike with SIS that hasn't been a complete gruppo. Will XTR on a roadbike work? Do these Frankensteined components somehow make sense to you on paper?

operator
11-19-09, 10:15 PM
What are your shifters..?

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=64
http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=75
gh-ap
11-19-09, 10:25 PM
What are your shifters..?

Shimano RSX brifters

JiveTurkey
11-19-09, 11:28 PM
Assuming the brifters are 3x8-speed, everything looks fine. Often it's best to disconnect each cable and start the adjustment from the beginning. Follow the instructions in operator's post.

The one issue I can see is that the front derailleur is 9-speed. FDs like to have a matching chain, as the cage width is set by the outer width of the chain, which is determined by its speed.

The rear derailleur doesn't care how many speeds you're running and the cable-pull ratio between road and MTB is identical.